The sports world was shocked Sunday afternoon with news of the passing of Bill Russell. Russell, one of the greatest champions in both the game of basketball and the battle for civil rights, passed away at the age of 88 with his wife by his side at their home in Washington State. Here’s how that news was announced on Russell’s Twitter account.
An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022
Despite not possessing the scoring prowess of his rival Wilt Chamberlain, Russell simply cared about one thing: winning. And he did a ton of that during his time with the Boston Celtics, winning 11 championship rings, including eight consecutive titles. Although Russell never won a Finals MVP (since the award wasn’t handed out until 1969), the accolade was later named in honor of the legendary big man.
With Russell (seen above at a NBA All-Star Weekend event in 2013) being one of the greatest sports figures in America, his passing naturally drew a wide array of reactions across social media. Those were seen from noted Boston fans Bill Simmons and Dave Portnoy, media figures like ESPN’s Stephen. A. Smith, Celtics’ superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and more.
Man… Bill Russell.
One of the most important athletes who ever lived. And one of the greatest. RIP.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 31, 2022
Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and the @NBA community on the loss of the greatest champion we’ve ever known: BILL RUSSELL. An activist, a pioneer, a humanitarian. He made the world better for us all.#RIPCHAMPION
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 31, 2022
One of my favorite Bill Russell moments… RIP Legend 💔pic.twitter.com/A7VBRpjUZ0
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) July 31, 2022
MLB’s Boston Red Sox also held a moment of silence for Russell at Fenway prior to their home game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Fenway Park honors Bill Russell with a moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/QtlvdIt70m
— WEEI Red Sox Network (@SoxBooth) July 31, 2022
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement following Russell’s passing, calling him the “greatest champion in all of team sports.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver's statement on the passing of Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/tOJvne0nZl
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 31, 2022
During his career, Russell helped fight for change during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. He often spoke about the racism he experienced firsthand in Boston. The Basketball Hall of Famer also became the first black head coach in NBA history as a player-coach for the Celtics from 1966-69. He went on to coach the Seattle Supersonics and Sacramento Kings.
About Jasper Jones
A native east coaster via Connecticut, Jasper is a writer for The Comeback and Audacy Sports. He decided to head south for college, attending the University of Kentucky and graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism. Prior to joining The Comeback, Jones spent a year writing for FanSided's college football blog, Saturday Blitz, covering news surrounding the sport and recruiting. He spent the same amount of time doing some freelance work for the tabloid/sports outlet BlackSportsOnline. In his free time, Jones loves to cheer on his Kentucky Wildcats, collect sneakers, read a good book, and get in some gains at the gym. You can follow him on Twitter @jonesj2342.