“In the middle of my playing career, I decided to stop signing autographs. In part, my feelings about autographs is based upon my belief that I’d rather meet someone who approaches me respectfully, talk to them for a minute and look them in the eye, rather than participate in the momentary ritual of signing something, never looking at the person I’m signing something for, never getting to know them, and then moving on.”

ERIC GAY/AP/FILE
Bill Russell watches the NBA All-Star Saturday Night basketball competition in this Feb. 16, 2013 file photo in Houston.