Boston Celtics big man legend Bill Russell has never been one to shy from politics, and he continued with that trend Sunday morning as he weighed in on the death of and subsequent push to replace Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg by some Republicans.
Justice Bader-Ginsburg — often called “RBG” by her supporters — developed a fervent following for her career as a defender of reproductive rights and civil liberties, and passed earlier this week after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Thank you for all you did for so many. Thank you for fighting, for being a trailblazer & for your brilliance. Thank you for your service. You were a giant,” wrote Russell in a tweet on Sunday, referring to her many years fighting for gender equality and women’s rights from the bench.
#NotoriousRBG Thank you for all you did for so many. Thank you for fighting, for being a trailblazer & for your brilliance. Thank you for your service. You were a giant. Her 'fervent' last wish was that she 'not be replaced until a new president is installed' #RIPRBG #QueenRBG pic.twitter.com/DUxcHQE3pQ
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) September 20, 2020
“Her ‘fervent’ last wish was that she ‘not be replaced until a new president is installed,'” he added, a nod to the gradually-building fight over how to proceed with filling her vacancy in an election year.
While Russell did not elaborate on his position, as a supporter of former President Barack Obama, it seems probable he expects the same response from Republicans as occurred when a vacancy in the Court opened in the final year of his term.
Whether the Republicans live up to the standard they called for in that instance happens this time around is another story altogether, and beyond the scope of this article.
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