TSF Tip-Off for 6/4/12 (featuring Rick Ross): The Muhammad Ali Summit, 45 years later
Oh consciousness, where have you gone?
Forty-five years ago today in an office in Cleveland, Ohio, twelve of the top African-American athletes met with world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali to discuss his refusal to enter the U.S. Army. Among those athletes were Jim Brown, Bill Russell Lew Alcindor and John Wooten.
In a wonderfully written piece,TSF fam Branson Wright relives that day through the eyes of prominent African-Americans and even those that were present that day.
On June 4, 1967, the most important assembly of African-American athletes in history took place in Cleveland Ohio. Jim Brown, Lew Alcindor (UCLA), Bill Russell (Boston Celtics), Willie Davis (Green Bay Packers), Bobby Mitchell (Washington Redskins), Sid Williams (Browns), Jim Shorter (Redskins), Walter Beach (Browns), John Wooten (Browns), Curtis McClinton (Kansas City Chiefs) and attorney Carl Stokes congregated in the Negro Industrial Economic Union to meet with heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali to discuss his recent refusal for induction into the U.S. Army.
Despite the mutual respect among the group, there were some tense moments as they sought sincerity in Ali because in their support of him they were facing possible backlash. After their inquiry of the champion, Ali’s commitment to his cause were enough to earn the backing of his fellow brethren.
The Lineup:
Branson Wright asks: Where are the black athletes willing to speak out in 2012 (Plain Dealer)?
Tiger hits memorable shot on 16th to secure victory at the Memorial (Fox Sports).
Lamarcus Aldridge is recovering from deadly blood virus (USA Today).
Is the NFLPA seeking to divide coaches and players (Pro Football Talk).
Antonio Cromartie’s wife’s fake suicide attempt brings police (Sporting News).
Jacksonville Jaguars issue no comment on Justin Blackmon’s DUI (Pro Football Talk).
Chris Bosh likely to return for Game 5 (ESPN).
Down 0-2, the New Jersey Devils will stick to their lineup (NHL.com).
After being exiled from IFL team T.O. demands cash (USA Today).
Has the Orlando Magic brass given Dwight Howard too much power (The Sports Fan Journal).
Kevin Durant to star in basketball documentary (The Sports Fan Journal).
Ev’ry day I’m…
WOW at that wonderful wonderful picture. Thank you for the picture. Kudos to Branson Wright for giving me something to share with my children with pride. Starting Five authors have shared such wonderful knowledge that my children are now avid readers.
Dear Celeste,
I hope your children are grown, otherwise I’ma have to stop using profanity!
Hopefully, they skip the comments..
hahaha Poet! Man the comments are what makes this site. I’m sure Celeste does not mind. You all have been incredible over the years. Yeah, this is my shot to say thank you.