Bill Russell, NBA Champion, Boston Celtics legend, dies at 88

[BetteDavisEyes]

Bill Russell, 11-time NBA champion, Boston Celtics legend and all-time defensive great, dies

Russell was pro basketball’s first Black head coach, no small feat at the time in racially divided Boston.

www.nbcnews.com

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who towered over pro basketball throughout the turbulent 1960s and stood tall against the era’s virulent racism, died Sunday, according to a statement posted to his verified Twitter page.

Russell was 88.

Russell's wife, Jeannine, was by his side at the time of his death, the statement said. His family thanked fans for "keeping Bill in your prayers."

"Perhaps you'll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded," the statement said. "And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up in Bill's uncompromising, dignified, and always constructive commitment to principle."...