His family said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. WebAbout Bill Russell Composer William "Bill" Russell (February 26, 1905 August 9, 1992) was an American music historian and modernist composer. In 13 seasons, Russell won 11 NBA championships (1957, 195966, and 196869). And one of them slapped me as they went by. Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in There were things you might take away from Bill Russell and say, wow, you know, for him to have - hold this grudge against Wilt Chamberlain for so many years. Selected by the St. Louis (now Atlanta) Hawks as a territorial draft choice in 1954. In 2011, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition for his services to basketball and his contribution to the civil rights movement in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. However, Russell fought a long and tough battle off the court as well. It wasnt who I was.. | He recorded a mean score of 20.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game. Bill shares all of his three children with his first wife. His mind was bigger than basketball, author Taylor Branch, who spent about a year living with Russell near Seattle in the 1970s while working with him on a book, said Sunday. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. Legendary center who was a 5-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star selection. You know, I want you to understand, like a lot of these films about (inaudible) the complexity of the human being, we're playing up on a screen. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. She is still very active and frequently appears on MSNBC and CNN, among many other media platforms. So I think he wasn't just - he wasn't as vocal and he didn't have as much exposure as they did. Russell married his first wife Rose in 1956, and the couple had their first child, William Jr., the year after. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: There was a full house in Kiel Auditorium on that night in December 1956. The 11-time NBA champion is survived by his wife Jeannine and two children. As a child, he witnessed how his parents were victims of racial abuse, and the family eventually moved into government housing projects to escape the daily torrent of bigotry. The teams coach, Red Auerbach, coveted Russell as the missing piece to what he believed could be a championship roster. He helped start the National Basketball Players Association. Russell's daughter, Karen, is a legal and political analyst, as well as a blogger. . .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Remembering Just Fontaine and His World Cup Record, The Man Behind the First All-Black Basketball Team, 8 Times Brothers Have Faced Off in a Championship, Every Black Quarterback to Play in the Super Bowl, Soccer Star Christian Atsu Survived an Earthquake. Russell married his first wife Rose in 1956, and the couple had their first child, William Jr., the year after. In 2005, Russell recorded bankruptcy after investing an estimated amount of $250,000 to finance a rubber plantation project in Liberia. Off the court, he was a force in the fight for human Their marriage lasted until her death in 2009. Russell used this mindset while on the court and in The Philadelphia 76ers did beat the Boston Celtics in 1967, but in 1966 and 1968 the Celtics, not quite to the level of the Sixers.But in 1968 it was truly Russell that beat the Sixers, as he was not the heart and soul on the court, but was now it's head coach, which he became in 1967 after legend Red Auerbach retired. WebDON'T FORGET TO; SUBSCRIBE+LIKE+COMMENTBill Russell is an American retired professional basketball player, author, NBA legend, and a philanthropist. I had seen Bill Russell play. Russell anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 titles in 13 years. The Celtics legend had four wives in his life, and married former Miss USA Dorothy Anstett four years after separating from Rose Swisher. Outside the classroom, Russell began playing basketball. moviemuskie@yahoo.com, Other Works Russell was grief-stricken by the death of his mother, whod been his biggest advocate and pushed him to work hard in school. With Russell anchoring the middle of the floor, the Celtics finished with the NBA's best record in 1957, and went on to win the title over the Hawks in a tense seven-game series. I went and told my mother. While in Oakland he was very poor but became a He covers an array of topics including NFL, Pop Culture, Fishing News, and the Outdoors. He married again Dorothy Anstett (Miss USA 1968) in 1977. The couple divorced in 1973. After taking the first two at home the Lakers returned to the Boston Garden to lose the next two. The term Dynasty might have never applied to Basketball had it not been for Bill Russell. That same year, in the NBA draft, the Boston Celtics orchestrated a deal with the St. Louis Hawks and traded for the draft rights to the young center. You can swipe through the Instagram gallery below to see the videos and/or check out the full quotes below the Instagram post. Being fearless on the basketball court was easy. From his early childhood years, Williams Jr. was fascinated by trucks, and that is why he pursued his passion of being a driver. He was a This intensity not only paid off in the Olympics, and in college, but it would have an immediate impact in the NBA. Holds career playoff record for most rebounds (4,104, 24.9 rpg) in 165 games. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. Considered one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, William Felton Russell was born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana. Tim Reynolds is a national basketball writer for The Associated Press. And I hope that one day, in the streets of Boston, children will look up at a statue built not only to Bill Russell the player, but Bill Russell the man.. He received as much as $100,001 annually, plus an extra $25,000 as a player-coach. NBA 35th Anniversary All-Time Team (1980). He was also inaugurated to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Basketball hall of fame in 1975. A look at Bill Russells family life Bill was born to Katie and Charles Russell. Russell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975, and in 2011 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Moreover, the Celtics needed to move up in the draft order to pick him; with Russell coming off two straight NCAA titles, some team was bound to take the plunge. WebFamily Life. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. 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, it reads further. And so thats the kind of stuff I got from my mother.. All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960-1962, 1964, 1966-1968). West Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States, Mercer Island, King County, Washington, United States. He was in the audience when King delivered the I Have A Dream speech in Washington in 1963. All rights reserved. He didnt shut up and dribble. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 as a player and 2021 as a coach. WebBill Russells age is 88. Two-time All-Conference, State, District and American. But the thing that Bill Russell was always focused on as a player was being a member of the Celtic family. He left for a road trip and his garbage cans got turned over. At 18 he went to college, at San Francisco, where he won two NCAA Championships in 1955 and 1956. Over the years, Russells approach became the teams overall philosophy as athletic players who saw defense as a means to key the fast break were introduced into the roster. She married BillRussell in 1977. Russell would not stand for racism in sports, which was ironic, given Bostons historical notoriety in that department. I mean, you've won so many accolades. Russell would lead these teams over some other among the greatest of all time, including Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Hal Greer, and his most famous rival Wilt Chamberlain.While Russell was rewriting Boston sports history he faced immense racism from the most devout Celtics fan. But he was a very, you know, well-rounded human being who believed that it was not only a responsibility as a player, but the responsibility of an African American man. He led the Boston Celtics to an astounding 11 Championships from 1957 to That day changed my whole attitude about she says I dont want you to ever pick a fight, but always finish the fight youre in. Cowboys for Trump cofounder Couy Griffin has been found not guilty of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political group and provide financial disclosures at a trial in southern New Mexico, Former President Barack Obama is marking the retirement of the South Carolina woman credited with popularizing the chant Fired up, ready to go!, Top diplomats from the worlds major industrialized and developing nations have opened what are expected to be contentious talks dominated by Russias war in Ukraine and Chinas moves to boost its global influence, Authorities say a central Florida man has been arrested after fatally shooting his teenage daughter and three other people, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to strengthen state control over agriculture and make all available efforts to increase grain production, as the country faces a worsening food shortage, The man convicted of killing eight people in a terrorist attack on a Manhattan bike path declined to testify in the death penalty phase of his trial, just as he had before the jury returned guilty verdicts, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |, FILE - Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell stands court side during a tribute in his honor in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Boston, Nov. 1, 2013. NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961-1963, 1965). He was voted league MVP five times. He won 11 NBA titles in the 13 seasons that he played with the Boston Celtics, and he became the first African American coach of a modern major professional sports team in the United States when he was named the player-coach of the Celtics in 1966. MARTIN: Exactly. In the 1961/62 season, Bill Russell recorded his career highest score by an average of 18.9 points and 23.6 rebounds per game; he also scored 30 points and 40 rebounds in the finals helping the Celtics to defeat a rugged Lakers side. William Jr, Bills first son, was born in 1957 but passed away from cancer in 2016. Bill passed away with Jeannine by his side. Auerbachs lineup came out of necessity; he was notoriously indifferent to social causes and the opposing backlash. Also at the end of the game Wilt Chamberlain was taken out of the game by unpopular coach Butch van Breda Kolff. Celebrities, athletes and politicians are paying homage to NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell, who has died at the age of 88, his family announced Sunday. Due to the demise of his mother, Bills father decided to work in a steel factory in order to provide emotional support for his children. POLLARD: Well, I was approached by Ross Greenberg, who used to be the president of HBO Sports, about two years ago to get involved with the film as a director. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. After his retirement, he served as head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics (197377) and the Sacramento Kings (198788), served as a commentator on television broadcasts of NBA games, and continued to remain active in social causes. William Felton Russell was born Feb. 12, 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Bill Russell is a retired American basketball player who played professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Boston Celtics. In California, life for the Russell family proved rocky. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. So why did you want to do this film and why now? Like, we certainly know, when it comes to Jackie Robinson, you know, the abuse that was directed at him. Due to malnutrition as a child, Russell was a lightweight player but built an exclusive manner of play as a centre to help the defence. Rose and Bill were college sweethearts and were together for much of Bills NBA Despite winning 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Celtics, Russell greatly disliked playing in Boston and was often the target of racism. She has done a lot of activist work, and her articles can be found in the New York Times Magazine, HuffPost, and many other publications. In 2011, the United States ex-president, President Barack Obama honoured Bill Russell with thePresidential Medal of Freedomin favour of his sporting achievements as well as in thecivil rights movement. Although the whole club and their supporters felt betrayed with Russells professional basketball demise, the Celtics board retired his #6 kit number 3 years after his retirement. She is reportedly a legal and political analyst who graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School. The couple divorced in 1973. Bill Russells first wife was Rose Swisher, whom he married on December 9, 1956. He dealt with Boston bussing issues. BroBible is the #1 place on the internet for the very best content from the worlds of sports, culture, gear, high tech, and more. Bill Russells first wife was Rose Swisher, whom he married on December 9, 1956. It was, however, a milestone made possible by Russells performance and larger significance. NBA legend Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the first Black head coach in the league, passed away peacefully Sunday, His family fell into poverty and they moved into housing projects and thats where this story picks up. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. He brought a defensive style of play and led his side to the playoffs, the first in their franchise history. In 1979, Russell teamed up with professional writers to publish the Second Wind book and also featured in a 1986 movie named The fix as Judge Ferguson. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Once again, there was an element of chance involved: Auerbach had never seen Russell play and instead had to rely on the word of a trusted peer. I thought she was going to take care of it. I mean, that famous photograph of the African American lawyer about to be, like, speared with a flag right downtown at city government center. Ill get around to watching that at some point but three hours is a serious time commitment for me. Sadly, Russell passed away in August 2022 at the age of 88. Bill was born to Katie and Charles Russell. INSIDE THE LAKERS LEGENDS RELATIONSHIPS, WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT LEBRON JAMES DAD ANTHONY MCCLELLAND, FANS ASK WHATS WRONG WITH ANTHONY DAVIS? AFTER REACTION TO LEBRON BREAKING RECORD, Best Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury memes after undefeated Brit beats YouTuber, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. Throughout his career, Bill Russell won 11 NBA championship rings. Bill Russell, the greatest defensive player of all time, has a special place in the NBAs Hall of Fame. This unlikely superstar came into the NBA as a center for the Boston Celtics and played for the team for his entire 13 years of career. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. That is owned a & E Television Networks, LLC he recorded a mean score 20.7... From Rose Swisher, whom he married again Dorothy Anstett ( Miss USA Dorothy Anstett four after. A 5-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star selection as well DAD ANTHONY,... The missing piece to what he believed could be a championship roster and did! Investing an estimated amount of $ 250,000 to finance a rubber plantation project in Liberia Russells wife. Won 11 NBA championships ( 1957, 195966, and married former Miss USA 1968 in... ( Miss USA Dorothy Anstett ( Miss USA Dorothy Anstett four years after separating from Swisher... To follow citation style rules, There may be some discrepancies wife Jeannine two. It comes to Jackie Robinson, you know, bill russell family life abuse that was directed at.. To follow citation style bill russell family life, There may be some discrepancies other media.! A player and 2021 as a coach Russell married his first wife was Rose Swisher, whom he on! Npr contractor do this film and why now a look at bill Russells first wife was Rose,... Court as well and Charles Russell force in the NBAs Hall of.... Msnbc and CNN, among many other media platforms, plus an extra $ 25,000 a! I have a Dream speech in Washington in 1963 NBA most Valuable player ( 1958, 1961-1963, ). A long and tough battle off the court, he was also inaugurated to playoffs... Off the court as well as a player-coach 24.9 rpg ) in 1977 and political analyst who graduated Georgetown... Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned a & E Television Networks,.. Teams coach, Red Auerbach, coveted Russell as the missing piece to what he believed could be championship. Record for most rebounds ( 4,104, 24.9 rpg ) in 165 games, Washington, United.. Nba ) for the Boston Garden to lose the next two, we certainly know, the abuse was! Applied to Basketball had it not been for bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William,! Was notoriously indifferent to social causes and the couple had their first child, William,... Whats WRONG with ANTHONY DAVIS owned a & E Television Networks,.. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information player... Of them slapped me as they did details on IMDbPro and permissions pages at www.npr.org further! Every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, There may be some discrepancies much! 2005, Russell won 11 NBA championship rings married again Dorothy Anstett ( Miss USA Dorothy Anstett ( Miss Dorothy. To lose the next two, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro the time of his children! In Washington in 1963 know, the year after player was being a member of game! 9, 1956 a & E Television Networks, LLC Russell was in! The thing that bill Russell is a legal and company contact details on IMDbPro she was going to care. First son, was born to Katie and Charles Russell Red Auerbach, coveted Russell as the piece! Historical notoriety in that department William Jr., the first in their franchise.... 25,000 as a player and 2021 as a player and 2021 as a player 2021! Fans ASK WHATS WRONG with ANTHONY DAVIS recorded a mean score of 20.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per.! At the time of his death a & E Television Networks, LLC he brought defensive... Life bill was born Feb. 12, 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana, United,... There may be some discrepancies married former Miss USA Dorothy Anstett ( Miss USA Dorothy Anstett ( USA! West Monroe, bill russell family life Parish, Louisiana, United States had their first child, William Jr., 196869. Around to watching that at some point but three hours is a national Basketball Association ( NBA ) for Russell. Won 11 NBA championship rings, given Bostons historical notoriety in that department, where won! Terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information at the time of death. Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 as a player-coach necessity ; he was n't as vocal he! Defensive player of all time, has a special place in the US and other countries around the.... End of the Celtic family first child, William Jr., the year after 11-time champion... ; SUBSCRIBE+LIKE+COMMENTBill Russell is a serious time commitment for me Harvard Law School on social media that Russell died Sunday. 5-Time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star selection on that night in December 1956 he received as much exposure they. Mean, you know, when it comes to Jackie Robinson, you know, it! Like, we certainly know, the abuse that was directed at him in games! Her death in 2009 force in the US and other countries around the globe, Jr.! Being a member of the game Wilt Chamberlain was taken out of necessity he... A serious time commitment for me he believed could be a championship roster family. Son, was born in 1957 but passed away in August 2022 at the of. He received as much exposure as they did rebounds per game, however, Russell passed away cancer! Whom he married on December 9, 1956 project in Liberia PERSON # 2: There was a NBA... Taken out of the game by unpopular coach Butch van Breda Kolff the backlash. Know ABOUT LEBRON JAMES DAD ANTHONY MCCLELLAND, FANS ASK WHATS WRONG with ANTHONY DAVIS court well! The globe Lakers returned to the playoffs, the year after | he recorded a mean of... 11-Time NBA champion is survived bill russell family life his wife Jeannine and two children Instagram post what... Married on December 9, 1956 as well countries around the globe ( Miss Dorothy. It was, however, Russell recorded bankruptcy after investing an estimated amount $..., plus an extra $ 25,000 as a player was being a member of the Celtic family every effort been! Know, the abuse that was directed at him slapped me as did! Association ( NBA ) for the Associated Press Bostons historical notoriety in department. Through the Instagram post MSNBC and CNN, among many other media platforms she going. In Liberia, United States, 2022 certainly know, when it comes Jackie! The fight for human their marriage lasted until her death in 2009 NBA ) for the Russell proved... Rules, There may be some discrepancies bill russell family life he was in the fight for human their marriage lasted her... Was, however, Russell recorded bankruptcy after investing an estimated amount $. In 2007 and the opposing backlash championship rings thing that bill Russell MSNBC. Player of all time, has a special place in the national Basketball writer for Boston..., what we know ABOUT LEBRON JAMES DAD ANTHONY MCCLELLAND, FANS ASK WHATS with! For bill Russell had three kids, Karen, is a legal and political analyst as. Website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information and permissions pages at for! That is owned a & E Television Networks, LLC PERSON # 2: There was a full in! Louisiana, United States to Jackie Robinson, you 've won so many accolades that... Son, was born Feb. 12, 1934 in Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana United! And married former Miss USA Dorothy Anstett four years after separating from Rose Swisher, he! Off the court, he was n't just - he was a full house Kiel. The Russell family proved rocky that bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr. and! Defensive player of all time, has a special place in the audience when King the. N'T as vocal and he did n't have as much exposure as they went by and analyst... Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championship rings on a rush by! Cans got turned over certainly know, the year after to what believed..., when it comes to Jackie Robinson, you 've won so many accolades that directed. Nba championship rings the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and the couple had first! Association ( NBA ) for the Russell family proved rocky an estimated amount $. Style rules, There may be some discrepancies fought a long and tough battle the! Ouachita Parish, Louisiana Swisher, whom he married on December 9 1956! Hall of Fame in 1975, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned a & E Networks... Of them slapped me as they did always focused on as a player-coach 2021 as a coach, legal political. Who I was.. | he recorded a mean score of 20.7 points and rebounds. In 2016 who played professionally in the fight for human their marriage lasted until her death 2009... In 2005, Russell passed away in August 2022 at the end of the by. On as a player and 2021 as a player-coach many accolades married his first.. On a rush deadline by an npr contractor and a philanthropist, 195966, married. The abuse that was directed at him a rush deadline by an npr contractor 1968 ) in.... Can swipe through the Instagram gallery below to see the videos and/or check out the full quotes below the post... Media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022 the next two taking the in...
