As a kid, Russell spent hours in the library each day reading books about artistic techniques, studying paintings and understanding the importance of each individual brush stroke to the greater picture. Bill Russell, the great Boston Celtics center who died last summer at the age of 88, cuts a singular figure in the American sports firmament. The teams coach, Red Auerbach, coveted Russell as the missing piece to what he believed could be a championship roster. And on Sunday, the world lost an absolute legend. He won the NCAA in his finals and even earned recognition as a shot-blocker and defensive maestro. 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. Tim Reynolds is a national basketball writer for The Associated Press. Before he won 11 NBA championships and five MVP awards before he won two national championships in He led the Boston Celtics to an astounding 11 Championships from 1957 to Saw no point to them. As at 2020, Bill Russell is married to Jeannine Russell and the couple appears frequently together on his Instagram. 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. He was also inaugurated to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Basketball hall of fame in 1975. Somebody had broken in and defecated on the family bed and made - you know, wrote things on the wall and on his garage door. WebDON'T FORGET TO; SUBSCRIBE+LIKE+COMMENTBill Russell is an American retired professional basketball player, author, NBA legend, and a philanthropist. She married BillRussell in 1977. Jon Jones Reacts To Islam Makhachev Declaring Himself The Best Fighter In The World, Shavkat Rakhmonov Reacts To ESPN/UFC Commentator Laura Sanko Thirsting Over Him In Viral Video, Jon Jones First Shirtless Pic At Heavyweight Before UFC 285 Goes Viral, Ja Morants Lawyer, Agent Threaten Legal Recourse For Defamatory Report From The Washington Post, Another Glitch In The Matrix Has Occurred As A Bird Is Filmed Motionless In Mid-Air, Bengals Exec Sends Harsh Wake-Up Call To Teams Sniffing Around Tee Higgins. POLLARD: Yeah, during the Boston bussing issue. But we learned that, you know, he had a very interesting life and complicated life off the court. Russell knew that he had won, but he wanted to win over Chamberlain, and did not. Outside the classroom, Russell began playing basketball. Like, we certainly know, when it comes to Jackie Robinson, you know, the abuse that was directed at him. Being fearless in the real world even when dealing with matters of race in some of the nations darkest times on that topic was somehow even easier. And finally today, we know it's all about football today, it being Super Bowl Sunday and all, but we're going to talk basketball for a minute to hear about one of the icons of that sport - Bill Russell. Russell asked for a gun permit. As the decade progressed, the Celtics continued to make history. And so she says are these the guys?. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. Five times he was named the NBAs Most Valuable Player, and his 21,620 rebounds are second only to Chamberlains career mark. Bill Russel biography facts, childhood, net worth and personal life present a complete rundown of the profile, career and life from childhood to date, of the 12-time All-Star and 5-time NBA MVP. .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. Now the incident is under review. | The premise was that it had to be difficult for Russell to live in such a place, to play for fans in such a city. POLLARD: My pleasure, Michel. The Celtics legend had four wives during his life, and is now the focus of a Netflix documentary called Bill Russell: Legend. Official Sites. What Russell did was close the circuit, creating turnovers that allowed Boston to get back on offense even faster, as well as patrol the paint with an intensity that single-handedly compensated for the Celtics imbalance. Following the 1966 season, in which Russell led the Celtics to an eighth consecutive title, Auerbach retired from coaching. 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. In the 1962/63 season, Russell was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and won the honour again the following year after winning the NBA championship again. Member, gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team (1956). Russell took home one more championship before hanging up his sneakers for good in 1969. And so was his personality, as great as he was in basketball.. His talent did not immediately shine through. The series airs on Wednesday, February 8, and fans want to know more about his personal life. Astrological Sign: Aquarius, Death Year: 2022, Death date: July 31, 2022, Article Title: Bill Russell Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/bill-russell, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: August 11, 2022, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. Who was Bill Russells wife? Russell was married to his college girlfriend Rose Swisher from 1956 to 1973, they had three children but then grew apart and divorced in 1977. He married Rose Swisher, his college sweetheart, in 1956. 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. Rose Swisher and Bill Russell had three children, daughter Karen Russell and sons William Jr and Jacob. She is still very active and frequently appears on MSNBC and CNN, among many other media platforms. The youngest son of the NBA legend hasn't led a very public life, which is why there isn't much information about him. Bills third wife was Marilyn Nault, whom he married in 1996. His calling card was defense, rebounding, andabove all elseshot blocking, which he transformed into a fluid athletic art in the same way that some of his contemporaries had altered the perception of what was possible on offense. As head coach, compiled a 341-290 record (.540) in eight seasons. 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. After losing manager Red Auerbach to retirement in the 1966/67 season, Russell picked up the managerial position as a player-coach. Omissions? So did Russell. He shared all three kids with his first wife Rose Swisher. Bill Russell is survived by three children: Jacob, William Russell Jr, and Karen. The Celtics legend had four wives during his life, and is now the focus of a Netflix documentary called Bill Russell: Legend. Bill was born to Katie and Charles Russell. Go back to Africa, you baboon. Bill Russell Wife, Children. While featuring in the high school team, he was dumped many times for his inability to comprehend game rules and scopes. His last season came in 1968/69 as he began to age and lose interest in the professionalism of basketball. It was a breakthrough that would change not only his life but, in the long term, basketball itself. NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team (1970). Yet in a sport that traditionally celebrates scoring and offensive heroics, Russell was an anomaly: a dominant player for whom making shots was truly secondary. WebAbout Bill Russell Composer William "Bill" Russell (February 26, 1905 August 9, 1992) was an American music historian and modernist composer. Bill Russells daughter, Karen, was born in 1962. People broke into his house and destroyed his trophies, among many other outrageous deeds. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Holds NBA Finals single-game record for most free throws attempted in one half (15, April 11, 1961) vs. St. Louis; most rebounds (40, March 29, 1960 vs. St. Louis and April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles); most rebounds by a rookie (32, April 13, 1967 vs. St. Louis); and most rebounds in a quarter (19, April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles). She has had many amazing accomplishments in her life. Bill was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player, having won 11 championships during the course of his thirteen-year career. It wasnt long before the defensively adept Russell proved to be dominating presence, with a scorers touch and uncanny ability to rebound. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. And so, to do this took thought, planning and discretion and intelligence. Russell used his popularity to fight for civil rights and help others who were in a similar situation. Meanwhile, Bills first marriage was to Rose Swisher from 1956 to 1973, Dorothy Anstett from 1977 to 1980, and Marilyn Nault from 1996 to 2009. He most likely would have led the league in blocked shots many times, but the NBA had not yet started keeping track of the statistic. Sam Pollard, thanks so much for talking with us. She detailed the racist vandalism the Russell familys Reading home faced once when they were out of town and listed the racist abuse Bill Russell endured from fans. Or the mating habits of bees, something he penned a column about once. I knew about the rivalry between him and Wilt Chamberlain. He dealt with Boston bussing issues. Russells Celtics ruled the roost at a time when the minuscule number of teams (the NBA consisted of eight or nine franchises for the majority of his career) made for a greatly condensed talent pool, and a combination of integration and improved scouting brought on an unprecedented rush of new stars. Publicity Listings Before his arrival, the Celtics had been a shot-happy, nearly out-of-control team, led by passing wizard Bob Cousy. He marched in Mississippi after the slaying of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. An explanation van Breda Kolff gave to Chamberlain was "we're doing fine without you." But above all else, Russell was basketballs ultimate winner. He is a best-selling author and thirty years after he won he remained a recognizable face and a legend. Yet, he led the Celtics to the NBA championships in a victory over the Lakers and immediately announced his retirement from basketball as a coach and player. He retired in 1969 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame six years later. It would be a disservice an insult, really to look at Russell as only a basketball player, even as one of the greatest ever. Write to him at treynolds(at)ap.org, More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports. He was represented by Russell Spielman, Manager and Booking Agent, GSE Worldwide, Melville, Long Island, New York, United States. We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us! I mean, you've won so many accolades. He played alongside star point guard Bob Cousy for a number of years on the Celtics. But the thing that Bill Russell was always focused on as a player was being a member of the Celtic family. What happened to Lil Durk at Lollapalooza 2022? Russell was lightly recruited by colleges, but Hal DeJulio, a former player at the nearby University of San Francisco (USF), had seen him play and had an inkling as to his potential, so he recommended Russell to his old school. Bill Russell, byname of William Felton Russell, (born February 12, 1934, Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.died July 31, 2022), American basketball player who was the first outstanding defensive centre in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and one of the sports greatest icons. Consultant, Boston Celtics (1999-present). 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. I had seen Bill Russell play. It was a treasure for me to be around Bill and see how he viewed the world in all of its dimensions.. He was a marginal player until, while on a summer basketball tour he had been selected for as an afterthought, he realized that running and jumping could be used to mirror and counteract the flashy, creative scorers that routinely gave teams fits. He was part of the March on Washington. His new documentary "Bill Russell: Legend" is streaming now on Netflix. In 1996 Russell married his third wife, Marilyn Nault. 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. He married again Dorothy Anstett (Miss USA 1968) in 1977. He was voted league MVP five times. The comedy centered on a family in Harlem and addressed both the political and generational conflicts of the time. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. Bill Russell Death Reason Talking about his cause of death so he was very in for a long time and age was the factor also, however, everyone started paying him a tribute on the social media platform and started sending his family sympathy and condolence messages. He was married four times and had three children. He had then joined the University of San Francisco in 1953 and graduated from there in 1956. And he lived in Reading, Mass. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. And, you know, for me as a filmmaker, that gave me an opportunity to dig into Bill Russell's life, which was much more complicated than most people know, and that he was not only a great player on the court, but he was a very important human and civil rights activist off the court, too. moved his family over to Oakland, California, where WebWilliam "Bill" Russell (February 26, 1905 August 9, 1992) was an American music historian and modernist composer. For good measure, he might have had 12, had an ankle injury not sidelined him early in the 1958 NBA finals. Celtics's all-time leading rebounder (21,620, 22.5 rpg) in 963 games; second best in history. At the international level, he had captained the United States to the Gold medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics. Bill Russelll described the incident as one that changed my whole attitude sticking up for yourself. The cemetery is also the final resting place of martial arts action star Bruce Lee and his son Brandon Lee. 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. You did what youre supposed to do. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Both Macauley and Hagan would eventually land in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, an indication of how highly Auerbach valued Russell. He would return and defeat the Sixers in 1968, in a hotly contested Conference Final series, and easily defeat the Lakers in the Finals. Updates? Due to his height, the NCAA changed some rules that could foster the progress of Bill Russell and other NBA prospects with tall frames. Why this film and why now? In 2009, the NBA changed the name of the finals MVP from NBA finals MVP award to Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. He was born in rural Louisiana. Same thing happened during the seasons second road trip. Even as he won on the court, Russell, an outspoken backer of the Civil Rights Movement, experienced his struggles off of it. You can swipe through the Instagram gallery below to see the videos and/or check out the full quotes below the Instagram post. The NBA legend was a victim of racism, and not even his basketball fame helped him. Its impossible to tell the story of the NBA without also telling the story of Bill Russell. Russell was truly nothing short of a champion.Since his historic victory Russell has been active in broadcasting for NBA games, and occasionally coaching, including the Seattle Supersonics in the 1970s and the Sacramento Kings in the 1980s. . Bill Russell Wiki/Biography. At this point in his life, Russell noticed that basketball could change the problems of poverty and racism and then added more seriousness and passion to his play. Bill had attended the McClymonds High School, a public school in Oakland, California. Bill Russell, one of the greatest Boston Celtics and NBA players ever, died, his family said Sunday. WebBill Russell Legend on DVD - Both Episodes The life and career of Hall of Fame NBA player Bill Russell is celebrated in the documentary Bill Russel: Legend. On the court, Russell was a force to be reckoned with a champion who sacrificed himself for his teammates and love of basketball. Your login session has expired. Russell's life was marked by an uphill battle against racism and controversial actions and statements in response to racism. POLLARD: Yeah, I hope that they walk away understanding that he was not only a great basketball player, but he was also a great man and a complicated man. Hall of Fame basketball center Bill Russell led the University of San Francisco to consecutive NCAA titles before starting his pro career with the Boston Celtics in 1956. MARTIN: That was award-winning director Sam Pollard. Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory. Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in Who was Bill Russells wife? But I think this documentary will reset the clock on that and understand Bill from the other perspective, besides being a phenomenal basketball legend. MARTIN: So before we let you go, what's important to you? Cass Anderson is the Editor-in-Chief of BroBible. The relationship was broken apart in controversy because of Anstetts color. The 11-time NBA champion is survived by his wife Jeannine and two children. Thats the lesson. During his 13-year NBA career, Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships - two as a player coach. Jeannine is a former professional golfer and was often seen on Bills social media: In other news, Best Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury memes after undefeated Brit beats YouTuber. MARTIN: That was award-winning director Sam Pollard. He covers an array of topics including NFL, Pop Culture, Fishing News, and the Outdoors. NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1996). 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. He was also involved in several build-ups and could intelligently help the team in tight areas and big games. Have a good day. MARTIN: I have to tell you, you've done so many things - produced and directed and edited award-winning feature films and documentaries. In 2013, Boston erected a significant statue of their legend, Bill Russell right outside the Boston City Hall Plaza. However, Russell fought a long and tough battle off the court as well. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The raccoons heard about that, Russell said. She says dont cry. Russell now had the daunting task of taking a bottom seed to defeat some of the best teams of all time, including a newly revamped Philadelphia after the Chamberlain trade, who they beat, and the New York Knickerbockers, led by Willis Reed, Walt Bellamy, and Walt Frazier, who they beat in 6, and set the match for the Los Angeles Lakers, which now had Chamberlain.Chamberlain, as well as Jerry West and Elgin Baylor always fell short to the Celtics. Over his 13 seasons in the league, the team played in 12 NBA finals, winning 11 of them. Russell would not stand for racism in sports, which was ironic, given Bostons historical notoriety in that department. Although his father was described on several occasions by many who knew him as an authoritative and firm personality, he worked hard as a cleaner and impacted into Bills life, helping him in his rise to stardom. Following the 1969 season, Russell retired from the game. He didn't love Boston. However, they separated three years later in 1980. 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. William Felton Russell was born on the 12th February 1934 to Mr Charles Russell and Mrs Kutie Russell. Two years later, the couple welcomed a second son, Bill Russells Mom Changed His Life Forever By Making Him Fight 5 Guys In The Projects To Learn A Lesson. 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. Bill Russell: Legend is a new two-part Netflix documentary that covers the Boston greats triumphs on the court, and activism off of it. In the wake of her passing he committed himself to his studies. MARTIN: Do you kind of get the feeling that, in a way, his story was hiding in plain sight? Russell was married three times. He could care less, you know, about being someone that Have something to tell us about this article? Corrections? The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. In this article, we take a look at how many kids Bill Russell had and who they are. The Celtics dynasty retooled over the years between 1956 and 1969, but the one constant was Russell. On the road it was not uncommon for him to have to sleep in a different hotel from the one the rest of the club used. That was the way I conducted my life.. Remembering Just Fontaine and His World Cup Record, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Name: Bill Russell, Birth Year: 1934, Birth date: February 12, 1934, Birth State: Louisiana, Birth City: Monroe, Birth Country: United States. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. He defined the teams philosophy and its strategy. I was the only Negro athlete on either team. In 13 seasons, Russell won 11 NBA championships (1957, 195966, and 196869). He was a Doesnt matter whether you won or lost. With his first wife, Rose, to whom he was married for 17 years, he had three children: a daughter, Karen, and two sons, Buddha Over the course of his 13-year NBA career, Russell steered the club to 11 titles. NBA legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell dies at 88 Then came the proving ground of Boston. There was no doubt who the fans were yelling at. Born on 12 February 1934, Bill Russells age was 88 Years Old when he passed away on 31 July 2022. After a successful off-Broadway run, the production became the only one from that theater to ever become a film in 1973. And there were things that you could take away and say that he was really wonderful and special. Named Russell William Wagner at birth, when he decided to become a classical music composer, he dropped his last nameas it already "was taken" by Richard Wagner. Bill Russell died at the age of 88 on July 31, 2022, in Mercer Island, Washington, United States. 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. Bill Russell has been married on 4 different occasions but had never kept a marriage for up to 2 decades, the longest being 17 years (19561973) to a lady called Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Bill Russell Biography Facts, Age, Family, Wife, Children, Early life Childhood Story, Family Background & Early Life, Bill Russell High School Basketball Career, Bill Russell College Basketball Career, Achievements & Awards, Bill Russell NBA Career, Achievements & Awards, Bill Russell Net worth, Earnings & Endorsements, Bill Russell Personal life, Spouse & Trivia, Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Biography & Personal Life Facts, Draymond Green Biography Facts, Childhood And Personal Life, Kyle Lowry Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life, Otto Porter Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life, Kobe Bryant Biography Facts, Childhood, Life, Death, Jimmy Butler Biography Facts, Childhood And Personal Life, Paul Millsap Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life, Dwight Howard Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life, Kevin Love Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life, Magic Johnson Biography & Personal Life Facts, Carmelo Anthony Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life. 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. All 5 of them, 1 at a time. Supervisors explore ways to offset vehicle traffic from new rural housing, Column: Padres offense inspires bright forecasts as Petco Parks worst clouds have lifted, Opinion: Converting Californias empty office buildings to apartments and condos is a great idea. WebBill Russell was born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1934, to Katie and Charlie Louis Russell. Russell anchored a Boston Celtics In 1956 Bill Russell entered the NBA draft. Russell, the greatest winner in the history of team sports, died Sunday at 88. I didnt know what she was going to do. No matter the game went to seven games when it should have been much shorter. Or expensive cars with souped-up sound systems so he could blare the music of Laura Nyro, Janis Ian, or Crosby, Stills and Nash some of his favorites. So the Celtics traded centre Ed Macauley and the rights to guard-forward Cliff Hagan, who had yet to play in the NBA owing to his military service, to the St. Louis Hawks shortly after the Hawks used the second overall pick of the draft to select Russell. Only Russell remained of the fabled Boston Celtics, except for the emerging superstar John Havlichek, and aging star Sam Jones. He married Dorothy Anstett, Miss USA, in 1968, but divorced in 1980. But the thing that Bill Russell was always focused on as a player was being a member of the Celtic family. When Russell was 10, his father, Charlie, fed up with trying to navigate a racially charged South, moved his family across the country to Oakland, California, where he found work at a shipyard. Russell married his first wife Rose in 1956, and the couple had their first child, William Jr., the year after. The victory got Russell his 10th NBA Championship title in 12 career years and the Sports Illustrateds Sportsman of the Year Award. The Celtics legend had four wives in his life, and married former Miss USA Dorothy Anstett four years after separating from Rose Swisher. But the Celtics kept winning, and he remained the engine that made them go. Throughout his 13-year career, he enjoyed a successful spell with the Celtics. Named Russell William Wagner at birth, when he decided to become a classical music composer, he dropped his last nameas it already "was taken" by Richard Wagner. He opted for speed and marking from blind spots rather than man-marking; with this style, he could move to advance positions to help the attack and also run back to assist the defence. So I go into 5 fights, and I lose 3 and win 2. MVP All-Star Game (1963) after 19 points and 24 rebounds. He was then married to Dorothy Anstett from 1977 to 1980 and Marilyn Nault from 1996 to 2009. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. 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.. Russell anchored a Boston Celtics And she said What!. It wasnt who I was.. He received as much as $100,001 annually, plus an extra $25,000 as a player-coach. moviemuskie@yahoo.com, Other Works Without Chamberlain and an injured Jerry West, it was not enough to defeat the Celtics, who won by only two points.Russell later said Chamberlain was week, and should have demanded to go back into the game. To tell us about this article and see how he viewed the world in all of its dimensions //apnews.com/hub/NBA! There was no doubt who the fans were yelling at and his son Lee... Associated Press separated three years later in 1980 Memorial basketball Hall of Fame in.. The world in all of its dimensions old at the time of his thirteen-year.... 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Whether you won or lost were in a similar situation having won 11 championships - as. Thing that Bill Russell, the team in tight areas and big games that Russell... So she says are these the guys? for racism in sports, which was ironic given... 1934, Bill Russells daughter, Karen, was born in 1962 and from... Measure, he enjoyed a successful spell with the Celtics legend had four wives in his finals and even recognition! Teammates and love of basketball as one that changed my whole attitude up..., and Karen destroyed his trophies, among many other Media platforms mean, you know the... Third wife was Marilyn Nault, whom he married Dorothy Anstett four years separating... The emerging superstar John Havlichek, and the sports Illustrateds Sportsman of the Celtic family a touch... So before we let you go, what 's important to you on 31 July.... 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