Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE via Getty Images
Outside of his incredible NBA career, Bill is also an outspoken civil rights activist.
“From boycotting an exhibit game in 1961 to exposing discrimination that has been tolerated for too long, to leading Mississippi’s first synthetic basketball camp in a boom of Medgar [Evers’] “the statement on Twitter continues”, the statement on Twitter continues to be assassinated, with decades of activism finally recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010″, although never his humble intentions, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness, and thoughtful change.”
The statement thanked fans for their love and support, and encouraged them to keep his spirit and message alive. “We hope each of us can find a new way to speak out with Bill’s commitment to principles of zero tolerance, dignity and always being constructive,” it concluded. “It will be the final, and lasting, victory for our beloved number 6.”
Following the announcement of his departure, the Boston Celtics also shared a statement on Twitter in memory of their beloved coach and star.
“Becoming the greatest champion in your sport, revolutionizing the way the game is played, and being a social leader at the same time seems unthinkable, but Bill Russell is.” , they partially tweeted. “Bill Russell’s DNA is woven through every element of the Celtics organization, from the relentless pursuit of excellence, to the celebration of team rewards over personal glory, to the commitment to social justice. Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his immense legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond. .”
