On this day in 1972, the International Olympic Committee banned Vince Matthews and Wayne Collett from any future Olympics for their actions while on the medal stand.
After placing first and second in the 400-meter dash, the men refused to face the American flag or put their hands over their hearts during the national anthem.
After the ceremony, Collett explained that the anthem meant nothing to him because of the condition of Black Americans.
He said, “I couldn’t stand there and sing the words because I don’t believe they’re true. I wish they were. I believe we have the potential to have a beautiful country, but I don’t think we do.”
All this and more on “Prime.”
To watch BNC programming, visit https://bnc.tv/how-to-watch/
Follow BNC on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BNCNews
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BNCNews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bncnews/?hl=en
#VinceMatthews #WayneCollett #CharlesBlow
Be the first to comment