Reactions From Negro Olympic Contenders

(T&FN, December 1967)

RALPH BOSTON, long jumper: "It doesn't make any sense. I don't think this would be the thing that very many people would go along with. I'm sure there are some people who feel that way but I'm not one of them. I don't feel the Games should be used as a political crutch, and I don't think politics should come into the Olympic Games at all."

CHARLIE GREENE, sprinter: "It comes down to a matter if you're an American, or if you're not. I am American, and I'm going to run."

LEE EVANS, sprinter: "Due to some misunderstanding in previous quotes, I would like to express my gratitude for the help I have received from my coaches, Bud Winter and Ted Banks, both on and off the track. There has been a tremendous amount of pressure on me lately, and they have lessened the burden with the understanding they have demonstrated."

TOMMIE SMITH, sprinter: "Right now I'm standing where I stand. But if you can come up with some good answers why I shouldn't boycott then I'll listen.”

RON COPELAND, hurdler: "I am very anxious to compete in the Olympic Games."

ED CARUTHERS, high jumper: "I'm in sympathy with what the boycotters are trying to do. But boycotting the Olympics is all wrong. Athletics have been mighty good to the Negro. Our participating in the Olympics has given the young Negro kids something to look up to. It is a prideful thing to be able to participate in the Olympics."

HENRY JACKSON, triple juniper: "To give up a chance to go to the Olympics is giving up a dream of a lifetime, but I also believe in a just cause. Besides, how can you boycott something you haven't qualified for. My opinion has not been formed."

OTIS BURRELL, high jumper: "I had considered boycotting if the Negroes as a whole would boycott. Due to the lack of unity and organization of this proposal, I feel that it would be a useless sacrifice. Moreover, because of my presence at the LA Workshop, I have already been refused a Christmas job in Los Angeles. The newspapers have distorted the purpose of the boycott."

WILLIE DAVENPORT, high hurdler: "I have not formed an opinion at this time."

CLARENCE RAY, sprinter: "I feel the US should be represented by the best athletes regardless of race, creed, color or religion. I think the boycott will exploit the fact that there is a racial problem in the US, but on the other hand we are not alone in racial differences as other countries have the same problem. I couldn't say that the boycott will solve our racial problem here in the US, but I can say that if we are not represented by the best athletes this will hurt America. Attempts must be made to solve these problems, but a house divided by itself cannot stand alone; it takes the two parts to make the whole. We must always keep our personal affairs to ourselves for solving America's problems is a problem for Americans alone. By division, we show disunity and America's image will be destroyed. I am an American first, last and always."

DAVE SMITH, triple jumper: "If I can make the team, I definitely plan to compete."

ART WALKER, triple jumper: "Personally, I'd be proud to represent my country. I love my country. I'm also proud to be a Negro. I intend to compete if I make the team."

JOHN CARLOS, sprinter: “The motives behind the boycott idea are all right. Today's Negro is using his own mind and realizes he's being mistreated. If enough athletes boycott it can be effective. After all, boycotting is a lot better than going out in the streets and rioting… Some coaches on the US international teams are very prejudiced. A white boy can go out and do something one night and not be called on the carpet; let a Negro do the same thing the next day and he'll find himself in trouble. A Randy Matson or Jim Ryun makes the team, and the coaches go up to them before the meets and ask, 'Do you want to throw the discus today, Randy?' or 'What do you think about running the 1500 meters today, Jim?' But, if you're a Negro, it's 'You're gonna run this or you're gonna do that.' They don't bother to ask you if you feel up to doing this or that… Discrimination here in Texas has hurt me personally. You go out of state to a track meet and you are representing not only your school but the entire state. Yet, you conic back and find restaurants that say they don't serve Negroes… or you go to a place to shoot a game of pool and they tell you Negroes aren't allowed I could wear an Olympic gold medal around my neck and that still wouldn't entitle me to he served in these places."

JERRY PROCTOR, long jumper: "I, as a Negro athlete, will go along with whatever the majority of the athletes decide. May God be with every athlete so that he will make a wise decision.”

GAYLE HOPKINS, long jumper: "Who does Harry Edwards think he is trying to tell me what to do? I am over 21. I make my own decisions."

STEVE BROWN, high jumper: "1 will do whatever the majority of the Negroes decide. I am considering the great injustice that has been bestowed upon the head of each and everyone of my people. There must be an end put to this, and if this is a means to achieve this end, then I am completely in favor."

CHARLES CRAIG, triple jumper: "When I say I will go along with the majority decision, I mean those who are or will be directly concerned with possible Olympic berths. I feel that to receive this type of information, the athletes who would be affected the most should meet again to discuss fully the implications of such a move. The discussion should not be one of the political atmosphere that is being generated by the proposed boycott."

LARRY LIVERS, high hurdler: "My own feelings are myriad. But I am convinced of one thing. That the proposed boycott is off base. It is my contention that the Games is the one place the black man can enhance his image through out the world. Here, when the black man takes his position to receive his medal, he can stand there proudly, head high and say, 'Look at me, I'm just as much a man as anyone', although not at all times treated as one. From here, it is up to the individual to then come back to the US and use whatever influence he has gained to help suppress many of the injustices found here."