Dr. John Carlos is a former professional football player and track and field athlete. During the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City he won the bronze-medal for the 200 meter race. Carlos and his teammate, Tommie Smith, faced suspension by the U.S. Olympic Committee for their courageous act of giving the “Black Power” salute during the Olympic medal presentation and were later forced to leave Mexico City. Raising their clenched fists above their heads in black gloves stood for much more than what millions of spectators could see. Carlos made a silent but bold statement and gave African Americans hope who were facing racial discrimination.
“My statement is for humanity, but they were trying to make it a black power thing.” Carlos told rolling out last summer. For Carlos and his teammates the games were such an important piece of history.
San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick, 28, is under controversy for a very similar protest. Although he was seated during protest, it was just as powerful. He didn’t stand for the national anthem during a preseason game with Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium on Friday night, August 26, 2016.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
In a recent interview with Sirius XM’s “Joe Madison, The Black Eagle,” Carlos spoke out about the controversy that has been raised and stated in parts:
On Colin Kaepernick:
“He took a great stand to bring attention to the plight of people of color … here in the United States. He’s a sacrificial lamb today.”
Advice for Colin Kaepernick:
“Stay tough, stay firm, stay focused…he will be proven to be correct for his beliefs.”
Dr. John Carlos on his protest at the ’68 Olympics and how it compares today:
“…we didn’t have $13,000 in the back let alone $13 million in the bank so, Kaepernick is in a unique situation. He can make a strong statement and that should be an indication to all professional athletes…the money that you have is fine but, [this] is bigger than the money than the money that you have.”
Listen to interview here: 1968 Olympic medalist Dr. John Carlos speaks with SiriusXM’s Joe Madison.
