LOOK: Hall of Famer flips middle finger at Charles Barkley on live TV

MANILA, Philippines – Boston Celtics legend and Hall of Famer Bill Russell got a bit too…animated at the NBA Awards Show held on Tuesday, June 26, Manila time. (READ: James Harden wins first career NBA MVP Award)

In the new annual league show dedicated to winners, the ultimate winner and 11-time NBA Champion was introduced by fellow Hall of Famer and notorious jokester Charles Barkley. The 84-year old Russell, probably sensing another practical joke from the “Round Mound of Rebound,” responded to Barkley’s introduction with a middle finger for the world to see.

Sure enough, Barkley was armed with the jokes, as he next introduced the original “Mr. Triple-Double” Oscar Robertson as the second-best player of all time, ahead of the 11-time champ.

Still, even though Russell has more rings than fingers, he’s really not supposed to flex one of them in…that particular way, at least not in front of a worldwide audience. So, the living legend took to Twitter and promptly apologized by blaming Barkley.

Sorry everyone, I forgot it was live TV & I can’t help myself whenever I see Charles it just is pure instinct. @NBAonTNT @NBA #birdman #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/0zQLvWhuKi

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) June 26, 2018

Nice save, champ.

It’s not the first time Russell made waves in the NBA Awards Show, however. Last year, after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, he stared down Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson and Dikembe Mutombo – a collection of basketball’s greatest big men of all time – pointed at them one by one and delivered his one-sentence speech:

“I would kick your ass!”

Of course, all of this was caught on tape:

Bill Russell accepting an award at last year’s #NBAAwards is still undefeated pic.twitter.com/mT84sfQvp5

— Tristan (@realtristan31) June 26, 2018

The venue erupted in applause and laughter, with current league commissioner Adam Silver even joining the chorus.

Bill Russell is indeed a national treasure. Camera crews better be extra alert next year, though. – Rappler.com