Bill Russell, 11-time NBA champion and Boston Celtics legend, passed away on July 31, 2022 at the age of 88. According to a post on social media, Russell died “peacefully” with his wife, Jeannine, by his side, and arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon. A quote from that statement reads, “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 game in the combustible wake of Medgar Evers’ assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, 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.”
It’s hard not to be sad at this news, but Russell lived an incredible life. He had an amazing NBA career, was a great person off the court, and was a funny guy. He was the first African-American inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975, and the NBA Finals MVP award is named in his honor, with Russell presenting the award to the MVP almost every year. It is always sad to see an NBA legend die, and this is no different.
RIP Bill Russell
1934-2022
Source: “Boston Celtics great Bill Russell, 11-time NBA champion, dies at 88” by ESPN News Services
