Not that the public demands an explanation, but Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell still went out of his way to clarify his hilarious gesture towards Charles Barkley during Monday night’s NBA Awards.

Via Russell’s Twitter account:

Sorry everyone, I forgot it was live TV & I can’t help myself whenever I see Charles it just is pure instinct.

Right after Barkley said “thank you” to Russell, the latter was caught flipping off the former Philadelphia 76ers star. It obviously was done in jest, as evidenced by the crowd inside the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica bursting in giggles and laughter.

Russell is 84, and people that old could be forgiven for sometimes forgetting the setting they are in. We are also not expecting the NBA to give the Hall of Famer a hefty fine. Russell is pretty much untouchable in the NBA. With 11 rings and five MVP awards, who’s there to stop Russell from having a little bit of fun even though it comes at the expense of other Hall of Famers such as Charles Barkley?

Russell and Barkley apparently just have a friendly relationship, perhaps similar to the symbiosis of Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, though, we are not so sure if Barkley could just laugh it all off if it was Shaq flashing the middle finger at him.

More Boston Celtics News
Luke Kornet in Spurs jersey, Luka Garza in Celtics jersey on a generic celtics or nba background
Luke Kornet, Luka Garza moves highlight Celtics’ new cap realityDaniel Donabedian ·
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) shoots a free throw during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden.
Celtics replace Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet with former Timberwolves center Luka GarzaZachary Draves ·
Class of 2021 inductee Paul Pierce speaks alongside presenter Kevin Garnett during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement at MassMutual Center.
Celtics’ Paul Pierce reacts to Kevin Garnett’s ‘point’ on Achilles tearsJosh Davis ·
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) warms up before playing against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden.
Warriors rumors: Al Horford emerges as Dubs’ ‘preferred target’ in free agencyAlex House ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) with a member of the medical staff on the court after an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tatum would leave the game with an injury after this play.
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum seen going hard in the gym during Achilles rehabGuillermo Guajardo ·
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots a free throw in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden with Paul Pierce in the background
Paul Pierce’s ‘hope’ for Celtics amid Jaylen Brown trade rumorsJosue Pavon ·