A Brief Moment With A True Legend Which Will Never Be Forgotten

SPRINGFIELD, MA — In 2014, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony started as had all the others I had previously covered. New honorees and their families excitedly ascended the red-carpeted steps of Springfield Symphony Hall, while several dozen past Hall of Famers arrived - some to present the new class members, others to welcome the new electees to their relatively small fraternity.

Headlining the class that year were Alonzo Mourning, Mitch Richmond and NBA commissioner David Stern. Among the presenters were Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bob Lanier, Pat Riley, Meadowlark Lemon and David Thompson.

As the guests were arriving, I took photos from my customary spot - adjacent to the right-hand pillar on the top step. I snapped away as they passed before me, most with huge smiles and friendly greetings.

All of a sudden, as I was looking through my lens, I saw something I could not believe. I mumbled to myself, "Wait a minute ... this can't be ... is it really? Oh my God, it is ... Bill Russell is here!"

I had no idea Mr. Russell would be in attendance. A dominating center on the Boston Celtics dynasty which won 11 NBA championships during his 13 seasons, he is arguably the greatest champion in the history of professional team sports.

He accomplished all this despite decades of battling racism in Boston, causing him to become an almost solitary figure. He refused to attend a ceremony retiring his jersey No. 6 in 1972; three years later, he did not attend his own induction into the Hall of Fame. He became notorious for ignoring the well-wishes of fans, and for refusing all autograph requests.

Knowing all this background makes it understandable why I was shocked to see him. As I took his photo (shown above), he raised his hand, nearly blocking his face. A moment later he drew even with me, and I stuck out my hand and said, "Mr. Russell, it is truly an honor." As he shook my hand, he replied, "Thank you sir."

Imagine that - one of the greatest athletes of all time called me "sir."

I had my first paying journalism job while still in high school in 1982. In the ensuing 40 years, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest stars of sports and entertainment - Magic, Michael Jordan, Joe Pesci, Bill Cosby, just to name a few. Only once before had I been awestruck, and that was when I met my childhood idol, Red Sox shortstop Rick Burleson (who?).

Bill Russell died Sunday at age 88. Hearing the news of his passing immediately brought my mind to Aug. 8, 2014. The day I shook hands with a true legend. The day that legend called me "sir."

The encounter may have only lasted about five seconds, but it is one that will never be forgotten.