[38] He became known for his strong defense and shot-blocking skills, once denying 13 shots in a game. On February 8, 2023, she shared an Instagram post to her page, @karenkenyattarussell, in which she discussed the Netflix documentary about her father called Bill Russell: Legend. [50], Before his NBA rookie year, Russell was the captain of the 1956 U.S. men's Olympic basketball team that competed at the 1956 Summer Olympics, which was held in November and December in Melbourne, Australia, in the Southern Hemisphere. [20] Russell was closer to his mother Katie than to his father,[20] and he received a major emotional blow when she suddenly died when he was 12 years old. One of the greatest players in NBA history, Bill Russell, is currently in his 4th marriage. His personal relationships thus take up a small part of this original as well so now, if you simply wish to learn more about the four women of his life, weve got the essential details for you. She has had many amazing accomplishments in her life. "[214], In 1966, Russell was promoted to head coach of the Celtics. He took issue with a few things Brand said, and . I like most blacks because I am black." She had actually relocated to Seattle, Washington (his base home) following her high school graduation and was working as a jewelry salesperson when they began building a life together. The Hall of Famer was 88. He reasoned that if Saperstein was too smart to speak with him, then he was too smart to play for Saperstein. In the interim, Russell won an Olympic gold medal in 1956. He grew up in a racially segregated neighbourhood where his family was often subjected to rampant acts of racism. Russell, who had a difficult relationship with the media, did not attend either ceremony. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2ac29f4a77691b [4] Decades later, Russell explained that his experiences hardened him against abuse of all kinds,[35] saying: "I never permitted myself to be a victim. [26], Russell soon became noted for his unusual style of defense. In 1954, he became the first coach of a major college basketball squad to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell. In 1987, Karen Rusell penned an article for the New York Times titled, Growing Up With Privilege and Prejudice.. Bill Russell Speaks at Ceremony for New Statue, For the unveiling of the new statue in Boston City Hall Plaza, Bill Russell speaks about his career as both an athlete and activist, as well as the importance of mentoring and friendship. [66] Lakers head coach John Kundla praised Russell, stating: "We don't fear the Celtics without Bill Russell. Johnny Havlicek stole the ball! Today, Karen is 57 years old. . She never stopped talking to me. Bill Russell, whose No. So Hirsch went to Seattle to have lunch with Russell and his daughter, attorney Karen Russell. Bill Russell, who has died at the age of 88, was more than just a basketball superstar and world-class athlete. [1] The NBA reasoned that other centers were better all-round players than Russell but no player was more valuable to his team. Well, that let me know that if I were to accept these as the final judges of my career I would die a bitter old man." Three women by the names of Rose Swisher, Dorothy Anstett, and Marilyn Nault were married off by the 11-time NBA champion. He was one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball and left behind an amazing legacy. You are a Negro. The Celtics won Game 4 in an upset, but the Hawks prevailed in Games 5 and 6, with Pettit scoring 50 points in the deciding Game 6. [50] He had the option to skip the tournament and play a full season for the Celtics, but he was determined to play in the Olympics. Bill marched with Martin Luther King Jr. when he delivered his "I Have a Dream . Karen appears frequently on CNN, MSNBC, and TruTV as a legal and political analyst. The couple actually kept their relationship well away from the public eye, so we only know they renewed their vows in 2020 before continuing to establish a comfortable life in Seattle, thanks to their social media platforms. Russell Brand and Sen. Bernie Sanders are mad as hell, and they don't want you to take it anymore. Russell said he was "proud of my grandfather's heroic dignity against forces more powerful than him he would not allow himself to be oppressed or intimidated by anyone." [157], On August 11, 2022, it was announced that Russell's No. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Karen Russell was born on January 20, 1962 and is a legal and political analyst. Arthur was a man of great courage. [202] Later in Russell's career, John Havlicek said of his teammate and coach that he threw up less often than early in his career, only doing so "when it's an important game or an important challenge for himsomeone like Chamberlain, or someone coming up that everyone's touting. Bill Russell only had children with his first wife Rose; they are Karen, Jacob, and William Russell Jr. Karen Russell. William Russell Jr. Bill Russell Jr was the first child of the 11-time NBA champ. [5] Auerbach's thoughts were unorthodox, as in that period centers and forwards were defined by their offensive output, and their ability to play defense was secondary. Bill Russell Social Media When Russell was eight years old, his father moved the family out of Louisiana and settled in Oakland, California. [49] Bill Simmons has estimated that Russell had between 8 and 15 blocks per game in the playoffs. He is one of just two NBA players (the other being prominent rival Wilt Chamberlain) to have grabbed more than 50 rebounds in a game. He still holds the NBA record for rebounds in one half with 32 (vs. Philadelphia, November 16, 1957). [5][96], In the 196566 NBA season, Russell contributed 12.9 points and 22.8 rebounds per game. She is a media person, lawyer, and Black-rights activist who has also contributed to publications likeThe New York Times Magazine. #ESPYsABC #ArthurAsheAward @NBA @espn @celtics @BleacherReport @SLAMonline @BostonGlobe @ESPYS pic.twitter.com/AybfEZOzAb, TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) May 30, 2019, SWEET . [85] On February 10, 1963, Russell recorded his first regular season triple-double after putting up 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 129123 win over the New York Knicks. He was a standout in the high jump and according to Track & Field News was ranked the seventh-best high-jumper in the world in 1956, his graduation year, despite not competing in Olympic high-jump competition. These are Karen Kenyatta Russell, William Russell Jr., and Jacob Russell. [13], Russell played in the wake of black pioneers Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Sweetwater Clifton, and he was the first black player to achieve superstar status in the NBA. Goldie became a mom for the first time after welcoming her eldest child, Oliver, with former husband Bill on September 7, 1976. In Game 6, Russell recorded his first career triple-double with 19 points, 24 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Celtics won 119105. Bill Russell's daughter, Karen, was born in 1962. After practice, and even during practice breaks, shed encourage me. "[60] Before the 196162 season, Russell's team was scheduled to play in an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky, when Russell and his black teammates were refused service at a local restaurant. He also served a three-season (19661969) stint as player-coach for the Celtics, becoming the first black coach in the NBA and the first to win a championship. [129] Russell also received honorary degrees from Harvard University on June 7, 2007,[130] and from Dartmouth College on June 14, 2009. Although nearly 16 years younger than Bill Russell, Kansas native Marilyn Nault tied the knot with the basketball legend on February 17, 2000, upon meeting him sometime prior by pure chance. [112] His No. He was born William Felton Russell Jr. on November 2, 1957. The block preserved Boston's slim 103102 lead with 40-odd seconds left to play in regulation, saving the game for the Celtics. Russell described himself as an avid reader of Dell Magazines' 1950s sports publications, which he used to scout opponents' moves for the purpose of defending against them. In 1956, Russell married his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher. Yet its important to note that the happily married Seattle, Washington resident has since been serving at King Countys Metro Transit, where he currently holds the post of Transit Operator. Because Russell ignored virtually any well-wisher who approached him home or away, including the vast majority of media, his autograph was among the most difficult to secure of any professional athlete of his time. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a 12-time NBA All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career. [161] In 2020, he was ranked No. [1] While his rival had a record-breaking season of 50.4 points per game, including Chamberlain's 100-point game,[67] the Celtics became the first team to win 60 games in a season and Russell was voted as the league's MVP. [109] According to Taylor, Russell discounted the fact that his career was facilitated by white people who were proven anti-racists: his high school coach George Powles, who encouraged him to play basketball, his college coach Phil Woolpert, who integrated USF basketball, Celtics coach Red Auerbach, who made him the first black NBA coach and is regarded as an anti-racist pioneer for his no color barrier, and Celtics owner Walter A. You are less. [137] Russell attended Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals to present Bryant the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award. The children from Bill's marriage to Rose include Karen Russell, William Russel Jr., and Jacob Russell. He tied the knot with three different gals. Bill Russell was a father to two sons named Williams Jr. and Jacob. Twenty million England fans go wild across the country as Lionesses WIN nerve-shredding Euro final against Germany. [5][41] His stint as coach of the Celtics was also of historical significance,[146][147] as he became the first black head coach in the NBA,[14] when he succeeded Red Auerbach. In addition to Macauley, who was the Celtics' premier player at the time, he wanted Cliff Hagan, who had been serving in the military for three years and had not yet played for the Celtics. In protest, the whole team decided to camp out in a closed college dorm, which was later called an important bonding experience for the group. NBA great Bill Russell, who anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 years, died . [152] In 2009, Russell's erstwhile Knicks opponent Bill Bradley wrote in The New York Times Book Review that Russell "was the smartest player ever to play the game [of basketball]". Last modified on Sun 4 Sep 2022 13.55 EDT. "[5][121] On November 3, 1979, Russell hosted Saturday Night Live, in which he appeared in several sports-related sketches. [59], At the start of the 195758 NBA season, the Celtics won fourteen straight games and continued to succeed. [19] When he later became a standout college player at USF, Russell recalled how he and his few fellow black teammates were jeered by white students. It was back when both Rose and Bill were attending the University of San Francisco in the early to mid-1950s that they first came across one another, only to feel a real spark almost immediately. The NBA has seen countless legendary players throughout its history, but there are a select few who have truly stood out as the greatest of all time. [50], The St. Louis Hawks, who owned the second pick, drafted Russell but were vying for Celtics center Ed Macauley, a six-time NBA All-Star who had roots in St. Louis. [58], At that time, Russell received much negative publicity as a player. Over 50 percent of responses said 'There's too many black players. equal . Tonight, Bill Russell will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2019 ESPYs, which honor the biggest and best stars in the world of sports. That's the first thing Walter Brown said to Chuck Cooper. Russell regarded Auerbach as "the greatest of all coaches". Celtics legend and 11-time NBA Champion Bill Russell died 'peacefully' Sunday at the age of 88. 6 jersey will be retired across the NBA, was a champion, a gold medalist and a civil rights activist. Tune in July 10, this is a special honor! He included the picture below. He has three children, Jacob Russell, William Russell Jr., and Karen Russell . He led USF to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, including a string of 55 consecutive victories, and an unofficial double triple-double with 26 points, 27 rebounds, 20 blocks, 3 steals, and an assist. [45][46] He also competed in the 440 yards (402.3m) race, which he could complete in 49.6 seconds. [5], In the 196465 NBA season, the Celtics won a league-record 62 games and Russell averaged 14.1 points and 24.1 rebounds per game, winning his second consecutive rebounding title and his fifth MVP award. '"[203], In a retrospective interview, Russell described the state of mind he felt he needed to enter in order to be able to play basketball: "I had to almost be in a rage. Date married. When the NBA All-Stars toured the U.S. in the 1958 offseason, white hotel owners in segregated North Carolina denied rooms to Russell and his black teammates, causing him to later write in his 1966 memoir Go Up for Glory: "It stood out, a wall which understanding cannot penetrate. Bill Russell's selection to the Basketball Hall of Fame for his coaching career was announced on May 16, 2021. . To coach the Celtics, he had initially wanted his old player Frank Ramsey, who was too occupied running his three lucrative nursing homes. [50] Auerbach later said that Brown offered Harrison guaranteed performances of the Ice Capades if they did not draft Russell; it is difficult to verify or disprove this, but it is clear that the Royals underrated Russell. Coming to the particulars of Karens profession, she frequently appears on networks such as MSNBC and CNN as a legal-political analyst, plus she often provides commentary on basketball-related matters on ESPN. [151] He played in eleven deciding games (ten times in Game 7s, once in a Game 5) and ended with a 110 record. In 1975, he was inducted into the basketball hall of fame. Russell agreed to the project so long as it promoted and raised money for mentorship programs. 6 jersey", "Bill Russell Statue Unveiled At Boston City Hall", "Bill Russell statue to be unveiled Nov. 1", "City Hall Plaza statue honors Celtics' Bill Russell", "Basketball's Bill Russell joins the Bronze Age", "Russell Rule Diversity Hiring Commitment", "The University of San Francisco Honors the Memory of Marilyn Nault Russell", "Bill Russell: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know", "Bill Russell, legendary Celtics center and NBA coach, dead at 88", "Indomitable Russell Values One Accolade Above the Rest", "Police: NBA legend Bill Russell arrested with gun at airport", "Bill Russell, Basketball Great With Record 11 NBA Titles, Dies At 88", "Celtics legend, 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell dies at 88", "What NBA salaries would these superstar players make today? Bill Russell (left), star of the Boston Celtics, is congratulated by coach Arnold "Red" Auerbach after scoring his 10,000th point in the NBA game against the Baltimore Bullets in Boston Garden on . Says Bill Russell: "Basketball is a game that involves a great deal of psychology. NBA legend and Hall of Famer Bill Russell died Sunday at the age of 88. [51] During that same draft, Boston also drafted guard K. C. Jones, Russell's former USF teammate, and managed to draft three future Basketball Hall of Famers: Russell, Jones, and Heinsohn. Bill Russell's first wife was his childhood love. Auerbach had informed his players to not endorse candidates or causes, as it would alienate fans; Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy in 1962. [115] He attended his 2021 induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach. Karen is the founder of Next Gen: #Blacklivesmatter and is a . [14] In 2011, Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his accomplishments on the court and in the civil rights movement. The two men did not speak to each other for more than twenty years until Russell met with Chamberlain and personally apologized. UCLA Bruins coach John Wooden called Russell "the greatest defensive man I've ever seen". on November 1, 2013. [192], During his career, Russell was one of the first big earners in NBA basketball. Although the middle child of Bill Sr. and Rose Swisher (born on July 6, 1959), Jacob is arguably the simplest member of the prominent Russell family in almost every sense of the term. [190] He was issued a citation and released, and the Transportation Security Administration indicated it would levy a civil penalty, which would be between $3,000 and $7,500. Here's what we know about his kids and family. To our children . "[49], Duiring the 196869 NBA season, Russell was shocked by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, disillusioned by the Vietnam War, and weary from his increasingly stale marriage to his wife Rose; the couple later divorced. 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. While there is still progress to be made, the Hall of Famer should get a lot of credit for fighting against what was wrong. Bill and Jeannine did not have any kids together. Bill Russell Wife, Girlfriend. Russell articulated these views with a measure of self-criticism, saying: "I consider this a deficiency in myselfmaybe. "[49], In the 195960 NBA season, the NBA witnessed the debut of 7ft 1in (2.16m) Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain, who averaged a record 37.6 points per game in his rookie year. [49] On offense, Russell's output was limited and his NBA career personal averages show him to be an average scorer (15.1 points career average), a poor free-throw shooter (56.1%), and average overall shooter from the field (44%, not exceptional for a center). Thus, playing in this team has also added up to the overall . Bill Russell is an 11-time NBA champion, and 12-time All-Star and is perhaps the game's greatest champion. A post shared by Bill Russell (@realbillrussell) on Oct 7, 2018 at 10:07pm PDT. Bill Russell never ceases to amaze me. In an interview with ESPN, Russell said he wanted the NFL players to know they were not alone.[225]. [68] The matchup between Russell and Chamberlain became one of basketball's greatest rivalries. 6 from the University of San Francisco as well as in the 1956 USA Olympic Team. [109] In response, Russell described Boston as a "flea market of racism". The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. Both of them had three children together. [5][49], In the 196061 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.9 points and 23.9 rebounds per game,[1] leading his team to a regular season mark of 5722. In the 1960 NBA playoffs, Russell's Celtics met Chamberlain's Warriors in the Eastern Division Finals. Russell, who was sensitive to any racial prejudice, was enraged by the fact that owner Abe Saperstein would only discuss the matter with Woolpert. She then chose to stay well away from the spotlight while still co-parenting their children, but alas, it all ended on September 11, 2014, as she passed away at the age of 78 owing to some natural health problems. Following Chamberlain's death in October 1999, Russell returned to prominence at the turn of the millennium. He was voted the NBA Most Valuable Player but only named to the All-NBA Second Team, something that would occur repeatedly throughout his career, as players voted for the MVP award, something that would last until the 197980 NBA season, while the media has always voted for the All-NBA teams. Karen is very active on social media and often accompanied her father to his important events. (Video: Reuters) In his prime, the goateed . Rest in Peace, Bill. I was able to separate the Celtics institution from the city and the fans. He shares all three of his children with his first wife and college sweetheart, Rose Swisher, whom he divorced in 1973. 6 for most regular season MVPNBA Finals MVP awards, despite the latter being assigned only since 1969. [158][159] In 2007, he was voted the third best center of all-time by ESPN behind Abdul-Jabbar and Chamberlain. "[98], Boston's championship streak ended at eight in his first full season as head coach when Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers won a record-breaking 68 regular-season games and were the favorites heading into the 1967 NBA playoffs, where they beat the Celtics 41 in the Eastern Division Finals. During a conversation with students, a reporterunknown to Russellheard Russell describe Chamberlain as a malingerer and accused him of "copping out" of the game when it seemed that the Lakers would lose. He was 88. As indicated, Bill Russell's children are Jacob Russell, Karen Russell, and William Russell Jr. [17] Shortly after his death in 2022, the NBA retired Russell's #6 jersey league-wide, making him the only player in NBA history to receive the honor. [21][42] That year, Russell won high jump titles at the Central California Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) meet, the Pacific AAU meet, and the West Coast Relays (WCR). The first [NBA organization] to hire a black [head] coach was the Boston Celtics, and they've had at least five [black head-coaches] over the years. Karen Russell, Jacob Russell, William Russell Jr. Rose Swisher got married to her husband, Bill Russell on 9 December 1956. her husband Basketball player Bill Russell was his college sweetheart, she got divorced from him in 1973. Since graduating, Karen has devoted her life to racial equality, much like her father. [106], Russell and the Celtics achieved upsets over the 76ers and the Knicks to earn a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1969 NBA Finals. In May 30, it was announced that the former Celtics player would be receiving the Arthur Ashe Award at the ESPYs. 6 to be retired across NBA following legend's death last month", "Chat Transcript: Celtics Legend Bill Russell", "Russell 'So good, he scares you' Mikan", "Bill Russell Named Boston Celtic Coach; Basketball Star To Draw $125,001 Salary a Record for a Pro Coach or Manager He'll Take over Next Season", "Who's Better At Hoops: Bill Russell Or Frank Robinson? Together, Russell and Swisher had three children: daughter Karen, and sons William Jr. and Jacob. [84] President John F. Kennedy posed for a picture with Auerbach and the nine Celtics but not Russell, who overslept because he thought it was just a tour of the White House and did not know President Kennedy would be meeting them. Dorothy was reportedly a University of Washington English major at the time of her Miss USA win, and she genuinely intended on evolving into a teacher once everything was settled for good. And so the Celticsall we looked for was: 'Can he play?' He is said to have made a conscious decision to put the team first and foremost, and not worry about individual achievements. he discovered it was littered with references to him as ''an arrogant Negro who won't sign autographs for white children." [223] He thanked Chamberlain for taking him to the limit and "making [him] a better player", and the crowd for "allowing [him] to be a part of their lives. . Asked by Russell what was wrong, his grandfather replied how proud he was of him, being coach of an organization in which blacks and whites coexisted in harmony. "[207] Years after Taylor's book, Russell published the autobiographical account Red and Me, which chronicled his lifelong friendship with Auerbach. [105] He was 15 pounds overweight, skipped mandatory NBA coach meetings, and was generally lacking energy; after a New York Knicks game, he complained of intense pain and was diagnosed with acute exhaustion. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. 6 jersey was retired by the Celtics on March 12, 1972. The 61-year-old is a legal and political analyst who graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School. [115] While Russell long had sore feelings towards Boston, there was something of a reconciliation, and he visited the city regularly in his later years, something he never did in the years immediately after his retirement. However, since the Russells always preferred to keep their personal experiences well away from the limelight, we only know Bill was often affectionately, unironically referred to as Buddha.. At first, the couple was very happy. 1973. 4 in ESPN's list of the top 74 NBA players of all time, the second best center behind Abdul-Jabbar and ahead of Chamberlain. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [143] By winning the 1956 NCAA championship with USF and the 1957 NBA title with the Celtics,[144] Russell became the first of only four players in basketball history to win an NCAA championship and an NBA championship back-to-back, the others being Henry Bibby, Magic Johnson, and Billy Thompson. . She works as an attorney, corporate trainer, and political strategist, according to the Huffington Post. Who is Sarina Wiegman's husband Marten Glotzbach and do couple have children? And what we would do is[Auerbach] trusted all his playersso like when he'd make a coaching decision, he could talk: he talked to [Bob] Cousey [who is white], he talked to me [black], he talked to [Bill] Sharman [white], he talked to Sam [Jones] [black]all of us: 'What do you think?' After the loss, he led his grandfather through the Celtics locker rooms and the two saw the white Celtic Havlicek taking a shower next to his black teammate Sam Jones and discussing the game. [100] During the series, Russell said: "Right now, he (Wilt) is playing like me [to win]. However, not much is known about her personal life. [160] In 2009, Slam named him the third best player of all-time behind Jordan and Chamberlain. [121], Russell became a vegetarian, took up golf, and worked as a color commentator for CBS and TBS throughout the 1970s into the mid-1980s, but he was uncomfortable as a broadcaster. [118] Russell also served as general manager of the SuperSonics during his coaching tenure,[119] and held the same position with the Kings during the 198889 season. [121] Perennially wary of what he long perceived as a racist city, Russell decided to make amends and gave his approval. If you were too sheltered, you might not be motivated to help others who do not have your advantages.'. Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in their daily lives.