while he anchored a boston celtics dynasty, he started playing in oakland and san francisco. chris alvarez joining us with a look at russell's incredible career. >> bill russell is one of the greatest athletes not only in the bay area but all of american sports. moving to oakland as a child, went to mcclymonds high school before a legendary career at the university of san francisco. he was inducted into the hall of fame. once he went into the nba, he won 11 championships in 13 seasons with the celtics. here is russell in 1996 on the social impact he made for how athletes reviewed. >> i think i had a lot to do with the respect athletes are treated with, black and white. >> one of my dad's favorite quotes as he is not sure about heaven. heaven could be a step down for him. for him, heaven was playing for the boston celtics with those guys. >> in 2011 at the age of 77, russell was awarded the presidential medal of freedom. nba commissioner adam silver released a statement saying bill russell was the rate is champion in all of team sports and highlighted russell's impact on civil

russell was drafted by the boston celtics in 1956, the second player taken over with the celtics, russell established himself as one of the dominant players in the game winning 11 nba championships nine as a player to as a player coach. russell was the first african american head coach in the league and five times mvp. dating back to his days at usf. russell had always been an advocate for civil rights. among his many examples of activism. he was part of the cleveland summit in 1967 surrounded here by jim brown, kareem abdul jabbar and others in support of muhammad ali. in his later years , russell was the coach of the seattle supersonics in sacramento kings. he was inducted into the basketball hall of fame and in 2011 received the presidential medal of freedom. the league's finals mvp award bears his name something steve kerr has seen his players receive. bill has always been somebody who the entire n b a has looked up to and revered. and today is a day to celebrate his incredible life and to mourn his passing. bill's life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court. as we all

a boston celtics legend and basketball hall of fame passed away peacefully earlier today.olympic gold medalist as well as the first black head coach. at the age of 77, he was awarded the presidential medal of freedom. here is steve kerr on the life and legacy of bill russell. >> bills life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court as we all know. he was an incredible voice in the fight for an equal and just society. during a time when it was very difficult for athletes to speak up, bill russell was fearless in his quest to ask for and to demand social justice for african-american people around this country and around the world. bill has always been somebody who the entire nba has looked up to and revered and today is a day to celebrate his incredible life and to mourn his passing and to also send our thoughts to his family. bill russell, from the warriors organization, rest in peace. you were an amazing man. chris: transitioning to football, six weeks from today the 49ers open the regular season in chicago. for the first time the pads will come on. san francis

i was a player of coach of the boston celtics. and so they said, look you are the first black coach in the nba. and in fact you are the first black coach, manager, in baseball, football, basketball, in the major-league. what about that? i said to them, if fred had ever saw me to this is a great social experience -- experiment i would have nothing to do with it. the only reason i do it is because i am convinced that i am the best person for the job. [laughter] [applause] so, what i would try to do, everything in my life, was based on merit. and i expected all other people i surround myself with. to do the same. and now jim and i have known each other since college. and he was use to tell me all the time that he was a debtor basketball player that i was. -- anyway. [laughter] average 38 points a game. i said jim, no. [applause] -- i said to him one time, i sit you know i think you're one of the greatest athlete in the 20th century. but leave basketball alone. [laughter] jim saw and i supported -- if you don't have any wherewithal to

here's anne thompson >> bill russell, the backbone of the world champion boston celtics. >> reporter: bill russell never backed down on the court or off it while winning an unmatched 11 nba titles in 13 years with the boston celtics, he used his fame and stature to fight for civil rights >> i did what i thought i could do to help change it >> it is very easy to hide your head in the sand you know, when you make money and things are going well for you, you don't want to risk it. but he was willing to put everything on the line to use his position to move our society forward. >> reporter: he led a walkout of black celtics players when they were refused service at a kentucky restaurant in 1961 joined dr. martin luther king jr. in the march on washington and sported mohammed ali, then called cassius clay >> nine top negro athletes meet with cashious clay to discuss his activist stand. >> reporter: russell was asked to be a paul bearer at jackie robinson's funeral he was described as a flea market of racism, the star was taunted and heckled, his home vandalized four decades later -- >> bil

russell join the boston celtics and let them to their first nba championship.ussell as their centerpiece went on to win 8 straight nba titles and a total of 11. the final 2 were russell as a player coach. the first black head coach in nba history. here's more on the larger than life historical figure and the impact he made. >> undeniably the greatest winner of any athlete in american team sports. bill russell was born in monroe, louisiana, but with an oakland native from the age of 8, as his parents moved the family west to escape the jim crow segregation of the south, russell's basketball prowess was in the media. he didn't start a game at mcclymonds high school and wasn't a contributor until his junior year when he along with future major league baseball hall of famer frank robinson helped lead the warriors to back-to-back titles in the tournament of champions. the precursor to today's california state championships. the defensive oriented in low scoring russell was largely ignored by college recruiters. but after watching him in a high school game, a scout f

he anchored a boston celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 years. russell also earned his last 2 nba titles as not only a player coach, but the first black coach in any major u.s. sport at the height of his career, they'll advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice. president obama awarded the medal of freedom back in 2011 alongside congressman john lewis. russell died today at 88 years old. his family has not yet mentioned a cause of death. bay area leaders are remembering russell today. oakland mayor libby schaff remembering him as someone who stood up for racial equality and social justice calling him an inspiration to us all we are, of course, going to continue our coverage on this story coming up in kron 4 sports. and later tonight during prime time. the nation's also morning, another fallen star today. actress michelle nichols has passed away at the age of 89 nichols broke barriers for black women in hollywood as star trek's lieutenant who during the 60's. the trailblazer also broke racial stereotypes during that time, widely kno

the high school, usf, boston celtics. he won at every level. and raised the level of play of his teammates. game changer. reaction from around the sports landscape has been vast. no one player had a more dominant run in a team sport over a 15-year span than russell. mark spiers, espn senior writer was telling me stories about russell and a certain san francisco music icon who was one of those who got the best of russell. >> tells me the story that he beat bill russell in college in a long jump. johnny mathis. and so he said every time they would go to l.a. and he would hang out with russ, bill russ, mr. russell, he would say, they called him russ. i didn't. hey, let's go to johnny mathis's house. my mom loved johnny mathis christmas albums, right? they would go to johnny mathis' house and all mathis would do is give him a hard time about how he beat him in the long jump. >> a good story. a deeper dive on russell the first african american inducted to the basketball hall of fame tonight on game day. now it's a segue to baseball. giants, you bet,

the long-time boston celtics and coach was a chi champion of the civil rights movement. >> vern glenn on a life and legacy that goes far beyond the basketball court. >> reporter: russell started in high school. led to two state titles. then it was off to usf where he led the dons to 55 straight wins and back-to-back national championships. he played 13 seasons in the nba. won 11 titles with the boston celtics, the last two as the league's first player coach. >> he was a leader but he was a quiet leader. he didn't yell at you. he didn't bark commands out there on the court. >> reporter: long-time warnock broadcaster jim barnett was drafted by the celtics in 1966. he played one season alongside russell. how long was it before he actually called you jim? >> i think mostly it was barnett during the rookie season. >> reporter: russell used his platform to become a key voice for african americans and was quick to call out racial injustices like this one in marion, indiana. >> after playing the game, driving in on a bus, playing a game in 1961, and getting the key to the city and then they g

russell rains incurring the boston celtics dynasty to 11 championships in 13 years winning his last 2 as the first african-american head coach of any major u.s. poor. nobody had a big impact on the nba for sports and bill russell. but for jim vincent, president of the naacp, providence branch, he was my hero and middle school and high school. it was about much more than russell's prolific problems on the court. it was his activism during the civil rights movement. i stand on the wall i can do as well as russell's voice for the voiceless. it was difficult going up in the so how you conduct yourself as a as a teenager in the world this of time with unforgiving in terms of. >> we >> solely based on her wrist russell, a man who marched with martin luther king junior as he delivered his i have a dream speech stood by muhammad ali after he refused joining the military draft in vinson says russell advocated vigorously for the generations to come. he spoke out and said that american is promise that all men are created equal. he brought that out in time that it doesn't risk in terms of your ca

russell was special known for winning 11 nba championships with the boston celtics, and he later becamehe league's first black head coach , gregg legans, has more now on the death of the sports icon and activist who had strong ties to the bay area. bill russell, six ft 10 inch center of the san francisco dunn's biggest wheel in the collegiate basketball circuit. but first party game played cal berkeley, the senate was preseason all america first five shots. he took a blocked bill russell's legendary skills on the court began at usf. it was during those college years when former san francisco mayor willie brown at sf state cross paths with russell attending usf , few black college students that they were at our age. interacted with each other. socially. fraternal organizations. and other kinds of things that young people did in those days. mayor brown and the rest of the world watched as russell turned professional playing for the boston celtics under coach red auerbach, talk with read my rookie year and he said, do you know how good you are? you're the best player player. best of all. r

russell was drafted by the boston celtics in 56, the second player taken overall that year with the celticsl established himself as one of the dominant players in the game winning 11 nba championships nine, is a player to as a player coach. russell was the first african american head coach in the league and five time m v p dating back to his days at usf. russell had always been an advocate for civil rights. among his many examples of activism, part of the cleveland summit in 1967 surrounded there by jim brown, kareem abdul jabbar and others in support of muhammad ali. in his later years, russell was the coach of the seattle supersonics and sacramento kings. he was inducted into the basketball hall of fame in 2011 received the presidential medal of freedom in 2011, the league's finals mvp award, bears his name something steve kerr has seen his players receive. bill has always been somebody who the entire n b a has looked up to and revered. and today is a day to celebrate his incredible life and to mourn his passing. bill's life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court. as we al

for example, i was the player-coach of the boston celtics. they said, you are the first black coach in the nba. in fact, you are the first black coach managing in football, baseball, or basketball in the major leads. what about that? and i said to them, if redhead ever said to me -- if red ever said to me, this is a great social experiment, i would've had nothing to do with it. the only reason i did it was because i was convinced i was the best person for the job. [applause] what i tried to do, everything in my life. i expected all the people i surround myself with. jim and i have known each other since college. and he used to tell me all the time that he was the greatest best ballplayer. [laughter] no. [laughter] i said to him one time, you know, i think you're one of the greatest athletes if not the greatest in the 20th century. but leave basketball alone. [laughter] jim saw and i support it, if you don't have any wherewithal to exercise influence, and then you will never succeed in exercising influence. and i tried to live a life that woul

who we know speak of the boston celtics 11 time champion with the celtics. but perhaps more important low is civil right's pioneer. we know him as a basketball player, his contributions off the court exceeded what hoe did on the court. the other one, yesterday was vince skill. we are all giant's fans he was a dodger. 87 years as the voice of the dodgers but an incredible man and pinormal in our sport. i wanted to acknowledge those before i started. >> what an incredible day it is to be here with you all. to celebrate the grounds breaking for the bayfront park. as we go back i'm looking arc lots of you involved throughout the process, the vision in bringing the warriors here in chase center in san francisco. what we talk about, the park was always a huge part. i hear peter in my head talking about every detail of what this park was going to be and how it would compliment when we were doing across the street. talked going from a basketball team and sport and entertainment company the basketball team was the center piece we celebrate our fourth championship in

who we know speak of the boston celtics 11 time champion with the celtics. perhaps more important low is civil right's pioneer. we know him as a basketball player, his contributions off the court exceeded what hoe did on the court. the other one, yesterday was vince skill. we are all giant's fans he was a dodger. 87 years as the voice of the dodgers but an incredible man and pinormal in our sport. i wanted to acknowledge those before i started. >> what an incredible day it is to be here with you all. to celebrate the grounds breaking for the bayfront park. as we go back i'm looking arc lots of you involved throughout the process, the vision in bringing the warriors here in chase center in san francisco. what we talk about, the park was always a huge part. i hear peter in my head talking about every detail of what this park was going to be and how it would compliment when we were doing across the street. talked going from a basketball team and sport and entertainment company the basketball team was the center piece we celebrate our fourth championship in 8 ye

made the trade request after the nets were swept by the boston celtics in first round of the nba playoffs. >>> still to come, life expectancy rates. we will tell you the state where americans live the longest. thes have been hard on everyone. and teens are no exception. but pfizer has some welcome news for parents. now there is an fda-approved vaccine for 12 to 15 year-olds to help protect against covid-19, with protection against severe illness, too. over 9 million 12 to 15 year-olds have received it. you shouldn't get the vaccine if you've had an allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients. serious allergic reactions can happen. rare cases of inflammation of the heart muscle and outer lining have been reported. people with weakened immune systems may have lower response to the vaccine. the most common side effects were injection site pain, redness and swelling, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. ask your doctor or pharmacist about the most widely used covid-19 vaccine in the u.s. our vaccine, named comirnaty, is now fda-approved for ages 12 and up.

he won 11 nba championships in 13 years as the star of the boston celtics, of course also became thep level in any american sport. russell faced vicious racism during his career. he went onto forge a legacy of activism, inspiring generations on and off the court. nbc's anne thompson has a lot more. >> bill russell was simply a winner. like many children in boston, i grew up cheering for russell as the celtics' center and then player coach. but it wasn't until i was an adult that i could appreciate what a force russell was in sports and society and all he endured that made him an american legend. >> the only really important thing was to try to win every game. >> heralded as the ultimate team player, bill russell dominated basketball. >> what a play by russell! >> russell won two national college championships and olympic gold before leading the boston celtics to eight straight nba titles and a total of 11 in 13 years, later becoming pro basketball's first black head coach. but this morning he's also being remembered as a trail blazing activist fighting for equality on and off the cou

the school's only championships he went on to play for the boston celtics winning 11 nba championships. but in a statement from the warriors, they say he was more than just a basketball great. but while the accolades on the court were immense, it was his overall impact is a pioneer on multiple levels that will leave the greatest legacy from his iconic life and career warriors. head coach steve kerr echoed that sentiment. those life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court. as we all know, brosseau was in his quest to. >> to ask for and to demand social for african-american people around this country around the world. it was for his work on and off the court that president barack obama awarded him the presidential medal of freedom in 2011. >> president obama released a statement saying he was a civil rights trailblazer. >> marching with doctor king and standing with muhammad ali for decades. bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what's right. i learned so much from the way he played the way he coached and the way he lived his li

russell led the boston celtics their first nba championship. boston with russell is their centerpiece. went on to win 8 straight nba titles and 11 total. the final 2 with russell as a player coach, the first black head coach in nba history. however, russell's remember, just it's as much for the work he did off the court to fight racism throughout his life. russell was a strong advocate for civil rights and racial equality. he works tirelessly to make the world a better place. russell received the presidential medal freedom award in 2011 and the nba lifetime achievement award in 2017. tonight, people around the world are mourning this loss with reactions pouring in across social media. here's what we're years. head coach steve kerr had to say. >> what a sad day today to hear of bills passing at the age of 88, especially for those of us in the bay area. >> wasn't mcclymonds high. >> a 2 time and see a champion at usf. and of course, the greatest nba champion of all time with the boston but girl's life meant so much more than just his exploits on t

russell wore the green and white of the boston celtics.heir heroism was not defined by the uniforms they wore. as we mark their passing, i'm wondering, can we see past the red or the blue or the r or the d and see any modern hero who is simply can say, right is right? much more in a moment. thoughts around the table on russell. and by the way, who is the russell of today, when "cnn tonight" continues. by the way, i'm obviously uhura. so, that's obviously settled. thank you. we'll be right back. the unknown is not empty. it's a storm that crashes, and consumes, replacing thought with worry. but one thing can calm uncertainty. replacing an answer.th worry. uncovered through exploration, teamwork, and innovation. an answer that leads to even more answers. mayo clinic. you know where to go. it's hard to believe mint's new family plan is just $15 a month per person. so, i've asked my wife and plan member, to back me up. you're not my wife. no, i just stand in for her on set during the boring stuff. the boring stuff? are you kidding, i'm announc

bill russell who ultimately became a player koefrp of the boston celtics also had a great partner inh and refusing to play in lexington, kentucky, in 1961 when the players were refused service and standing at a time when it was a controversial move for the greatest basketball player, a boston celtic and a champion, if you will, an all-star, a great risk he was willing to take, but he ailso, you have to remember, bill russell is measured in his commentary and not prone to hot or high rhetoric, but very principled in what he stood for, and i am just -- for our generation, ty he was the greatest and no team bfrp or since had managed him him and challenged him in 12 years. >> yo know will ever rin chchl onships in any of the great purpose sprt. >> a great black man, great leader. >> first black coach in the nba. >> always good to see you. cnbc diving deeper into the jobs report and what it means for the economy. we have a special report tonight at 6:00 p.m. eastern "inside jobs." get it "inside jobs" hosted by eamon javers be sure to watch and stick around for "the news" with shepard smi

sure about heaven, it could be a step down for them because for him, heaven was playing with the boston celtics. chris: at age 70 seven he was awarded the presidential medal of freedom. adam silver says bill russell was the greatest champion in all of sports and he highlighted his impact on social justice issues and civil rights. we will have more on his life and accomplishments, including what steve kerr had to say about the american icon. dion: leaving behind a legacy. thanks. summer street fair return to san francisco with changes. the dori allie fair is back with strong precautions against monkeypox. cornell barnard spoke with organizers and attendees about concerns. >> it is good to see one of the last vestiges of the out and about things surviving. reporter: russ bono from paul springs never misses the street fair that is a celebration of all things fetish. angel says this year the timing of a recent state of emergency over monkeypox has raised concerns. >> in previous years it was body to body and that is not the case. reporter: the scaled-down event stretched several blocks. no alcohol

the boston celtics legend and the first black head coach in major u.s.sports passed away today at the age of 88. tributes are pouring in from the sports world and beyond. magic johnson called russell's death a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world, adding russell was my idol. i looked up to him on the court and off. his success on the court was undeniable. off the court he paved the way for guys like me. nba commissioner adam silva called russell the ultimate winner and says the impact on the nba will be felt forever. former president barack obama called him the greatest champion in nba history and a civil rights trailblazer. earlier on cnn, nba legend isaiah thomas recalled idolizing russell. >> i actually remember vividly, and i think it was either in the '73 or '74 when busing was starting to be in. they were integrating the schools in boston, and i was walking out of the dorm. my mom grabbed me by the collar and said you've got to stay here and you've got to watch this. i said, mom, i'm going to be late for school. stay here and watch this

but as much as 11 champions, 11 mind you, with the boston celtics in the historical marker being theack head coach, in any major team. before he was inducted into the hall of fame, bill russell was a man who defended muhammad ali, he's refusal to be drafted. while he was red auerbach's great player, he would go on to march on the washington for jobs and freedom. he would sit in the very first row, watching dr. martin luther king's i have a dream speech. went to black teammates refused service as a hotel coffee shop, he refused to sit back and take it. >> i told ray, were leaving because it's important to me that everybody everywhere knows that the black players are deciding will stand up for themselves. >> he knew the power of sports to shine a spotlight, even in the areas where some wanted us to look away. he would spend his life standing up for those that he saw is doing the right thing. -- from racism, it didn't shield him from prison by any stretch of the imagination. this fight for equality here on earth would earn him the presidential medal of freedom. and in another arena, non

boston at the garden. you helped bring glory here, 11 championships here. what does it feel like to be here on this court? >> i never was comfortable playing for the celticsoston herald and they didn't like the idea of the nba having black players. >> you brought championships here in a time when it was hard to be a black man. was it difficult to be celebrated on the court, but then off of it not treated equal? >> first of all, i was never separated on the court. when i got there, the star was bob koozi. bill russell taps it in. >> i had a game where i had 25 points, 25 rebounds, ten blocks and the boston herald said i was lucky i got to play. >> i'm not a basketball player. i am a man who plays basketball. bill russell the man is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men. >> bill russell wasn't just an icon for basketball fans. to rally behind on the floor of the boston garden on any given night, he was an icon for black america. using his profile to highlight racism and inequality. here with muhammad ali and other top black athletes in 1967, backing ali's decision refusing the vietnam war draft. at the march alongside dr. king in washin

russell led the boston celtics their first nba championship.centerpiece. went on to win 8 straight nba titles and 11 total. the final 2 with russell as a player coach, the first black head coach in nba history. however, russell's remember, just it's as much for the work. he did ask the court to fight racism throughout his life. russell was a strong advocate for civil rights and racial equality. he works tirelessly to make the world a better place. russell received the presidential medal freedom award in 2011 and the nba lifetime achievement award in 2017. people around the world are mourning this loss with reactions pouring in across social media. here's what we're years. head coach steve kerr had to say. %> what a sad day to hear. >> of bills passing at the age of 88, especially for those of us in the bay area. wasn't mcclymonds high. a 2 time and see a champion at usf. and of course, the greatest nba champion of all time with the boston but those life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court. as we all know, he was an incredible

musically won 11 nba championships during his 13 year career with the boston celtics. before that he won 2 ncaa championships while playing at the university of san francisco in 1955 and 56 at the age of 8 he moved to oakland from west monroe, louisiana. attend icicle before going to usf. basketball was certainly not his only story. he spent most of his life fighting for social justice and civil rights. tonight he is being remembered by many. >> certainly we all lost a giant. not only somebody who was one of the all-time greats on the court, but also someone that fought for racial injustice off the court his whole life, and it is a very sad day, but when you think about it he lived a very full life and in my view achieved so much. it is a sad day, but certainly it is a life that everybody will celebrate. >> tonight he is being remembered throughout the sports world and across the country. the warriors tweeted this afternoon bill russell who spent many of his years in the bay area was a true giant in the game of basketball and more importantly in the game of life. well

won 11 titles with the boston celtics. last two as the league's first player coach. >> he was a leader but a quiet leader. he didn't yell at you. he didn't bark commands out there on the court. >> long time warrior's broadcaster jim barnett was drafted by the celtics in 1966. he played one season alongside russell. >> how long was it before he actually called you jim? >> i think mostly it was barnett during that rookie season. >> reporter: russell used his platform to become a key voice for african americans and quick to call out racial injustices like this one in marion, indiana. >> after playing the game, driving in on a bus, playing a game in 1961, and getting the key to the city and then they go back to the hotel and they're not able to stay there with the other white players and bill russell goes and wakes up the mayor in the middle of the night at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning and gives him back to the key to the city. >> bill russell could reflect with pride on changing the sport and the culture of our nation. [ appla

russell won 11 nba titles, 5 mvp awards in 13 seasons with the boston celtics. >> russell steals theh advocate for social equality and justice, he became the first black coach in major u.s. sports. >> i think i had to do with a lot of the respect. >> in our century we've learned not to fear words. >> nichols broke barriers in 1966, she was one of the few faces of color in all of tv. >> this is your nasa. >> reporter: outpushing the government to train -- he was 38 years old. bill russell was 88. they indeed lived long and prospered. that's "nightline" for this

russell led the boston celtics their first nba championship. and 11 total. the final 2 with russell as a player coach, the first black head coach in nba history. however, russell's remember, just it's as much for the work. he did ask the court to fight racism throughout his life. russell was a strong advocate for civil rights and racial equality. he works tirelessly to make the world a better place. russell received the presidential medal freedom award in 2011 and the nba lifetime achievement award in 2017. people around the world are mourning this loss with reactions pouring in across social media. here's what we're years. head coach steve kerr had to say. >> what a sad day to hear of bills passing at the age of 88, especially for those of us in the bay area. >> wasn't mcclymonds high. a 2 time and see a champion at usf. and of course, the greatest nba champion of all time with the boston but those life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court. as we all know, he was an incredible voice in. the fight for an equal and just society

russell led the boston celtics their first nba championship.r centerpiece. went on to win 8 straight nba titles and 11 total. the final 2 with russell as a player coach, the first black head coach in nba history. however, russell's remember, just it's as much for the work. he did ask the court to fight racism throughout his life. russell was a strong advocate for civil rights and racial equality. he works tirelessly to make the world a better place. russell received the presidential medal freedom award in 2011 and the nba lifetime achievement award in 2017. people around the world are mourning this loss with reactions pouring in across social media. here's what we're years. head coach steve kerr had to say. >> what a sad day to hear. >> of bills passing at the age of 88, especially for those of us in the bay area. wasn't mcclymonds high a 2 time and see a champion at usf. and of course, the greatest nba champion of all time with the boston but girl's life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court. as we all know, he was an incredib

during his nba career he wracked up 11 championships with the boston celtics. basketball isn't his only story. he was also spending most of his life fighting for social justice and civil rights tonight. this gentle giant is being remembered by many. >> certainly we all lost a giant. not only one that was one of the all time greats on the court but also, someone that fought for racial injustice off the court his whole life. and you know it's a very sad day. but when you think about it, you know bill lived a very, very full life and in my view, achieved so much. so, you know it's a sad day but certainly it's a life that everybody will celebrate. >>> tonight bill russell is being remembered throughout the sport's world and the country. bill russell was a true giant in the game of basketball and more importantly in the game of life. while the accolades on the court were immense, it was his over all impact as a pioneer that will leave the greatest legacy. former president barack obama awarded russell the presidential medal of freedom. today he tweeted, for years, ru

russell led a boston celtics dynasty and a record 11 titles, compare that to tom brady who has only won titles. while he was a champion on the court, it was what he championed off it. marching for civil rice with martin luther king jr. refusing to eat in a restaurant when they refused to serve black players on the celtics, and with mohammed ali and refused to enter the war and fight. >> i think i had a lot to do with the respect that athletes are treated with. black and white. >> reporter: in 1966 he became the first black coach of a major league team in any sport. later in life -- >> william f. russell. >> reporter: he would receive the presidential medal of freedom as someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men. >> basketball is what i do. not what i am. whatever i do, i would like to think i bring an intelligent approach to it. i work hard at it and i have a feeling of integrity. >> reporter: at 6'10", he was a force who stood tall. it was his larger than life achievements and dedication to social causes that made him a winner in basketball and in life. in 2013 the cit

almost immediate success continued when in his second season, the 6'10" center and has bostic's boston celtics when the team's first-ever nba championship. 11 total titles in russell's 13 seasons with the celtics, and the last two he won as a player and coach. >> we all lost a giant, not only somebody who was one of the all-time greats on the court, but also someone who fought for racial injustice off the court his whole life. >> president obama awarded russell the 2010 presidential medal of freedom award for his lifetime of civil rights leadership that began in the 1960s. >> he marched with king and he stood by ali, and when a restaurant refused to serve the black celtics he refused to play in the schedule game. >> nbc sports nba insider, monty poole, like russell grew up in oakland and host race in america, a candid conversation. >> he made a difference in the black kids in boston revered him. revered him >> he said he will always cherish the two personal interviews he had with the man who had such a profound influence on so many lives. >> we look at what he meant on the court, fantastic but

before he was a champion with the boston celtics, he was a standout high school player at west oaklandwill take place at 22nd and telegraph avenue. ama: now to the latest, wnba star brittney griner. russian foreign minister told reporters today that the kremlin is "ready to discuss this topic." later, a spokesperson for putin warned washington about publicizing this issue. >> what the foreign minister said this morning and said publicly that they are prepared to engage through channels we have established to do just that, and we'll be pursuing that. ama: the u.s. proposed a swap involving brittney griner and paul whelan, another u.s. jailed in the russia. it comes a day after a judge sentenced brittney griner to nine years in prison. dan a.: president biden signed two bipartisan laws to crackdown on individuals who committed fraud to receive pandemic relief funds. pres. biden: my message to those cheats, we're going to find you and we're going to make you pay back what you stole. dan a.: biden extended the statute of limitations to charge those who fraudulently used the services. the s

the hall of famer won 11 championships in 13 years with the boston celtics. he also broke barriers in 1966 as the league's first black head coach. russell spoke to "cbs mornings'" co-host nate burleson last year. >> which championship was the most special to you? was it the first one or the last one? >> the first year i was player/coach and we won a championship. >> first black coach in the nba. is that right? >> yeah. >> and you won as a player and a coach. >> yeah. >> russell's cause of death has not been released. he was 88 years old. >>> and we're also remembering actress nichelle nichols. her son said she died of natural causes. nichols broke ground for black actresses as lieutenant ohura on the "star trek" television series in the 1960s. she also reprised the role in six movies from the iconic sci-fi franchise. nichols later became a recruiter for nasa playing a key role in helping bring minorities and women into the space program. on twitter her "star trek" co-star william shatner said she was a beautiful woman and played an admirable character that di

one gold medal and an astonishing 11 nba titles in 13 years with the boston celtics. >> in the lane, russell dunks. >> reporter: winning the last two as the team's coach the first black coach in any major u.s. sport. he used his stature as one of the first black superstar athletes to fight for change in 1961, boycotting a game after he and his black teammates were denied service at a restaurant he also participated in the march on washington in 1963 in the audience as dr. martin luther king jr. delivered his "i have a dream" speech >> for us that were deeply involved, the changes were very slow >> reporter: moments highlighted by barack obama in 2011 before awarding russell the presidential medal of freedom. >> i hope one day in the streets of boston, children will look up at a statue built not only to bill russell the player, but bill russell the man. >> reporter: two years later, that would become a reality nba commissioner adam silver today called russell the greatest champion in all of team sports. magic johnson saying he is heartbroken over the passing of the greatest winner the

long ties to the bay area, and russell was best known for winning 11 nba championships with the boston celticsars. when he was a celtics head coach. he also first gained national attention , thereby leading the university of san francisco dawn's back to back ncaa championships in 1955 and 56 ktvu. greg liggins has more on the death of a sports icon who was also a civil centen francisco dunn's biggest whe gad cal berkeley. the senate was preseason all america first five shots. he took a blocked bill russell's legendary skills on the court began at usf. it was during those college years when former san francisco mayor willie brown at sf state cross paths with russell attending usf . few black college students that they were at our age. interacted with each other. socially. fraternal organizations. and other kinds of things that young people did in those days. mayor brown and the rest of the world watched as russell turned professional playing for the boston celtics under coach red auerbach, talk with read my rookie year and he said, do you know how good you are? you're the best player player. be

all 30 teams are retiring the number 6 in honor of the legendary boston celtics center bill russell,. players who currently wear 6 on their jersey, including lebron james, will be allowed to keep doing so, but the number will not be issued again. we'll be right back with the nationwide effort to help these adorable rescue beag >>> we end tonight with what volunteers hope will be a new beginning for 4,000 rescued beagles. here's cbs's manuel bojorquez. >> here we go. >> reporter: they arrive here nervous, sometimes sick, often hungry, and always into new experiences. >> having their feet on the grass for the first time ever. >> the first time ever? >> the first time ever. these dogs have not touched a surface that hasn't been rubber since they were born. you're seeing them getting to run and hop. they've never done that before. >> reporter: sue bell is executive director of homeward trails adoption center in fairfax station, virginia. a code tattooed inside the dogs' ears a sad reminder of their recent past. >> the puppies that were born, they would stay to a certain age and then be p

a legend want to record 11 championships in the boston celtics and was a powerful civil rights activists. the 1st ship carrying ukrainian grain has left the port of odessa under an agreement signed last month between russia and ukraine. the rezone is a sierra leone flag dressel, carrying more than $26000.00 tons of corn. the agreement for a safe passage was broken by the you and a turkey in order to avoid a global food crisis. well, at small blinking icon is the vessel right now, sailing in the black sea, the turkish defense minister says the final destination is lebanon. but that the ship is heading to istanbul 1st al jazeera, senate casino lou is live for us in istanbul, but 1st let's speak to john henry, who's in odessa. so, john, what's the latest on that ship? well, the rezone has dipped over the horizon behind me, but 3 hours ago, it's nose edged out of the port of odessa in it made history, bringing food to a world that needs it and hasn't seen a ship leave that port since the war began on february 24th. now there are other ships we're told 15 of them loaded up and ready to go, bu

a. 1966 for the boston celtics there $111.00 championships. while he was with them both, both as player and coach, russell was also our civil rights activist. and 2011, they received the presidential medal of freedom from president obama. ah, suffolk of the headline 0 now to 0 turkey's defense minister says a ship carrying corn is set to leave ukraine's odessa port. within the hour. ukraine has not been able to export food since russia invaded in february. turkey held for a great deal involving the 2 countries. while the website marine track, i suggest the ship is still in the port. the vessel is known as the rezone. the site is able to track its movements as it leads odessa with its cargo iraq. she a politician, locked out asada is asking all iraq is to join protested who are camped inside parliament is support a storm the building on saturday for the 2nd time in a week. they're demanding a complete change to the political system of their pro iranian ship. opponents accused them of trying to launch a to a 2000 residents in northern california

happened while lawyers fans were gathered at chase center for an nba playoff game against the boston celtics. you see the video from june 13. you can see them actually dragging her away by security. according to midnight, she and a friend were being removed after attempting to walk on to the main floor to protest the overturning of roe v wade unite claims a police officer threatened to have her injected with a sedative and that a paramedic made injection while she was strapped to the gurney. >> because you don't know what they just injected us. i've never no one really probably never had that experience where somebody would come up to you against your will and inject you. it's absolutely horrific. >> the night is filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of san francisco as well as the san francisco police. a fire department. the city attorney's office released a statement about the incident saying we have yet to be served with the lawsuit. we will review it once we are served and respond appropriately. members of san francisco's arab and muslim communities are celebrating a victory. san

he became a star winning 11 championships with the boston celtics and becoming the first black coachprofessional sports. tonight's tribute took plays out side of legionnaire saloon. next week, it w, flags will be f staff. russell passed away over the weekend at the age of 88. ama: that is special weekend for a 49 legend. larry beal is here. bryant young got his hall of fame jacket tonight in don, ohio. espn the ocho is back who dares tackles ♪ ♪ well well well, what have we here? a magical place... that's lookin' to get scared! with bats... and ghouls ... and cars in disguise. (laugh) i've cast quite a spell now... you won't believe your eyes! (laughter) the spell is cast. halloween time is back with spook-tacular experiences in disneyland and disney california adventure parks! (laughter) in disneyland and disney california adventure parks! non-gaming tribes have been left in the dust. wealthy tribes with big casinos make billions, prop 27 is a game changer. 27 taxes and regulates online sports betting to fund permanent solution to homelessness. while helping every tribe in californi

. >> russell 12 national college championships and olympic gold before leaving the boston celtics to eight straight nba titles and a total of 11 in 13 years. later becoming pro basketball's first black head coach. this morning, he is also being remembered as a trailblazing activist, fighting for equality on and off the court. president biden called russell, a great american, and president obama, who awarded russell the presidential medal of freedom in 2011, tweeting, we have lost a giant. as tall as bill russell stood, his legacy rises far higher both as a player and as a person. russell was one of the first high-profile athletes to take a stand for civil rights. he marched with dr. king in the 60s, went to the south after civil rights leader evers was assassinated and supported mohammed ali's refusal to join the military during the vietnam war. discussing winning trophy after trophy, in the 60s he battled hostile racism in boston. his home broken into and defaced. but, russell never backed down and stayed politically active into his final years, hosting this photo in 2017, in solida