As A Kid, I Dreamed Of Playing On Bill Russell's Celtics In Boston. I Had No Idea What He Endured, Until Decades Later...

He was absolutely the Michael Jordan of his day (or, was Jordan the Russell of HIS day?) -- and at a time when most prominent black athletes were very careful about being associated with Dr. King. The whyte power establishment pointed out that King's home had been bombed, as had his church -- and explained that a goodly-portion of the country saw King as the problem. . . not the systemic racism crippling America. [The FBI under Hoover came after him, and Ali and Jim Brown for their civil rights work.]

So, into that maelstrom he strode at the March on Washington in 1963 -- and sat himself directly behind King, in full TV camera view, to let the world know where he stood. On opposing courts, and even occasionally in Boston, he endured hateful racist taunts, while playing, as he had endured decades of the scorching racism of the Monroe, Louisiana of his youth, by then.

He backed Ali's stance (going to jail) to avoid the draft and being sent to Vietnam.

He ALSO was of course, the first black man to be named a head coach of any major franchise in any pro sports league in America. And throughout his entire life, he remained true to his early ideals.

I must note that he was ALSO possessed of what is likely the most infectious laugh, of any public persona. . . ever. Travel well, Mr. Russell. We will miss you.

नमस्ते