Basketball players Michael Jordan, Dikembe Mutombo, ‘Magic’ Johnson, former United States presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, among others, were some of the personalities who took to social media to fire NBA legend Bill Russell, who passed away this Sunday at 88 years of age.
The death of Russell, winner of 11 NBA rings and the first black coach in sports history American, it was a social impact for what it represented in basketball and its subsequent legacy for other disciplines and that is why Obama and Clinton were the first to leave a dedication for the former Boston Celtics.
“Today we lost to a giant. As high as Bill Russell was, his legacy is much higher, both as a player and on a human level“Barack Obama wrote on his Twitter account.
Former President Clinton also left a message in which he highlighted what a good person he was and pointed out that he will always be grateful for having called him his “friend”.
“Bill Russell was a legendary player and coach, and an even better person. He approached everything he did with determination, principle, and wisdom. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to call him my friend“was Clinton’s message to Russell.
By For their part, from the world of heights, Jordan and Johnson left a message in which they highlighted the legacy that Russell left for the NBA and sports in general.
“Bill Russell was a pioneer, as a player, as a champion, as the first African-American coach in the NBA, as an activist,” said Michael Jordan, six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, in a message published by the franchise he owns, the Charlotte Hornets.
“He set an example for everything African-American player who came into the league after him, including me. The world lost a legend. My condolences to the family and may he rest in peace,” he added.
In Johnson’s case he wrote that “this is a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world. Cookie (his wife) and I are praying for Bill’s family and loved ones, our NBA family and the entire basketball community.”2022
Other personalities such as the legend of American women’s tennis, Billie Jean King, the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, Celtics players such as Jaylen Brown, Jason Tatum, Paul Pierce, and the businesswoman and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss, also dedicated messages in social networks.