bill russell passes away at 88
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NBA Legend And Hall of Famer Bill Russell Passes At 88

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Bill Russell, a retired player of the Boston Celtics and one of the biggest NBA legends of all time, passed away at 88.

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On Sunday, the news was confirmed on his official social media page and read, “Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully at the age of 88, with his wife, Jeannine. by his side. Arrangements for his memorial will be announced soon.” The post continues by listing his accomplishments throughout his basketball career, starting from high school.

Additionally, Russell was a civil rights activist and often spoke out against racial discrimination during his time with the NBA.

“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 camp in the combustible wake of Medgar [Evers’] assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom … 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 tea

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His cause of death is unknown, but ESPN reported that the two-time Hall of Famer was not well enough to present the NBA Finals trophy due to an illness.

“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. And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”

During his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics, Rusell won eight straight titles and 11 overall. Additionally, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

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. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/K0Ue0hKiLs

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022

The Boston Celtics also changed their Twitter profile picture to Russell’s team number.

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