NBA Legend Bill Russell to Receive Medal of Freedom Award

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor bestowed upon by the current U.S. President, given to individuals who:

“have lived extraordinary lives that have inspired us, enriched our culture, and made our country and our world a better place. I look forward to awarding them this honor.” - President Obama, Nov. 2010

And as a basketball fan, it's exciting to see one of our legends receive the award, and with some great company: Dr. Maya Angelou, Warren Buffett, and George H.W. Bush. Although he's not the first athlete to receive this prestigious honor (Hank Aaron and Muhammed Ali), he is the first professional basketball player to receive it.

ESPN.com notes that it's a bit "funny" to have an NBA player be commended so highly by a US President, since the White House has been, by in large, a place of baseball and maybe some football. However, President Obama is a huge fan of the NBA and the game of basketball, so it's obvious that he would have chosen at least one NBA player out of the 15 recepients. Not saying Russell doesn't deserve it, however. He led his Boston Celtics to an unparalleled eleven championships in thirteen years and single-handedly redefined the game of basketball. Not only was he the first African-American NBA coach, but he was the first African-American to coach any professional sport. He utilized his immense popularity to mobilize and support human rights during the sixties and seventies.

So Mr. Russell is definitely worthy of this award. And it's great to see an individual that represents the NBA be so highly commended for something he truly deserves. Can't say the same about something else that's happened recently.


- Leather Head