OCTOBER 16

On this date in 1968, at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City, U.S. runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood on the podium to receive recognition for their gold and bronze medal performances.  At the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner", our National Anthem, both men raised high a black gloved hand with closed fist and remained in that pose until the anthem ended.  The raised fist was a symbol of the "Black Power" movement of that era.  The men later claimed that it was a simple 'human rights salute.'  For politicizing the ceremony, the two athletes were expelled from the games and forced to return their medals.  49 years ago today.

p.s.  Tommie Smith went on to play three seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals.
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