1961 Boston Celtics boycott facts for kids
On October 17, 1961, seven African-American basketball players decided not to play in a game. Five players from the Boston Celtics and two from the St. Louis Hawks refused to play in an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky. They did this because they faced racial discrimination in the city. This event showed how important it was for people to stand up for their rights during the Civil rights movement.
Why the Players Boycotted the Game
When the basketball teams arrived in Lexington, Kentucky, some players went to get food. Two black players from the Boston Celtics, Sam Jones and Satch Sanders, went to a coffee shop. This coffee shop was inside the Phoenix Hotel. A waitress there told them she would not serve them because they were Black. She said, "I’m sorry but we don’t serve Negroes."
Later, another player, Cleo Hill from the St. Louis Hawks, also tried to get service and was turned away.
Players Take a Stand
The Celtics players told their teammate Bill Russell about what happened. Russell was a very important player and a leader. After hearing this, he and the other players decided they could not ignore the unfair treatment.
The players who decided to leave in protest were:
- Bill Russell
- Sam Jones
- Satch Sanders
- K.C. Jones
- Al Butler
- Woody Sauldsberry (from the Hawks)
- Cleo Hill (from the Hawks)
Their coach, Red Auerbach, first tried to convince them to stay and play the game. However, he understood their feelings and eventually agreed to drive them to the airport. The players flew back to Boston.
Bill Russell's Message
When they arrived in Boston, Bill Russell spoke to the news reporters. He explained why they left. He said that Black people were fighting for their rights and for survival in a changing world. Russell made it clear that he supported this fight. This boycott was a powerful way for athletes to use their platform to speak out against unfairness. It showed that even in sports, people were standing up for equality.
See also
- Racial segregation in the United States
- 1965–66 Texas Western Miners men's basketball team
- Glory Road, a 2006 film about a college basketball team that made history
