Sports

President Barack Obama awards Bill Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. The president recognized Russell not just for his legendary basketball career, but for his work as an activist on and off the court.

Sports

As a racial justice activist, NBA great Bill Russell was a legend off the court

7:10am August 01, 2022

by Dustin Jones

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell was a civil rights trailblazer, before, during and after his basketball career. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 for his activism efforts.

News brief: Ukraine latest, Kentucky flooding, remembering Bill Russell

5:51am August 01, 2022

The first ship carrying Ukrainian grain leaves the port of Odesa. Cleanup in Kentucky moves slowly after last week's deadly flooding. Hall-of-Fame basketball player Bill Russell dies at 88.

Queue Listen Now

Sports

Encore: Bill Russell, basketball legend with record 11 NBA titles, dies at 88

5:51am August 01, 2022

by Tom Goldman

One of basketball's great players has died. Bill Russell was a star with the Boston Celtics and won the most titles of any NBA player: 11. (Story aired on All Things Considered on July 31, 2022.)

Queue Listen Now

England's Chloe Kelly, right, celebrates after scoring her side's second goal during the women's Euro 2022 final soccer match against Germany at London's Wembley stadium on Sunday.

At the Euro 2022 final, England takes its first major women's soccer title

5:26pm July 31, 2022

by The Associated Press

England beat Germany 2-1 in the final of the European Championship after extra time. After the final whistle, the England players danced and the crowd sang their anthem "Sweet Caroline."

Russell attends a civil rights summit at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2014 in Austin, Texas. During and after his NBA career, Russell spoke out often about civil rights issues.

Bill Russell, basketball legend with record 11 NBA titles, dies at 88

5:14pm July 31, 2022

by Tom Goldman

Bill Russell was one of basketball's all-time greats. He won a record 11 NBA titles, all with the Boston Celtics. But his dominance didn't stop off the court — he was a voice for racial justice, too.

What Phoenix Mercury fans say about Brittney Griner's absence

2:27pm July 30, 2022

by Matthew Casey

As the WNBA regular season comes to an end, Phoenix Mercury fans talk about following Brittney Griner's detention in Russia, and the team being without the league's best player all year.

Queue Listen Now

Sports

This week in sports: Brittney Griner, women's soccer and MLB trade deadlines

10:01am July 30, 2022

NPR's Scott Simon talks with Howard Bryant of Meadowlark Media about big games in women's soccer, the trade deadline in Major League Baseball, and the latest on Brittney Griner's detention in Russia.

Queue Listen Now

Sports

His childhood dream turned into a career with the Chicago White Sox

9:20am July 30, 2022

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Billy Russo, who wanted to play for the team. Now, he's a Spanish-language interpreter for the White Sox.

Queue Listen Now

Zariyah Odom holds a sign calling for Griner to return home. Odom had just dropped off shoes for a charity effort that Griner has spearheaded.

Sports

Phoenix Mercury fans long for Brittney Griner's release from Russian captivity

5:00am July 30, 2022

by Matthew Casey

The star WNBA player has been jailed in Russia since cannabis oil was found in her luggage at an airport security check in February. Her fans in Phoenix are helping to keep her memory alive.

Sacramento Republic FC Players celebrate their U.S. Open semifinal overtime win. Sac Republic defeated MLS mainstay Sporting KC 5-4 in penalty kicks.

A Major League Soccer 'Cupset' as Sacramento Republic advances to U.S. Open Cup Final

7:17am July 29, 2022

by Tom Goldman

Sacramento continues its dream run as the first lower-division soccer team to get to the final since 2008 - with a chance to become the first non-MLS champion since 1999.

Queue Listen Now