Russell remembers Robinson
NBA legend Bill Russell spoke to the media Friday night at the TD Banknorth Garden, where he and seven others were being honored for the 50th anniversary of Boston’s first NBA championship.
Russell touched on many topics, including his relationship with Jackie Robinson.
“Well, first of all we were friends,” said Russell. “He was everybody’s hero, especially in the projects. I went down to New York when he was playing golf and walked 18 holes with him and when he died Rachel (his wife) called me the next day and said she wanted me to be a pallbearer at his funeral. He was everybody’s hero, especially mine, so I said ‘Can I ask why?’ And she said, ‘you were his favorite player.’
“I was dumbfounded, overwhelmed. My question to myself was ‘How do I get to be a hero to Jackie Robinson?’ That was one of the most flattering things of my career.”
Russell remembers Robinson for more than baseball.
“He was a scholar athlete, an intelligent man and a strong man. And he set examples of how you can be successful and be your own man at the same time.”
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