The Johnny Bright incident

[mnmoderatedem]

A lot of you may not be familiar with the Johnny Bright incident. I thought it was worth a mention here.

In 1951, standout African American Drake University football player Johnny Bright was playing against Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) when he was blindsided by a vicious forearm from an A&M player, which broke his jaw. The incident was well away from the play, and completely unnecessary, and most would say, clearly racially motivated. The linked article has a photo which captures the incident. The article ended up winning a pulitzer.

A recent interview with the perpetrator of the incident indicates to this day, a clear lack of remorse or responsibility. Jus' playin' ball, he sez. Blames the media.

In light of our new prez, thought this would make interesting reading.



http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090208/SPORTS05/902080340&s=d&page=5#pluckcomments

[ThomWV]

1. You know what amazes me most? What was a black kid doing in the game?

Just that a black kid was playing in the same game as whites in 1951 Texas or Oklahoma came as quite a surprise to me.

[Tashca]

2. Wow that brings back memories..

My father was in High School at the time of this incident. Every football player in the state was aspiring to be the next Johnny Bright. I would hear all the stories when I was growing up. Especially when I got alittle older and started playing football myself. I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard Johnny Brights name when I was growing up.

From my memory of my fathers musings.....I think he believed the Oklahoma coach sent the player in to take Bright out any way he could. Bight was nearly a one man team and as mentioned was leading the nation in rushing. My father believed it was a terrible incident by a nobody trying to make a name for himself.

I know it was talked about for years here in Iowa.....and I seem to remember the racial motivation mentioned, but I believe most think it was an intentional play to take Johnny out of the game so Oklahoma could win.