Politics Wins in the Ring

April 28, 1967

On April 28, 1967 Cassius Clay refused to take the one step forward that would have constituted induction into the armed forces. There was no immediate Government action. Clay would later be arrested with a felony, then the boxing organization would instantly strip the 25-year-old fighter of his world heavyweight championship.
He said, "I cannot be true to my belief in my religion by accepting such a call."