"Dad had reasons to kneel with Kaepernick": Bill Russell's daughter compares father's situation with Scottie Scheffler detention
Hall of Famer Bill Russell was a fierce advocate for social justice both during and after his NBA playing career. From the early 60s when the Celtics star led a protest after being turned away at a coffee shop in Kentucky, to his participation in the March on Washington, Russell was always at the forefront of social justice campaigns.
Later in his life, Russell continued to be a staunch supporter of various social justice movements, particularly during the Black Lives Matter movement in the US. In one instance, when then-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick was making waves for deciding to kneel during the national anthem, Russell decided to weigh in.
While some felt as though Kaepernick's decision to kneel, which was created by him and a US Armed Forces service member, was disrespectful, Russell supported him.
In a post on the platform formerly known as Twitter, Russell posted a photo, showing himself kneeling while wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom. In the caption, he indicated that he was proud to take a knee, and to stand tall against social injustice.
The viral moment caused quite a stir, and in the wake of golfer Scottie Scheffler's arrest on Friday morning, was revisited by Russell's daughter. In response to a post from former NFL player Robert Griffin III questioning how an athlete who was arrested could still compete hours later, Russell's daughter wrote:
"I could tweet all day about my Dad, Bill Russell being pulled over by the cops for nonsense like driving while Black. Daddy had many reasons for kneeling with @Kaepernick7."
Looking at the arrest of Scottie Scheffler and what it has to do with Bill Russell
The arrest of accomplished golfer Scottie Scheffler made waves on Friday. According to a report from Yahoo Sports, a traffic accident resulted in the death of one person outside of a Kentucky Golf Club where the PGA Championship is being held.
While trying to circumnavigate the accident, PGA golfer Scottie Scheffler was stopped by a police officer. Allegedly, despite the orders of the officer, he decided to drive off, dragging the officer with him for 10-15 yards leading to what is being called quote-unquote minor injuries.
After being arrested for one felony, two misdemeanors and a traffic violation, Scheffler was released. As he explained in a statement to those in attendance, as relayed by Wave 3:
"This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do.
"I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today."
As many, including former NFL player Robert Griffin III and Bill Russell's daughter seemingly indicated on social media, they believe race played a part. Had Scheffler, a caucasian American, been of a race similar to Bill Russell, the belief seems to be that he wouldn't have been able to make his tee time to compete.