Numerous celebrities from beyond the sport have paid tribute to the late American basketball legend Bill Russell.
“Bill Russell is one of the greatest athletes in our history – an all-time champion of champions and a good man and a great American who did everything he could to deliver on the promise of an America for all Americans.” wrote US President Joe Biden.
The most successful NBAThe history pro had died “peacefully” at the side of his wife Jeannine at the age of 88, Russell’s family said on July 31 on his official Twitter channel. “Today we lost a giant. As great as Bill Russell was, his legacy stretches beyond that – both as a player and as a person.”former US President Barack Obama tweeted.
Eleven championships with the Celtics – then two as a coach
Russell was one of the greatest and most influential basketball players. He won as a center with the Boston Celtics eleven times the NBA championship between 1957 and 1969 – more often than any other player in the best league in the world. In addition, he was not only active on the field in 1968 and 1969, but also coached the Celtics, becoming the first black head coach to win two NBA titles.
Basketball legends pay their respects
“Bill Russell was a pioneer – as a player, as a champion, as the first black NBA head coach and as an activist. He paved the way and set an example for every black player who came into the league after him – including me”said NBA legend Michael Jordan. “The world has lost a legend… may he rest in peace.”
Hardly a prominent name in the basketball world who didn’t honor Russell again on social media after his death: Shaquille O’Neal, center icon of the Los Angeles Lakerspraised Russell’s status as a trailblazer: “Thank you for paving the way! We will miss you Legend!” Gregg Popovich, coach of the San Antonio Spurs: “Bill Russell’s legacy will live forever. He was a formidable athlete and person. His smile and demeanor were magnetic. His 11 championships confirm he was the ultimate winner. But his greatest accomplishments are the six decades he worked tirelessly for Human rights and social change. He made the world a better place.”
fight against racism
On and off the field, Russell has repeatedly campaigned for the fight against racism and demonstrated with Martin Luther King, among others. In 1961 he boycotted a game to draw attention to racial discrimination against blacks in basketball.