How could he have?
Look, I loved Russell as color man with Gary Bender on CBS. He had a wild sense of humor, but he retained a bitterness against whites for his entire life. I forget examples, honestly.
If I grew up during the time Russell did, I’d be bitter too.
There is no reason for any black person growing up today to be bitter.
He was not a nice man. Wouldn’t sign autographs as a player. He was very good as a commentator, but was always quite full of himself. RIP.
He was also a coach.
See his career history.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell
As player:
1956–1969 Boston Celtics
As coach:
1966–1969 Boston Celtics
1973–1977 Seattle SuperSonics
1987–1988 Sacramento Kings
Well, he was a successful black man in a pretty racist city. He was adored on the court, but faced some crap outside.
I used to do some work for the Basketball Hall of Fame. I’ve met most of “the giants” of the game, behind the scenes. I never got a bad vibe from BR. Kareem was a jerk…but not Bill.