Sports Illustrated, celebrating their 60th year, is re-running 60 great columns. In 1999, Frank Deford, who I have always thought of as a really good writer, featured Bill Russell, who may be the greatest winning athlete, as well as the best teammate, ever. The essay is worth your time. A wee excerpt:
What do you remember your father telling you, Bill?
"Accept responsibility for your actions.... Honor thy father and mother.... If they give you $10 for a day's work, you give them $12 worth in return."
Even more clearly, Russell recalls the gritty creed his mother gave him when he was a little boy growing up in segregation and the Depression in West Monroe, La. Katie said, "William, you are going to meet people who just don't like you. On sight. And there's nothing you can do about it, so don't worry. Just be yourself. You're no better than anyone else, but no one's better than you."
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A great USF Don. E.
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