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Vince Matthews and Wayne Collette 1972 – The Forgotten Protest?

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 01:00 AM PST

February is Black History Month in the USA and Canada. In the UK, it is celebrated in October. Last year's post was dedicated to Stan Wright.

I will honor this post to Vince Matthews and Wayne Collette. I was 9 years old when I watched the Munich Olympics in 1972. I had no idea what was going on in terms of the hostage taking, but I do remember several events, namely the 800 meters (Dave Wottle and his shocking come-from-behind victory), the Marathon (Frank Shorter running alone from 9 km onwards) and of course, the unfortunate Americans in the Men's 100 meters (Eddie Hart and Rey Robinson missing their quarter final races)

With all the hype on the 42^nd anniversary of the 1968 ~~Black Power~~ Silent Gesture protest, have we forgotten the silent protest of Vince Matthews and Wayne Collette?

There are so many books about the 1968 Olympics (including Lee Evans autobiography, as well as Tommie Smith's), so many movies, and when Gold medalists decide to sell their medals, it hits front page of the newspapers.

But What About 1972?

Granted, the Israeli massacre deserves full compassion, but I think a lot of track athletes have forgotten about Vince Matthews and Wayne Collette's silent protest.

With the passing of Bud Greenspan, I don't even recall seeing this protest in any of his short films. And Bud was a people guy first!

Vince Matthews came 4th at the 1968 US Olympic Trials and won a Gold medal in the 4×400m relay (setting a WR in the process that lasted 20 years). In 1972, he reversed that and won Gold medal with Lee Evans being the 4th man and on the relay.

That rare 400 meter video is now on YouTube (see below – hopefully it will stay up for a while)

Without a doubt in my mind, John Smith would have been on that podium if it were not for the injury. On the left is a great photo of sportsmanship, patriotism, and human compassion from a LIFE photo.

The photo shows Vince Matthews and Wayne Collette helping John Smith off the field right after the 400 meter finals. No 5 minute victory lap waving the American flag.

When your man is down, if he's breathing, bleeding or has broken bones, you have to help him get up.

I'll let the readers decide if they are offended by their actions on the podium during the National Anthem (see video below). Offended, as in not being properly dressed, not standing to attention, talking and fidgeting the whole time, and having two people on the top podium at the same time.

Of course, that 4×400m relay was a scratch for the Americans as both Vince Matthews and Wayne Collette were suspended for life by the IOC, and with John Smith still injured. The only man left standing was Lee Evans!

Wayne Collett died on March 17, 2010. Asked why he didn't stand to attention, he quoted, "I couldn't stand there and sing the words because I don't believe they're true. I believe we have the potential to have a beautiful country, but I don't think we do."

Vince Matthews would later write his autobiography My race be won. I will write a detailed review later, but I can say it is one of the most entertaining books on Track and Field. The amount of corruption and scandals that the big corporate giants (as well as the various Olympic committees) had on the athletes is shocking.

>> My race be won by Vince Matthews

Photos of the 1972 Silent Protest

Below are some photos from LIFE magazine that showed what really went on the podium when the Star Spangled Banner was playing. In the first photo, that is Dan Ferris & Douglas F. Ruby on the right with the suits..

Video of the 400 meter Finals and Silent Protest

Here is the video on YouTube. What more can I say? Excellent race execution by Vince Matthews.

The Black Mamba, starring Kobe Bryant and NIKE

Posted: 31 Jan 2011 09:15 AM PST

Nike and Kobe Bryant today premiered an all-new trailer previewing the upcoming Black Mamba film and confirmed the films launch during the 2011 All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

The Black Mamba, staring Kobe, Kanye West, Bruce Willis, Danny Trejo, is a Nike Basketball production, directed by Robert Rodriguez. The film brings Kobe's alter ego, the Black Mamba to life in a way that's never been seen before. As the trailer shows, The Black Mamba highlights Kobe's everyday determination and "fight to the finish" spirit. The film also showcases Kobe as one of the best basketball players in the world, featuring him as a "protector" of basketball as he fights off those wishing to destroy and attack the game.

The first and second trailers can be seen http://www.youtube.com/nikebasketball. The film will be launched to the public on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at 1:00 am PST. Fans can sign up via http://nikebasketball.com to be the first to see the film. The film was created in partnership with Wieden+Kennedy of Portland, Ore., and will be supported by cinema, print and out-of-home extensions.

Nike's All-Star Pre-Heat event also unveiled several new colorways of the Nike Zoom Kobe VI including three commemorating neighborhoods in and around the site of the 2011 All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Representing and drawing inspiration from East LA, Orange County and Hollywood, these footwear styles pay homage to the unique sprit of these distinct Los Angeles neighborhoods. Each of the three Kobe VI colors leads a pack of iconic Nike silhouettes including two Hyperfuse and the Air Force 1.

The Nike Zoom Kobe VI is a performance basketball shoe inspired by the black mamba. The design draws cues from this fearsome snake and incorporates key performance elements in a low-profile shoe that weighs just 10.6 ounces in a men's US size 9.

Also featured at the event was the Nike Sportswear K.O.B.E True Colors collection whose designs depict an iconic athlete's road to success, as a collection of staple outerwear and apparel, delivering the very best blends of form, function and personality. With education as the graphic foundation, this is a lesson in Kobe's life and inspirations delivered differently. This collection is inspired by the battle for knowledge of self, challenging the status quo and celebrating those who destroyed barriers to get to a new space.

The East LA and OC colorways are now available at retail throughout the US; with the third in the pack the – Hollywood colorway – launching February 11, 2011. All three styles will also be available on Nike's online retail site www.nike.com.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com