How did you feel about Big George waving the American flag after his gold metal win in MC 1968.

[Willie Pep 229]

[EDIT] MEDAL

I was only 13 years old at the time but I remember it foundly and it made me a Foreman fan for life.

I wasn't particularly against what Tommie Smith (and John Carlos) did, it was already a radical America and even at 13 I didn't find myself suprised by the black glove event (1968 was a hell of a year) but it was different with Foreman. He was the first (recent Black athlete) who I felt wasn't pissed off, who didn't hate America, and by proxy didn't hate me (an adolescent white kid living in the suburbs.)

We (friends and I) didn't see him as an Uncle Tom as the radical Black community tried to paint him, but just as a non hater, as in, he didn't hate us.

I also believed it played in a big part in the acceptance of Foreman II in the 80's.

I am wondering how some of the other old timers remember it.

P.S. If you're under the necessary age please reply but ID that it is your reaction to what you have heard and read over the years, not experienced. I think the press over the years has redefined the event.

[JAB5239]

I was born the year after, but I think it was fantastic. George was more intelligent than given credit for. Good post!

[QueensburyRules]

[EDIT] MEDAL

I was only 13 years old at the time but I remember it foundly and it made me a Foreman fan for life.

I wasn't particularly against what Tommie Smith (and John Carlos) did, it was already a radical America and even at 13 I didn't find myself suprised by the black glove event (1968 was a hell of a year) but it was different with Foreman. He was the first (recent Black athlete) who I felt wasn't pissed off, who didn't hate America, and by proxy didn't hate me (an adolescent white kid living in the suburbs.)

We (friends and I) didn't see him as an Uncle Tom as the radical Black community tried to paint him, but just as a non hater, as in, he didn't hate us.

I also believed it played in a big part in the acceptance of Foreman II in the 80's.

I am wondering how some of the other old timers remember it.

P.S. If you're under the necessary age please reply but ID that it is your reaction to what you have heard and read over the years, not experienced. I think the press over the years has redefined the event.

- - It was a happy accident in that a girl George was interested in added some "cuddlies" to his athletic bag that included his mini Flag. When he reached in for a bottle of water he came up with the flag, and after having been saved by a govt youth program that led him to the Olympics with a minimal ama record, he was overjoyed in the moment compounded by juxtaposition of the tiny flag with his formidable size that became one of those "it" moments along with the black glove salute.

The shame of the incident belongs to derelict Perfessor Harry Edwards who orchestrated the black glove moment. He was so outraged to be upstaged by a 19 year old kid that he attempted to move heaven and hell to have George evicted from Olympic Village, unsuccessfully.

1968 was a sea change moment in the US when Ali became the poster child against the Vietnam war and the new left political wing to be cheered for the first time in spite of being a black segregationist wanting a federal grant for NOI nation. Meanwhile George turned pro being booed much like Dempsey who was promoted as a draft dodger by Kearns and Rickard.

[Willie Pep 229]

- - It was a happy accident in that a girl George was interested in added some "cuddlies" to his athletic bag that included his mini Flag. When he reached in for a bottle of water he came up with the flag, and after having been saved by a govt youth program that led him to the Olympics with a minimal ama record, he was overjoyed in the moment compounded by juxtaposition of the tiny flag with his formidable size that became one of those "it" moments along with the black glove salute.

The shame of the incident belongs to derelict Perfessor Harry Edwards who orchestrated the black glove moment. He was so outraged to be upstaged by a 19 year old kid that he attempted to move heaven and hell to have George evicted from Olympic Village, unsuccessfully.

1968 was a sea change moment in the US when Ali became the poster child against the Vietnam war and the new left political wing to be cheered for the first time in spite of being a black segregationist wanting a federal grant for NOI nation. Meanwhile George turned pro being booed much like Dempsey who was promoted as a draft dodger by Kearns and Rickard.

Did not know they tried to evict him from the Village/Team. Ugly!

Kearns tried to hide the slacker image (infamous photo) Rickard exploited it with glee (Carpentier WWI ace).

P.S. It was Willard's ****** behavior during the War that made the press look closely at Dempsey when he became champion. No scandal with Willard likely no scandal with Dempsey. (The divorce/abandonment trial did add to the fervor.)

[QueensburyRules]

Did not know they tried to evict him from the Village/Team. Ugly!

Kearns tried to hide the slacker image (infamous photo) Rickard exploited it with glee (Carpentier WWI ace).

P.S. It was Willard's ****** behavior during the War that made the press look closely at Dempsey when he became champion. No scandal with Willard likely no scandal with Dempsey. (The divorce/abandonment trial did add to the fervor.)

- - Slacker filmed in my hometown sans my presence a huge breakout for Linklater.
Slacker-dvdcover2.jpg
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[ShoulderRoll]

No Viet Cong ever called Ali the N-word.

I know that much.

[The Old LefHook]

No Viet Cong ever called Ali the N-word.

I know that much.

No, you don't.

[ShoulderRoll]

No, you don't.

It came out of the man's own mouth.

George Foreman waving the American flag was cool, but if certain people felt the need to protest instead? That is understandable, justifiable, and completely acceptable.