ESPN reports that Bill Russell, the first African-American NBA head coach, died “peacefully” on Sunday after a long illness. Russell was the 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the league’s first African-American head coach. He had reached the age of 88.
This news has been brought to the attention of Bill’s friends, fans, and followers, and we do so with a heavy heart.
88-year-old Bill Russell, the most successful American sportsman of all time, passed away peacefully tonight at the hands of his wife, Jeannine. In the near future, details of his memorial service will be released.”
The civil rights activist Russell joined Martin Luther King Jr. on the march that led to the delivery of his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. He also backed Muhammad Ali’s fight against being drafted into the military, a cause he felt strongly about.
Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, paid tribute to Bill Russell on social media.
This morning, we suffered the loss of a titan. Although Bill Russell was a towering figure, his impact as a sportsman and a human being stretches far beyond his playing career.
“Bill understood better than anyone else what it takes to succeed and what it takes to lead. He was the best player in basketball history when it came to winning games. Dr. King and Muhammad Ali marched with him, and he stood with Muhammad Ali in the ring.
In spite of decades of abuse and vandalism, Bill never stopped standing up for what he believed in. I gained a lot of knowledge from the way he played, coached, and lived. Michelle and I would want to express our condolences to Bill’s loved ones and to everyone who knew and respected him.
In the Boston Garden against the Philadelphia 76ers, Russell shot the ball.
Since 1959, the Celtics have won eight straight championships, led by Russell. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA MVP.
He was the first Black NBA head coach to win two championships as the Celtics’ coach.
A glimpse of Bill’s legendary career as an NBA champion, NCAA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and as the first black head coach of any North American professional sports team was afforded by his two state championships in high school, according to a statement from his family.
“Bill received an incredible number of individual prizes along the road, all of which he chose to keep quiet about. The ‘Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award’ was established in 2009 in honor of the two-time Hall of Famer.
You are appreciated by Jeannine, Bill’s wife and the many people who knew and loved him. Most likely, you’ll go back to some of the memorable experiences he shared with us, or remember how he laughed as he retold the narrative of how those occurrences came to pass in real life. So let’s all try to emulate Bill’s unwavering, dignified, and always constructive devotion to principle by finding new methods to act or speak up. For our beloved #6, it would be one final and lasting triumph.”
Statement from the Celtics hailing Russell’s impact to both the team and basketball as a whole was issued
One of Bill Russell’s most notable accomplishments was that he was both the greatest basketball player of all time and a societal leader, according to the statement.
A commitment to social justice and civil rights off the court, as well as a tireless pursuit of excellence, is woven throughout Celtics culture. Bill Russell is an integral part of the Celtics organization. During this time of mourning and celebration, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
“Bill Russell was a pioneer — a player, a champion, the NBA’s first Black head coach and an activist,” said Michael Jordan, another all-time great of the NBA. Every Black player who came into the league after him, including me, was influenced by his example. A legend has been taken away from us. May he rest in peace, my condolences go out to his loved ones.
Commissioner Adam Silver of the National Basketball Association also expressed his sympathy.
According to a statement, “Bill Russell was the greatest team sports champion of all time.” In addition to a record 11 titles and five MVP awards, Bill’s legendary career with the Boston Celtics just begins to tell the narrative of Bill’s enormous impact on our league and larger society.
Our league’s DNA was altered by Bill’s commitment to ideals of equality, respect, and inclusiveness that transcended sports. Bill was an outspoken human rights and social justice activist during the height of his NBA career, a legacy he left to the many players who followed in his footsteps. Bill stood firm in his belief that “everyone deserves to be treated with dignity” despite the threats, taunts, and unimaginable adversity he faced.