Just found out I will be receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Russell's daughter, Karen, is a legal and political analyst, as well as a blogger. [110] Russell notified Auerbach that he was resigning to join a career in television and movies "in order to find new sources of income for the future". Russell's father was once refused service at a gas station until the staff had taken care of all the white customers first. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers), are grandfatheredthey may keep the number until they voluntarily change it or retirebut the number will not be issued again to a new player. [1] The 195657 Boston Celtics season saw the debut of a starting lineup made up of five future Hall-of-Famers: center Russell, forwards Heinsohn and Frank Ramsey, and guards Bill Sharman and Bob Cousy. [107] It was so surprising that Auerbach was blindsided and made the mistake of drafting guard Jo Jo White instead of a center. [49] On offense, Russell's output was limited and his NBA career personal averages show him to be an average scorer (15.1 points career average), a poor free-throw shooter (56.1%), and average overall shooter from the field (44%, not exceptional for a center). Bill Russell was born to Charles and Katie Russell on February 12, 2022, in West Monroe, Louisiana. In the 1961 NBA playoffs, the Celtics defeated the Syracuse Nationals 41 in the Eastern Division Finals. [80][81] Russell finished with a clutch performance, scoring 30 points, along with 4 assists,[82] and tying his own NBA Finals record with 40 rebounds in a 110107 overtime win. William Felton Russell (February 12, 1934 July 31, 2022) was an American professional basketball player who played as a center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. Russell made himself eligible for the 1956 NBA draft. [163], Of Russell, former NBA player and head coach Don Nelson said: "There are two types of superstars. 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA", "NBA players who currently wear No. His family said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Bill Russell, the NBA great who began his career in Oakland, anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 yearsthe last two as the first Black head coach in any major U.S. sportand marched for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr., died Sunday. ___ He was 88. 6 jersey", "Bill Russell statue to be unveiled Nov. 1", "City Hall Plaza statue honors Celtics' Bill Russell", "Basketball's Bill Russell joins the Bronze Age", "Russell Rule Diversity Hiring Commitment", "The University of San Francisco Honors the Memory of Marilyn Nault Russell", "Bill Russell: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know", "Bill Russell, legendary Celtics center and NBA coach, dead at 88", "Indomitable Russell Values One Accolade Above the Rest", "Police: NBA legend Bill Russell arrested with gun at airport", "Bill Russell, Basketball Great With Record 11 NBA Titles, Dies At 88", "Celtics legend, 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell dies at 88", "What NBA salaries would these superstar players make today? [53] His former USF and future Celtics teammate K. C. Jones joined him on the Olympic squad and contributed 10.9 points per game,[54] including a RussellJones combined 29 points in the finals. [218] The FBI maintained a file on Russell and described him in their file as "an arrogant Negro who won't sign autographs for white children". They were together from 1956 to 1973. [189], Russell died at his Mercer Island, Washington, home on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88. NBA Legend Bill Russell receives the 2017 NBA Lifetime Achievement Award. Johnny Havlicek stole the ball! In 1987, Karen Rusell penned an article for the New York Times titled, Growing Up With Privilege and Prejudice.. . @NBATV before Game 6 of 2013 #NBAFinals. Auerbach replied that Gottlieb's statements were "absolutely ridiculous" and said any controversy was "a question of sour grapes". Bill Russell achieved a lot during his life. Hailed as the greatest team player on the greatest team of all time, Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics in the longest championship streak in U.S. sports history. Bill Russell never ceases to amaze me. When he became player-coach in 1966, Russell bluntly said to his teammates that "he intended to cut all personal ties to other players" and seamlessly made the transition from their peer to their superior. [156], On August 11, 2022, it was announced that Russell's No. [115] While Russell long had sore feelings towards Boston, there was something of a reconciliation, and he visited the city regularly in his later years, something he never did in the years immediately after his retirement. [68] Both men awed onlookers with "nakedly awesome athleticism",[68] and while Chamberlain outscored Russell 30 to 22, the Celtics won 115106, and the match was called a "new beginning of basketball". Bill Russell, the intimidating center who rejected layups and bigotry with equal authority while leading the Boston Celtics to pro basketball's greatest dynasty, died Sunday, his family . [56] Russell's defense was called into question by Eddie Gottlieb, coach of the Philadelphia Warriors, after the WarriorsCeltics game on January 1, 1957, in which he recorded 17 points and 25 rebounds, plus an assist. FILE - Boston Celtics legendary player Bill Russell is greeted at his seat before Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers . Born in Dallas on November 8, 1935, William Russell "Bill" Goff was a lifelong Texan. [56] Russell had a more cordial relationship with many of his teammates with the notable exception of Heinsohn, his old rival and fellow rookie. [56], Russell was an elite help defender who allowed the Celtics to play the "Hey, Bill" defense: whenever a Celtic requested additional defensive help, he would shout "Hey, Bill!" [86] The Celtics reached the 1963 NBA Finals,[87] where they again defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, this time in six games. I could always be myself with them and they were always there for me. [156] Russell ranked No. [50], Before his NBA rookie year, Russell was the captain of the 1956 U.S. men's Olympic basketball team that competed at the 1956 Summer Olympics, which was held in November and December in Melbourne, Australia, in the Southern Hemisphere. [70] Boston won a then-record 59 regular-season games, including a then-record tying 17-game win streak. "[60] Before the 196162 season, Russell's team was scheduled to play in an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky, when Russell and his black teammates were refused service at a local restaurant. You are a Negro. [161] In 2022, he was ranked No. [21] In delivering a eulogy for Chamberlain, Russell stated that he did not consider them to be rivals, but rather to have a competition, and that the pair would "be friends through eternity". [59] With the Celtics leading 125123 with one second left, the Hawks had the ball at their own baseline. Although the salary was touted in the press as a record for an NBA coach, it is unclear whether Russell's continued $100,001 salary as a player was included in the calculation. When he attempted to leave and find a different station, the attendant stuck a shotgun in his face and threatened to kill him if he did not stay and wait his turn. Russell, a longtime Mercer Island resident died on Sunday at the age of 88. [5], On February 5, 1960, Russell had 23 points, 51 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 124100 win over the Syracuse Nationals. "[206] Years after Taylor's book, Russell published the autobiographical account Red and Me, which chronicled his lifelong friendship with Auerbach. In his thirteen years, he averaged a relatively low 13.4 field goals attempted (normally, top scorers average 20 and more),[1] illustrating that he was never the focal point of the Celtics offense, who instead focused on his elite defense. Bill answered, I played for the Celtics, period I did not play for Boston. [196], In 1966, The New York Times wrote that "Russell's main characteristics are pride, intelligence, an active and appreciative sense of humor, a preoccupation with dignity, a capacity for consideration once his friendship or sympathy has been aroused, and an unwillingness to compromise whatever truths he has accepted. [198][199] Russell's motto became: "If you disrespect that line, you disrespect me. [1] While his rival had a record-breaking season of 50.4 points per game, including Chamberlain's 100-point game,[67] the Celtics became the first team to win 60 games in a season and Russell was voted as the league's MVP. Russell used his popularity to fight for civil rights and help others who were in a similar situation. [71][72] In the 1960 NBA Finals, the Celtics outlasted the Hawks 43 in the series and won their third championship in four years. Karen Kenyatta Russell is the daughter of NBA Icon Bill Russel. "[49], In the 195960 NBA season, the NBA witnessed the debut of 7ft 1in (2.16m) Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain, who averaged a record 37.6 points per game in his rookie year. KEY POINTS. Russell was accused of selling out the future of the franchise for a month of his salary. Please logout and login again. That did not happen My junior year in college, I had what I thought was the one of the best college seasons ever. #ESPYsABC #ArthurAsheAward @NBA @espn @celtics @BleacherReport @SLAMonline @BostonGlobe @ESPYS pic.twitter.com/AybfEZOzAb, TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) May 30, 2019, SWEET . His 1956 rookie contract was worth $24,000 (equivalent to $239,207 in 2021), only fractionally smaller than the $25,000 of top earner and teammate Bob Cousy. [114] He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975. Karen graduated from Harward Law School and has dissected high-profile trials and national political issues. [186], In 1959, Russell became the first NBA player to visit Africa. [99] Russell became the first black head coach in NBA history,[5] and he commented to journalists: "I wasn't offered the job because I am a Negro, I was offered it because Red figured I could do it. [144] He also won two state championships in high school. [13], Russell's life was marked by an uphill battle against racism and controversial actions and statements in response to racism. The couple got divorced in 1973. [49] After the Celtics' 10889 victory, Schayes, who made Johnny Kerr come off the bench because he struggled against Russell in the regular season, quipped: "How much does that guy make a year? Bill Russell has been married to three different ladies during his 88 years of lifetime named Marilyn Nault (m. 1996-2009), Dorothy Anstett (m. 1977-1980), and Rose Swisher (m. 1956-1973). I like most blacks because I am black." [100] During the series, Russell said: "Right now, he (Wilt) is playing like me [to win]. The champion marched with Martin Luther King for civil rights. Bill Russell's legacy of lonely courage in the fight against hate Kevin Cullen Dan McGowan The Rhode Island Senate president's final words for Providence Mayor Elorza YOU'VE BEEN SELECTED We. [77], In the 1962 NBA Finals, the Celtics met the Los Angeles Lakers of forward Elgin Baylor and guard Jerry West. It covered every area. On the top is her late father, Bill Russel, who died on July 21, 2022. "[178], Russell was married to his college sweetheart Rose Swisher from 1956 to 1973. [188] On October 16, 2013, Russell was arrested for bringing his registered, loaded .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun to the SeattleTacoma International Airport. This attitude contributed to his bad rapport with fans and journalists. "[152] In the book, Russell wrote: "Whenever I leave the Celtics locker room, even Heaven wouldn't be good enough because anywhere else is a step down With Red [Auerbach] and Walter Brown, I was the freest athlete on the planet. [128] Russell also received honorary degrees from Harvard University on June 7, 2007,[129] and from Dartmouth College on June 14, 2009. Bill Russell, the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty that won eight straight titles and 11 overall during his career, died Sunday. He was 88. [153] He was selected three times to the All-NBA First Teams (1959, 1963, 1965) and eight Second Teams (1958, 196062, 1964, 196668), and was a 12-time NBA All-Star (19581969). He was selected into the NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971 and the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1980, named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996,[5] one of only four players to receive all three honors, and selected into the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. "[164] In 2000, his longtime teammate Tom Heinsohn described both Russell's stature and his uneasy relationship with Boston more earthily, saying: "Look, all I know is the guy came to Boston and won 11 championships in 13 years, and they named a bleeping tunnel after Ted Williams. [171] The art is by Ann Hirsch of Somerville, Massachusetts, in collaboration with Pressley Associates Landscape Architects of Boston. He was one of five, along with James Naismith, Oscar Robertson, Dean Smith, and John Wooden, selected to represent the inaugural class. Many people thought that Russell was more important even though he had only played half the season. In 1975, he was inducted into the basketball hall of fame. According to one figure closely involved in the. He replied: "Yes." [49][63] In the second overtime, both teams were in serious foul trouble: Heinsohn had fouled out, and the Hawks were so depleted that they had only seven players left. In addition to Macauley, who was the Celtics' premier player at the time, he wanted Cliff Hagan, who had been serving in the military for three years and had not yet played for the Celtics. That's the first thing Walter Brown said to Chuck Cooper. [4] Decades later, Russell explained that his experiences hardened him against abuse of all kinds,[35] saying: "I never permitted myself to be a victim. [170] Each plinth features a key word and related quote to illustrate Russell's multiple accomplishments. We won 28 out of 29 games. Russell's daughter, Karen, is a. Arthur was a man of great courage. Russell said he was "proud of my grandfather's heroic dignity against forces more powerful than him he would not allow himself to be oppressed or intimidated by anyone." The NCAA had previously prohibited goaltending in response to George Mikan (1945) and later banned the dunk shot due to Lew Alcindor (1967), although the latter rule was later repealed. His daughter is Karen Russell, who is a television pundit and lawyer, and his sons are William Jr. and Jacob. Tune in July 10, this is a special honor! [69] It was the record for most rebounds in a single game until November 24, 1960, when Chamberlain grabbed 55 rebounds against Russell,[13] who led the Celtics to a 132129 win over the Philadelphia Warriors with 18 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 assists. [37], On the hardwood, Russell's experiences were far more pleasant. The already hostile atmosphere between Russell and Boston hit its apex when vandals broke into his house in Reading, Massachusetts, covered the walls with racist graffiti, damaged his trophies, and defecated in the beds. [180] In 1996, Russell married his third wife, Marilyn Nault;[181] their marriage lasted until her death in January 2009. Chamberlain outscored Russell by 81 points in the series, but the Celtics walked off with a 42 series win. He reasoned that if Saperstein was too smart to speak with him, then he was too smart to play for Saperstein. "[99][214] As a result of repeated racial bigotry, Russell refused to respond to fan acclaim or friendship from his neighbors, thinking it was insincere and hypocritical. [33], The games were often difficult for the USF squad, as Russell and his black teammates became targets of racist jeers, particularly on the road. [76], In the 196162 NBA season, Russell scored a career-high 18.9 points per game, accompanied by 23.6 rebounds per game. (embedded photo)", "Rare Photos of Bill Russell (third photo in gallery", "Eight players who have won NCAA, NBA, and Olympic titles", "2003 draft eventually may be best in history", "Philadelphia Warriors vs Boston Celtics Box Score, January 1, 1957", "Russell of Celtics Violates N.B.A. The Boston Celtics legend, who won 11 NBA championships as a player, including two as a player-coach, on his way to the Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 88, his family announced Sunday. [185] His older brother was the noted playwright Charlie L. [192] When Wilt Chamberlain became the first NBA player to earn $100,000 in salary in 1965 (equivalent to $859,873 in 2021), Russell went to Auerbach and demanded a $100,001 salary, which he promptly received. He married again Dorothy Anstett (Miss USA 1968) in 1977. In 1977, four years after his divorce from Rose Swisher, Russell married Dorothy Anstett, who was Miss USA 1968. In the interim, Russell won an Olympic gold medal in 1956. -~-~~-~~~-~~-~- Please watch: "FULL KYRIE IRVING and GORDON HAYWARD CELTICS Press Conference" youtube.com/watch?v=f7FoDj4-Nzw -~-~~-~~~-~~-~-, Karen Rusell penned an article for the New York Times. [1] The Celtics won the 1966 NBA Finals and their eighth consecutive title. Russell was born on February 12, 1934, to Charles Russell and Katie Russell in West Monroe, Louisiana.Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in their daily lives. Bill Russell's Siblings His only sibling is Charlie L. Russell. [68] The matchup between Russell and Chamberlain became one of basketball's greatest rivalries. August 2, 2022. Early years Family. Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who won 11 championships in 13 seasons with the team, has died, his family announced Sunday. Russell. Tonight, Bull Russell will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2019 ESPYs. [5], Despite his limitations on offense, as Russell averaged 15.1 points per game, his rebounding, defense, and leadership made him one of the dominant players of his era. Bill Cosby's daughter Ensa was buried at the comedian's family compound outside Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts on Wednesday. 1 in NBA history for defensive win shares at 133.6, with Tim Duncan in second at 106.3. In its announcement, the WCC stated: "The 'Russell Rule' requires each member institution to include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the pool of final candidates for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach and full-time assistant coach position in the athletic department. Together, the longtime couple are also grandparents to seven children, including Kate's kids, Ryder Robinson, Bingham Hawn Bellamy, and Rani Rose Hudson Fujikawa; Oliver's kids, Bodhi Hawn Hudson,. [103], In Game 7, 15,202 Philadelphia fans witnessed a home-team 10096 defeat, making it the first time in NBA history a team lost a series after leading 31. [61] In Boston, both fans and journalists felt betrayed because Russell left the Celtics without a coach and a center, and he sold his retirement story for $10,000 to Sports Illustrated. Bill Russell, who earned 11 NBA championship rings during his career, died on Sunday with his wife Jeannine by his side . Later, hoping to better the family's . She already does volunteer work as a tutor for underprivileged children in her hometown.. He was convinced that the U.S. was a corrupt nation and that he was wasting his time playing something as superficial as basketball. [173][174][175] During the spring of 2015, two statues of children were added, honoring Russell's commitment to working with children. [56] This skill allowed the other Celtics to play their men aggressively; if they were beaten, they knew that Russell was guarding the basket. The oldest son of Bill Russell, William Felton Russell Jr, who was named after the 11-time NBA champion, unfortunately passed away in 2016. "Bill's wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you . I was able to separate the Celtics institution from the city and the fans. But as her wife was white they got divorced in 1980. He grew up in a racially segregated neighbourhood where his family was often subjected to rampant acts of racism. Russell also ignored Heinsohn's request for an autograph on behalf of his cousin and openly said to Heinsohn that he deserved half of his $300 Rookie of the Year check. NBA legend Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88. At one point, Karen asked her father if it was difficult to send her to school in Boston, where she attended Harvard Law School. A living, smarting, hurting, smelling, greasy substance which covered you. [222] In 1995, the Celtics left the Boston Garden and entered the FleetCenter, now known as the TD Garden; as the main festive act, the Celtics wanted to re-retire Russell's jersey in front of a sellout audience. [14] In 2011, Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his accomplishments on the court and in the civil rights movement. [78] At that time, he became the fourth player in Celtics history to have a triple-double, joining Macauley, Cousy, and K. C. Here's what we know about his kids and family. The first [NBA organization] to hire a black [head] coach was the Boston Celtics, and they've had at least five [black head-coaches] over the years. My wife and Russell's laugh. [137][138] Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2011. [8][38] His awards and achievements include eleven NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in thirteen seasons,[52] two of which were won as player-coach,[141] and he is credited with having raised defensive play in the NBA to a new level. In 1954, he became the first coach of a major college basketball squad to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell. [20] Since Russell's previous experiences with white authority figures were often negative, warm words from Powles reassured him. Cooper, the Boston Celtics will never embarrass you.' Brown contacted Rochester owner Les Harrison and received an assurance that the Royals could not afford Russell, and they would draft Sihugo Green. [104] He is one of four players (along with Cousy, George Mikan, and Bob Pettit) to have made all four NBA anniversary teams: the NBA 25th Anniversary Team (1970), the NBA 35th Anniversary Team (1980), the NBA 50th Anniversary Team (1996),[5] and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021). Russell held Chamberlain to a pair of field goals in the first three quarters of Game 3. Heinsohn felt that Russell resented him because the former was named the 1957 NBA Rookie of the Year. He later recalled: "To play good defense it was told back then that you had to stay flatfooted at all times to react quickly. Dorothy, who went by Didi, hailed from Kirkland, Washington, and went on to compete at the Miss Universe Pageant in July in Miami Beach of that same year. In 1956 Bill Russell entered the NBA draft. [49][89], In the 196364 NBA season, the Celtics posted a league-best 5822 record in the regular season. The youngest son of the NBA legend hasn't led a very public life, which is why there isn't much information about him. Career-wise in rebounds, Russell ranks second to Chamberlain in regular season total (21,620) and average per game (22.5), and he led the NBA in average rebounds per game four times. Over 50 percent of responses said 'There's too many black players. At age 35, Russell contributed with 6 points, 21 rebounds, and 6 assists in his last NBA game. Bill Russell parents Russell was born on February 12, 1934, to Charles Russell and Katie Russell in West Monroe, Louisiana. July 31, 2022 1:27pm. He was 88. Bill Russell- a pioneer of NBA, legendary player, Hall of Famer, activist, and Boston Celtics icon who had bagged five MVPs awards and 11 Championships in his career, died on July 31, 2022, due to natural reasons at his home at the age of 88. The two men did not speak to each other for more than twenty years until Russell met with Chamberlain and personally apologized. [109] In response, Russell described Boston as a "flea market of racism". I wanted you to have the best possible education and to be able to make the best contacts. Advertisement. is LYING to you. At one point, the article reads, The girl [Dorothy] listed as one of lifes ambitions the chance to teach high school for mentally retarded children. The Celtics rallied back, winning Game 5 122104 and Game 6 114106, powered by a spirited Havlicek and helped by a terrible Sixers shooting slump. Karen has served as the Development Director for the Robert F Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights and has also contributed to publications like The New York Times. "[200], Russell was driven by "a neurotic need to win", as his Celtic teammate Tom Heinsohn observed. He led USF to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, including a string of 55 consecutive victories, and an unofficial double triple-double with 26 points, 27 rebounds, 20 blocks, 3 steals, and an assist. [49] He excelled at playing man-to-man defense, blocking shots, and grabbing defensive rebounds. Russell responded to the honor by tweeting, Just found out I will be receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. [39][40] During his college career, Russell was the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1955, averaging 20.7 points per game and 20.3 rebounds per game. Tune in July 10, this is a special honor! He included the picture below. Russell had three children with his first wife; two sons and a daughter. [19], During World War II, the Second Great Migration began, as large numbers of blacks were moving to the West to look for work there. Still, there was constantly a flow of people from Louisiana that my father would let stay with us. By Amanda Kaufman Globe Staff, Updated August 1, 2022, 3:42 p.m. Boston Celtics player-coach Bill Russell. Gottlieb stated: "Our Paul Arizin went underneath for a simple backboard lay-up, and as the ball traveled down towards the basket, Russell batted it away. [154] In 1970, The Sporting News named Russell the "Athlete of the Decade". He later said: "The most successful television is done in eight-second thoughts, and the things I know about basketball, motivation, and people go deeper than that.
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