Yesterday the Bruins honored the best defenseman of all time with a statue of his picture perfect moment of greatness. I could go on and on about Orr, how is changed the game, how he is the greatest Bruin of all-time, but that is not why I am writing. I have been listen to WEEI over the past couple of days, and someone brought up a great point...
Why doesn't Bill Russell have a statue?
Ted Williams has a statue, Orr has a statue, Red Auerbach has a statue, yet the man who had more championship rings then fingers doesn't. That seems wrong to me. Now, immediately my mind went to race. How couldn't it right? Boston is known as a racist city, and this could just be another black eye for the old city. Yet, there is still hope that there is another reason.
There is a very likely scenario that Bill Russell doesn't want a statue. You have to remember that this is a guy who didn't even show up to the Basketball Hall of Fame when he was inducted. He is a bit of an odd guy. Russell is notorious for his refusal to give autographs or even acknowledge the Celtics fans, but then at other times he can be a fan favorite. So, maybe he is just another athlete that really doesn't want all the media attention. That's his choice, and if that's the reason then I'm fine with it (yet I still want one built).
Another reason could be that the Bruins own the Garden, so they really don't HAVE to do anything. Though, I really doubt the Bruins would stop this if someone proposed it.
In the end, whether it is race, his choice, or the owners of the Garden, it is really something that needs to get done. This city is perceived as extremely racist, and though I don't agree with it, that's the way it is. I just think that they need to get this done, because Russell is probably the best athlete ever in Boston, and he should be remember always...
Oh and Menino kill yourself, Varitek doesn't kick field goals.
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