We are hearing it from Bill Russell himself. He is slated to be the first Boston athlete to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
As a youngster, I grew up down the street from Bill's home in Reading, Massachusetts during a time when he was going through turmoil as the victim of racism, some of it coming from our home town. He always was, and is, a man of true class and courage, and I love the fact he is still alive, well and in our consciousness (per NBCSports" Darren Hartwell):
Russell will be the first Boston athlete to accept the award, which is presented each year at the ESPYs to individuals who "possess strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost.