5 celebrities the late Bill Russell gave the middle finger to, including Charles Barkley, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and more
News of the passing of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell has shocked the basketball world. It has also given people an opportunity to look back on his life and contributions to the sport.
Having lived till the age of 88, Russell had a full life. He retired as one of the most successful athletes in sporting history. After an illustrious 13-year career that resulted in 11 NBA titles and five MVP awards, Bill Russell is undoubtedly one of the greatest to have ever graced the court.
He retired after winning his final NBA title with the Celtics in 1969. He also had his #6 jersey retired by the Boston Celtics in 1975.
Although Russell retired, the competitive fire in him stayed strong. Having stayed in Boston for his entire career, the mentality and cheeky banter that are characteristics of the city stayed with him.
Russell was often seen taunting celebrities and former athletes in his unique manner, flipping them off even in old age. Here are some of the celebrities Bill Russell gave the middle finger to:
#1 Charles Barkley
As Barkley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar prepared to honor Bill Russell at the NBA Awards event, the Celtics legend pulled off a cheeky move. Russell was hilariously caught on national television flipping off Barkley in the middle of his statement of gratitude.
Bill Russell gave Charles Barkley the middle finger on live TV...amazing
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Russell went on to apologize on Twitter shortly after. He mentioned that when it came to Barkley, him showing the finger was "pure instinct". Barkley also took no offense to the incident as he felt it was one of the coolest things to happen to him.
#2 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Bill Russell was closely connected to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Although Abdul-Jabbar joined the league a year after Russell retired, the Celtics legend has always had a bone to pick with the Lakers legend.
As was the case with Charles Barkley, Russell was seen flipping off Abdul-Jabbar at a Lakers game.
However, Russell's statement directed towards other great centers in the NBA remains one of his most iconic interactions. He once pointed at Abdul-Jabbar, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson and Dikembe Mutombo and said:
"I would kick your ass."
Bill Russell points at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson and Dikembe Mutombo and says "I would kick your ass"
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