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R.I.P. Bill Russell

7/31/2022

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An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022
​Two high school state championships. Two NCAA championships. Olympic Gold medalist. 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons, with the last two coming as a player-coach (and the first black head coach in NBA history). The greatest champion in the history of North American sports, Bill Russell, has passed away at 88 years old.

Death is almost always sad, but when you look at someone who was 88 years old and accomplished what he did on and off the court, it is truly a time to celebrate the incredible life of William Fenton Russell. There will be plenty of mourning but talk about squeezing everything you can out of the human experience. That's the life and legacy of Bill Russell. He was beloved by millions.

There are the ridiculous stats like 11 championships in 13 seasons, which will never be replicated. Obviously, Russell was a product of his era with only eight teams and fewer playoff rounds, but they'll never be another winner like Russell. 21-0 in elimination games; an absolutely absurd statistic.
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‘55: NCAA champ
‘56: NCAA champ, Olympic gold
‘57: NBA champ
‘58: NBA MVP
‘59: NBA champ
‘60: NBA champ
‘61: NBA champ, MVP
‘62: NBA champ, MVP
‘63: NBA champ, MVP
‘64: NBA champ
‘65: NBA champ, MVP
‘66: NBA champ
‘67:
‘68: NBA champ
‘69: NBA champ

RIP, Bill Russell.

— Tucker Boynton (@Tucker_TnL) July 31, 2022
Unfortunately, as a product of his era, Russell lived through Jim Crow and unspeakable racism during his lifetime, especially in his playing days. What Russell and millions of other Americans dealt with/are still dealing with today is disgusting. This story from his daughter shines a light on the horrors her father experienced during his playing career.

What was Bill Russell's life like while he was racking up 11 rings? His daughter writes: pic.twitter.com/ETKKvEbDfX

— austin walker (@austin_walker) July 31, 2022
​Because of this, understandably, Russell had a "complicated" relationship with Boston fans for decades. It sucks, but it's part of history, and people need to remember the truth and learn from it. When Russell's #6 was initially retired in 1972, it wasn't done in front of a packed arena, but instead a private ceremony in front of a few former teammates, then C's coach (and former teammate) Tommy Heinsohn, and of course Red Auerbach before a Sunday game against the New York Knicks.
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Bill Russell wasn't just a champion, he was basketball royalty and an advocate for social justice and equality. He was a part of the Cleveland Summitt in 1967 to support Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse being drafted into the Vietnam War.

pic.twitter.com/tlKQeFJP4f

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted Bill Russell on the stage with him during his "I Have a Dream" speech, but he refused and watched from the audience in fear of upstaging the Reverend.

I was honored to attend the #MarchOnWashington along side organizers & civil rights leaders. Today the March is often reduced to Dr. King’s speech but we should also remember it as proof of the power of collective action. The march to true equality is ongoing. #Register & #Vote https://t.co/E5CvsZDJW8

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) August 28, 2020
As a basketball player, until Michael Jordan, many considered Bill Russell the best there ever was. He was an 11 time NBA champion, 5 time MVP, 12 time All-Star, 4 time rebounding leader. Russell's just one of four players to make the NBA's 25th, 35th, 50th and 75th anniversary all-time teams. The NBA Finals MVP award was renamed after him in 2009.

My words cannot do this man justice or give him the respect or praise he deserves, but as a Celtics fan and historian, Bill Russell has a special place in my heart. The KG interview from 08 still tears me up to this day. Russell was a legend in every sense of the word. Hall of Famer. President Medal of Freedom winner. He was an elite basketball player who used his platform to help make a real difference in the world. It's sad that he's gone, but in 88 years this man lived one hell of a life, and he had a great sense of humor. Rest in Peace #6.

Bill Russell used to go to Wilt Chamberlain's house for Thanksgiving

"eat my food, sleep in my bed and then go out there and whip my butt and my mother would say 'Now Wilt we shouldn't feed Bill so well next time...'" pic.twitter.com/Atp1A3oF6n

— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) July 31, 2022

pic.twitter.com/R6F5dw0BTp

— kyle (@knicks_tape99) July 31, 2022

that one time Bill Russell flipped off Charles Barkley just because pic.twitter.com/JO7iCm4og2

— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) July 31, 2022

the greatest to ever do it pic.twitter.com/hpvEaUpUZp

— hometown hussy (@ohhhIivia) July 31, 2022

R.I.P. https://t.co/4Yd8OzGPyJ

— Doz #HireDozo (@DozonLife) July 31, 2022

“I got my own man” pic.twitter.com/jNshlOjXDh

— Sam ☘️□ (@S_Scott019) July 31, 2022

RIP Bill Russell, the greatest Russell in league’s history□ pic.twitter.com/SFfrc8lPny

— hoopsdontstop □ (@hoopsdontstop) July 31, 2022
The outcrying of love and respect goes well beyond the hardwood. Rest in Peace, Bill Russell.

Today, we lost a giant.

As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2022

A legend. A leader. An inspiration on and off the court. Bill Russell embodied the best of America. May he Rest in Peace.

— Dan Rather (@DanRather) July 31, 2022

Thanku for being a trailblazer , pioneer Thanku for setting the bar , for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had . I can go on all day about what u meant to me . Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6

— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's statement regarding the passing of Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/3BcZDnKjxK

— NBA (@NBA) July 31, 2022

My hero. My friend. What a hole we have now. □□ □ pic.twitter.com/NQlIO7hk8k

— Cedric Maxwell (@cedricmaxwell81) July 31, 2022

12 time @NBA All-Star
11 NBA rings
5 MVPs
No 3-point line
No social media
Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. @celtics to the core ☘️
RIP @RealBillRussell □ #LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/mG7K1AOfQq

— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

R.I.P Bill Russell. You allowed me to be in the position I am in today and you changed not only the league but the world. Forever 6.

— Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. Once called out of the blue because he thought I looked sad on TV…best pep talk of my life. RIP

— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) July 31, 2022

A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell was a legendary player and coach, and an even better person. He approached everything he did with determination, principle, and wisdom. I will always be grateful for the chance to call him my friend. pic.twitter.com/CmMVzLJUJJ

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 31, 2022

My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and the @NBA community on the loss of the greatest champion we’ve ever known: BILL RUSSELL. An activist, a pioneer, a humanitarian. He made the world better for us all.#RIPCHAMPION

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 31, 2022

Rest In Peace, #BillRussell. A righteous giant on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/Eu94WUQv9j

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell has passed. Sad day in Oakland history, sad day for this country. His influence was bigger than his height. If you have no idea who he is, what he’s done, or what he stood for, please read about him. Another Hero gone. My deepest sympathies to the Russell family.

— Dave “Smoke” Stewart (@Dsmoke34) July 31, 2022

He had The Greatest Laugh. He was Uncompromising. He was A Champion. He was Smart. He was A Light. He was My Friend & I Love Him… RIP Mr Bill□□ @RealBillRussell

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) July 31, 2022

The NBA family just learned this afternoon that Bill Russell, the 11-time champion and Hall of Fame icon of the Boston Celtics, who used that fame to further the civil rights cause in the United States during the turbulent 1960s, has died at the age of 88. He will be missed□□□ pic.twitter.com/DA4R70Wjps

— Dikembe Mutombo (@officialmutombo) July 31, 2022

Just heard the news @celtics the great #BillRussell passed. Spent time with the great one. Lots of laughs. He’s with-#JoeMorgan now working on their golf game

— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) July 31, 2022

A great clip of Bill and Tim. RIP to the great Bill Russell.

(Video via NBA)pic.twitter.com/bdg06zXnNZ

— Project Spurs (@projectspurs) July 31, 2022
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