Bill Russell, a Boston Celtics legend who was also an 11-time NBA champion, has died at the age of88. Russell led the Celtics dynasty to eight consecutive titles.
An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022
A statement on social media posted by Russell’s family stated that Russell died “peacefully” with his wife, Jeannine, at his side. It read as follows:
“But for all the winning, Bill’s understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life. From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar [Evers’] assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom … Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change.”
“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded. And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”
In a statement by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, he said Russell is “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”
“I cherished my friendship with Bill and was thrilled when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I often called him basketball’s Babe Ruth for how he transcended time. Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever.”
Russell was born in West Monroe in Louisiana in 1934. He suffered from several diseases during his childhood. Russell was only 10 when World War II started. He and his family made the decision to relocate to California because there were shipyard jobs available in Oakland. Russell was drafted by the NBA after attending the University of San Francisco.
Russell was 2nd overall in 1956’s NBA Draft. Russell is known as one of the most outstanding players in history. He was also a 5-time MVP and 12-time All-Star. Russell’s career averages included 15.1 points and 22.5 rebounds. 8.6 blocks were also recorded, as well as 4.3 assists.
Twitter immediately mourned Russell’s passing.
RIP Bill Russell. Legends last forever. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5ADklOjKRy
— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell will always be remembered for being one of America’s most influential athletes
North American professional sports teams have a -1st Black coach
Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
-11x NBA Champ (2 as Coach)
5x League MVP
NCAA champion – 2x
-Olympic gold Medalist pic.twitter.com/qSsOb45lAQ— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 31, 2022
One of my favorite Bill Russell moments… RIP Legend 💔pic.twitter.com/A7VBRpjUZ0
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) July 31, 2022
To the entire family and loved ones, my deepest sympathies @NBA community on the loss of the greatest champion we’ve ever known: BILL RUSSELL. A pioneer, activist and humanitarian. His actions made our world better.#RIPCHAMPION
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 31, 2022
I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. 💔 pic.twitter.com/iiSkVq2kdn
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace.
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