Jesse D. Garrabrant/ NBAE through Getty Images
Outside of his unbelievable NBA profession, Bill was likewise an outspoken civil liberties activist.
“From boycotting a 1961 exhibit video game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi’s initially incorporated basketball camp in the flammable wake of Medgar [Evers’] assassination, to years of advocacy eventually acknowledged by his invoice of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010,” the Twitter declaration continued. “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.”
The declaration thanked fans for their love and assistance and motivated them to keep his spirit and message alive. “We hope each of us can find a new way to act of speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle,” it concluded. “That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”
Following the statement of his death, the Boston Celtics likewise shared a Twitter statement in remembrance of their precious coach and star.
“To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was,” they tweeted in part. “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 individual glory, to a commitment to social justice and civil rights off the court. Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond.”
