NBA legend Bill Russell died on July 31 at the age of 88. The former Boston Celtics star held 11 NBA titles and five MVPs and became the first Black head coach of any major sports team in the United States. In 1956, he earned a gold medal at the Melbourne Olympics, and in 1980, he was voted the greatest NBA player in history by a group of basketball writers.
"Bill's wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you 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 released by his family read. "And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill's uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6."
