E-mail a friendMay 22, 2009
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell, author of the new memoir Red and Me, discusses his relationship with legendary coach Red Auerbach, which was far more than just coach and player.
Bill Russell
Bill Russell
NBA Hall of Famer tells a story of segregation and friendship back at the start of his career. (4:32)
Full interview. (24:51)
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell was voted the "greatest player of all time." He was chosen as the league's MVP five times and elected to the All-Star team 12 times. Picked by legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach as his successor, Russell became the first African American head coach in U.S. major league team sports history. He was the first pro athlete to host NBC's Saturday Night Live and is the author of two best-selling books. A sought-after mentor, Russell is on the board of the National Mentoring Partnership.
