former president of the united states Barack Obamaformer NBA players Michael Jordan, Earvin Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal, coach Gregg Popovich and former tennis player Billie Jean King This Sunday, they expressed their condolences for the death of the 88-year-old. invoice russelllegend boston celts.

“We lost a giant today. As tall as Bill Russell, his legacy is much higherBoth as an actor and at a human level,” he wrote. Barack Obama on his Twitter account.

Born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1934, Russell won eleven championships NBA in thirteen seasons He was one of the most heavyweight American athletes in the Boston Celtics and in the fight for equality.

He was the first African-American coach in the history of the sport. He is American and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Obama in 2011.

Farewell to Michael Jordan

“Bill Russell was a pioneer as a player, as a champion.“As an activist, as the NBA’s first African-American coach,” Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, said in a message released by his Charlotte Hornets.

“He was an example to every African-American player who came to the league after him., including me. The world has lost a legend. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.”

MJ joined Scottie Pippen his partner in the legendary Bulls winning cycle,He described Russell as “the icon of a champion”.in every sense of the word.”

“He was an innovator who broke through barriers and was outstanding on the track as well as off the track.”

LeBron and Shaq fired a pioneer

“Today, the basketball community must learn of the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. We will never forget you,” LeBron James wrote on Instagram. after receiving news of the death of the eleven-time NBA champion.

“Thank you for guiding me. You will be missed legend” was the message posted by Shaquille O’Neal.He played in Boston in the 2010-2011 season.

Magic Johnson is heartbroken

Jordan joined magic johnsonwhich had Strong bond of friendship with Bill Russell.

“It breaks my heart to learn of the death of the greatest winner in basketball history, a legend, a Hall of Famer. A mentor and friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell”Earvin Magic Johnson, who played for the Lakers from 1979 to 1991, said.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich lauded Bill Russell and thought that beyond his outstanding sporting results, his “biggest achievement” was represented as follows. “Sixty years spent fighting tirelessly for civil rights.”

An example of Billie Jean King

Messages of praise came from the tennis world for Bill Russell.

“Bill Russell was a unique athlete-activist. He healed everyone around him. he was a pioneer and paved the way for many. I’ve admired him my whole life and he’s had a huge impact on my career. He was a leader, a teammate, and a born champion” message by former tennis player Billie Jean King.

Billie Jean King is one of the biggest names in American sport worldwide, as Bill Russell has done with concrete actions against discrimination throughout his career. Fight for gender equality.

NBA, grateful

The message the Commissioner sent was particularly heartfelt. NBAAdamSilver.

“Bill Russell was the ultimate champion in team sports. The numerous accolades he has received in his historic career, including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards with the Boston Celtics, only partially explain Bill’s tremendous impact on our league and society, Adam Silver said on behalf of the NBA.

“Bill fought for something much bigger than sport: the values ​​of equality, respect and inclusivity that were inscribed in the DNA of our league. At the height of his sporting career, Bill fought fiercely for civil rights and social justice and created a legacy that has passed on to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps.”