Bill Russell issued a statement in support of NBA players' protest. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Russell issues powerful statement in support of NBA players

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated 8/26/20

The NBA brotherhood has a significant ally standing behind them.

Retired Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell tweeted a powerful statement on Wednesday expressing his support for the NBA players’ boycott. Russell said that he was “moved” by the gesture and “so proud” of the players. He also applauded Kenny Smith for walking off the set of “Inside the NBA” in solidarity. Russell then closed his statement by quoting the late Congressman John Lewis.

I’m moved by all the @NBA players for standing up for what is right. To my man @TheJetOnTNT I would like to say Thank you for what you did to show your support for the players. I am so proud of you. Keep getting in good trouble. @NBAonTNT @ESPNNBA @espn #NBAPlayoffs

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) August 26, 2020

The Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to boycott Game 5 of their first-round series amid the Jacob Blake shooting led to all three scheduled playoff games on Wednesday being postponed. Russell, meanwhile, is an icon not only of the sport but of the civil rights movement as well. The 86-year-old often faced racism during his playing career in Boston and was at the forefront of the efforts for social change in the 1960s and onward. In fact, Russell helped orchestrate the most recent and only other time that NBA players have boycotted a game back in 1961.

We’ve only ever seen NBA players boycott a game ONCE. It was an exhibition game in 1961 and Bill Russell with a handful of other Celtics sat out in protest of racial injustice.. the fact we are still doing this 50 years later for the SAME THING should be incredibly telling.

— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) August 26, 2020

Russell has remained socially active in recent years as well. It has to be uplifting for today’s players knowing a living legend like Russell is firmly in their corner.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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