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Bill Russell, the Man
Date: February 15, 2011
Bill Russell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2011, in part because of Russell’s unparalleled success on the court, but also his willingness to take a stand off it. President Obama said, “Bill Russell the man is someone who has stood up for the rights and dignity of all men. He marched with King. He stood by Ali. When a restaurant refused to serve the black Celtics, he refused to play in the scheduled game.”
Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images