It's no exaggeration to call Bill Russell larger than life.
The towering and iconic Boston Celtics center passed away Sunday. Russell was 88.
The winningest player in NBA history, Russell led Boston to an unprecedented 11 championships between 1956 and 1969.
Before cementing his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Russell established himself as a college basketball phenom, leading the San Francisco Dons to two consecutive NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. He also captained the gold medal-winning U.S. national basketball team at the 1956 Olympics.
Along with being one of the greater basketball players of all time, Russell was a beloved figure off the court as a civil rights icon.
As ESPN reports:
Russell died “peacefully” with his wife, Jeannine, at his side, a statement posted on social media read. Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon, according to the statement.
The statement did not give the cause of death, but Russell, who had been living in the Seattle area, was not well enough to present the NBA Finals MVP trophy in June because of a long illness.
“But for all the winning, Bill's understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life,” the statement said. “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.”
Reaction, from the sports world and beyond, has poured in on social media:
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I will always remember Mr Russell for one comment he made years ago, to paraphrase, “I cannot believe the money the owners are paying the athletes to play a silly kid’s game!”
True then, and even more true today!