“It is with a heavy heart that we want to share this with all of Bill’s friends, fans and followers,” the statement said. “Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at the age of 88, with his wife Jeannine at his side. Preparations for his memorial service will be announced shortly.
“Bill’s two state championships in high school provided a taste of the unparalleled streak of pure team effort to come: two-time NCAA champion, captain of a gold-medal-winning US Olympic team, eleven-time NBA champion, and topped two NBA championships Championships as the first black head coach of a North American professional sports team.
“Along the way, Bill received a number of individual awards that are unprecedented in that he did not mention them. In 2009, the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award was renamed the “Bill Russell NBA Finals” award for the two-time Hall of Famer the most valuable player.”
“Bill’s wife Jeannine and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. You might relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or remember his signature laugh as he was delighted to explain the real story behind how those moments unfolded. And we hope that with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified, and always constructive commitment to principle, each of us can find a new way to act or speak. That would be a final and lasting win for our beloved number 6.”
Russell won 11 championships with the Celtics, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966. He was a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star.
As coach of the Celtics, he led Boston to two championships and became the first black head coach to win an NBA championship.
The Celtics issued a statement praising Russell and his contribution to both the team and the sport at large.
“To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and at the same time be a societal leader seems unthinkable, but that’s who Bill Russell was,” the statement said.
“Bill Russell’s DNA is woven through every element of the Celtics organization, from a relentless pursuit of excellence, to celebrating team rewards, to individual glory, to a commitment to social justice and civil rights off the pitch. Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his tremendous legacy in basketball, in Boston and beyond.”
NBA legend Michael Jordan – widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time – said, “Bill Russell was a pioneer — as a player, as a champion, as the NBA’s first black head coach, and as an activist. He paved the way and set an example for every black player who came into the league after him, including me. The world has lost a legend. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.”
Former US President Barack Obama took to social media to praise Russell’s contribution to basketball and society: “Today we lost a giant. As great as Bill Russell was, his legacy soars even higher – both as a player and as a person. Perhaps Bill knew more than anyone what it takes to win and lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Besides that, he was a civil rights pioneer – he marched with Dr stood with Muhammad Ali.
“Bill endured abuse and vandalism for decades, but never let that stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he trained and the way he lived his life. Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family and everyone who admired him.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also expressed his condolences.
“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all team sports,” Silver said in a statement. “The myriad of accolades he’s received for his storied career with the Boston Celtics — including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards — only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and wider society.
“Bill represented something much bigger than sport: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he inculcated into our league’s DNA. At the height of his athletic career, Bill was a vigorous advocate for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who have followed in his footsteps. Despite all the taunts, threats and unimaginable adversity, Bill stood above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
CNN’s Homer from the Fountain contributed to this report.
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