Basketball Tragedy

Bill Russell passes at the age of 88

R. Cameron

THE WORLD OF SPORTS WAS SHOCKED on Monday after the tragic news of the passing of William Felton Russell, famously known as Bill Russell. The Louisiana native played in the NBA from 1956-1969 for the Boston Celtics.

Bill Russell was not only a legend on the court but was an active civil rights leader and a representative for the African American community. Bill Russell was the first African American superstar in the NBA and later the first ever African American head coach in any major sport ever. His impact on equality in sports is still felt today and by many athletes and fans. He was recognised in 2011 by president Barrack Obama with the presidential medal of freedom, and in president Obama’s words, Bill was “someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all.”

He has been an icon of the NBA for over 60 years, in his career he won 11 NBA championships, which is the most by an NBA player ever and will likely remain so for as long as I am an NBA fan. He won the college basketball tournament twice and is regarded as one of the best NBA players of all time.

Bill Russell will not only be missed because of his great basketball accomplishments or his activism but because of his charisma, presence and memorable moments in his life. He has inspired so many athletes such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, and his reach is felt by all generations. From one of the greatest sports rivalries in NBA history with Wilt Chamberlain to his friendship with other influential sports personalities such as Muhammad Ali, Bill Russel was as involved and active in the sports world as you could be, even, up until his death, mentoring and continuing to inspire all basketball players and athletes.

Personally, I consider Bill Russell one of the greatest NBA players ever and the greatest sports personality ever. Bill Russell’s life is one any person can aspire to no matter if you play basketball or have never watched an NBA game. He is the ultimate winner, his legacy will live on and the sports world has lost one of the greatest of all time.