The COVID-19 pandemic spared nobody from its effects, not even the NBA. However, in recent times, it seems like there is finally progress that is happening with the situation in the United States: vaccinations are happening daily, and it is only a matter of time until most people are vaccinated and the world can restart.
One of the people who is going to get vaccinated is Boston Celtics legend, Bill Russell. Bill Russell publically took his vaccine in order to build trust in it. Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports NBA reported on Russell’s quote about the vaccine. Russell clearly has a sense of humor as he made a joke referencing his legendary defense.
“I just arrived to get my COVID shot, and this is one shot I won’t block."
Bill Russell is the latest legend to take part in the NBA's COVID-19 vaccine PSA.
From @VinceGoodwill ➡️ https://t.co/9GIgzap5Ej pic.twitter.com/LFZO3omzzu
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) February 4, 2021
“I just arrived to get my COVID shot, and this is one shot I won’t block,” said Russell, wearing a Celtics facemask and a Lakers hat with Kobe Bryant’s initials. “No Celtics were harmed during my shot. Let’s do this together.”
The NBA has been active in amplifying the message of taking the vaccine, with trusted figures taking the shot publicly in the effort to garner public trust. No active player has taken the vaccine yet, but several players are expected to participate with local governments in messages that could debut in time.
Bill Russell is someone who many people respect in the United States due to his status as an NBA legend. It makes sense that he would be someone that people turned to in order to build public trust in the vaccine. Current NBA players might be among the last people who will get the vaccine, as they are all young and healthy. Hopefully, the pandemic will resolve itself soon as more people are vaccinated and things can go back to normal.
