Celtics legend Bill Russell takes a knee while wearing Presidential Medal of Freedom

A photo of basketball legend Bill Russell that has surfaced on Twitter shows the 83-year-old kneeling in solidarity with protesting athletes.

“Proud to take a knee, and to stand tall against social injustice,” the caption reads.

In the photo, the former Boston Celtic is wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Former President Barack Obama awarded it to him in 2011.

Proud to take a knee, and to stand tall against social injustice.” #takeaknee #medaloffreedom #NFL #BillRussell #MSNBC pic.twitter.com/1MhinoAcW7

— TheBillRussell (@BillRus73270016) September 25, 2017

{mosads}The Twitter account that posted the photo is unverified. Its only posts are the photo and two responses indicating that the account is trying to become verified by Twitter. 

Russell was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975 after a career of accolades, including five NBA MVP awards. He was also the first African-American to coach a major professional sports team.

Hundreds of professional athletes, coaches, team owners and others have spoken out since Friday night, when President Trump first attacked NFL players who have knelt during the national anthem to protest racial inequality.