The 16th Annual
Center for the Study of Sport in Society
Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction
November 8, 2000
Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA
Sport in Society
Hall of Fame Inductee
 |
BILL
RUSSELL
(photo by Steve Lipofsky, Basketballphoto.com)
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Celtics Legend Bill Russell inducted into Sport in Society Hall of Fame
On November 8, 2000, Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society inducted Bill Russell, perhaps the most dominant force in the history of the NBA, into Sport in Society's Hall of Fame.
Russell not only led the Celtics to what many consider the most dominant period for one team in all of pro sport, he broke so many racial barriers along the way.
In becoming the first black to coach in the NBA, Russell opened the doors for all those who would follow.
Center Director Richard Lapchick said, "Starting with Muhammad Ali and getting to Russell in the year 2000 gives us great honor. Bill Russell has had an enormous impact on me personally and professionally. Had I not read his 'Go Up for Glory' in the 1960s, I am not sure I would have come to understand so many of the issues of race in sport. Without Bill Russell, I am not sure that there would be a Center for the Study of Sport in Society."
Other honorees at the event include:
- New England Hero Award (Female): Anne Woolf, The Bob Woolf Foundation
- New England Hero
Award (Male): Dan Doyle,
Institute for International Sport
- Excellence in Sports Journalism (Print Media): Derrick Jackson, The Boston Globe
- Excellence in Sports Journalism (Broadcast Media): Ross Greenburg, HBO Sports
- Corporate Goodwill Award: George Behrakis, The Behrakis Foundation
Bill Russell joins Sport in Society Hall of Fame members:
- Muhammad Ali (1994)
- Arnold "Red" Auerbach (1995)
- Wilma Rudolph (1996)
- Jackie Robinson (1997)
- Arthur Ashe (1998)
- Rafer
Johnson (1999)
The event was held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel and Ballroom, Boston, MA.
Honorary Banquet Master of Ceremonies: Dick Schaap
Northeastern
University's
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF SPORT IN SOCIETY
716 Columbus Avenue, Suite 161 CP
Boston, MA 02120
Phone: (617) 373-4025
Fax:
(617) 373-4566