Kareem takes a Stand

After the OPHR's calls to higher ups weren't met, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ultimately decided not to participate in the 1968 Olympics, believing that competing for a country that did not respect his rights would be hypocritical. He felt that playing would send the message that Black athletes were willing to ignore the suffering of their people in exchange for personal accolades. For him, the boycott was not about abandoning his love for basketball but about using his influence to push for justice. He wanted to fight against a regime that had a racist, discriminatory society by using his choice to not play in the Olympics as a weapon. As the best college basketball player at the time, Kareem participating in the games had a huge impact on the USA's chances of a gold medal.

Unsurprisingly, the boycott was met with largely negative reactions. Most white Americans viewed it as unpatriotic, arguing that sports should remain separate from politics, and hurled slurs at Abdul-Jabbar and company. Even some Black athletes, such as Jesse Owens, opposed the boycott, believing that the Olympics were not the right stage for political protests. However, Abdul-Jabbar and the other members of the OPHR stood firm, knowing that their refusal to compete would force their country to confront its deeply ingrained racial injustices.

When interviewed by Sports Illustrated, Kareem stood his ground. He stated that as long as America chose to neglect him and his people, it would never be his country, and that although he can be the one who brings the problem into the eyes of the general public, it is up those in government roles to make the difference.