After 44 years, Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell has accepted his Hall of Fame ring.
Russell was the first African-American player to be elected into the Hall of Fame back in 1975. However, the former Celtics superstar refused to be the first black player to go into the Hall of Fame for particular reasons.
Via Jasmyn Wimbish of CBS Sports:
Russell said he “refused being the first black player to go into the Hall of Fame,” and felt “others before me should have that honor.” The 11-time champion then went on to show support for Chuck Cooper who was only just recently enshrined in the Hall of Fame in September.
In a private ceremony w/my wife & close friends A.Mourning @AnnMeyers @billwalton & others I accepted my #HOF ring. In ‘75 I refused being the 1st black player to go into the @Hoophall I felt others before me should have that honor. Good to see progress; ChuckCooperHOF19 @NBA pic.twitter.com/2FI5U7ThTg
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) November 15, 2019
Russell, as we all know, is one of the best players in NBA history. He spent his entire career with the Celtics, where he won 11 titles, five MVP awards and made the All-Star team 12 times.
In 963 games with the Celtics, Russell averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He shot 44.0 percent from the field. Blocks weren't a stat when Russell was playing, otherwise he would have put up massive numbers in that category.
This is a great moment for Russell. The Celtics, as an organization, are happy that Russell finally got his Hall of Fame ring.
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