Former Boston Celtics and coach Bill Russell passed away on Sunday according to information from his family. He was 88.
“The most successful man in the history of American sport passed away peacefully with his wife Jeannine at his side.” Russell’s family wrote on Twitter.
“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,” the family added.
Russell was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. The NBA Finals MVP award is named in his honour.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver admitted that Russell was “the greatest champion in all of team sports”.
“He was the greatest champion in team sport history. The countless achievements he has earned in his career with the Boston Celtics – including a record 11 titles and 5 MVP awards – tell only the slightest bit of the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and society at large.” Adam said.
“Bill Russell represented something greater than sport: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he imprinted in the DNA of our league.
“At the peak of his career, Bill made himself heard strongly for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed on to the generations of NBA players who followed him.” Adam added.
Former USA president Barack Obama awarded Russell the Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Russell’s family has confirmed that arrangements for Russell’s memorial service will be announced in the coming days.
