Video: Revisiting the time Bill Russell gave the middle finger to Charles Barkley, Vince Carter, and others
The NBA world is mourning the death of one of the most legendary players in league history, Bill Russell. The former Boston Celtics great had one of the most stacked resumes in basketball. His record of 11 NBA titles has stood the test of time.
Even after retiring from the game, Bill Russell gave the world many great moments to remember. One of them was when he flipped off Charles Barkley on national television.
It happened during Chuck's 2018 NBA Awards speech, where he was conferring Oscar Robertson with the Lifetime Achievement award. The clip went viral on the internet.
That time Bill Russell flipped off Charles Barkley during the 2019 NBA Awards show 😆 https://t.co/mLNvhia4mx
The Celtics great did apologize for his actions in the form of a tweet.
"Sorry everyone, I forgot it was live TV & I can't help myself whenever I see Charles, it just is pure instinct."
This was not the only moment when Russell unleashed his the finger. The legendary center also flipped off Vince Carter and clicked a picture with Chauncey Billups while holding up his middle finger.
Bill Russell loved flipping everyone the bird apparently... Vince Carter was hit and Vlade Divac loved it 😂
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Chauncey Billups x Bill Russell 😂 https://t.co/h27zeBsqUR
Bill Russell was a true legend in the sport
Aside from basketball, Bill Russell was a very important part of the fight against racism. Right from his childhood, he went turbulent times due to the inequality black people had to face across the world.
But Bill Russell fought back. In 1961, he refused to play in an exhibition game alongside his teammates as they were refused service at a local restaurant for being black.
NBA legend Bill Russell has died at the age of 88.
Russell was an 11x NBA champion, 5x league MVP, 2x NCAA champion and an Olympic gold medalist https://t.co/cKYWkNMvU4
He also created history by becoming the first black coach in the NBA.
Although he retired from the game in 1969, Bill Russell continues to be a symbol of greatness. His success in the NBA Finals was such that the league decided to rename the Finals MVP trophy after him.
He helped the Celtics dominate the late '50s and '60s, winning 11 championships. Before winning the NBA, Bill Russell had a successful college career with the University of San Fransico. He helped them win two NCAA titles.
RIP to the legend Bill Russel
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A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. https://t.co/RdYcnuCrmb
His death at the age of 88 is a big loss to the entire basketball community. But he will live forever in the hearts of basketball fans.