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An American athlete who took part in a controversial black-power salute at the 1968 Olympics says an Australian parliamentary apology to silver medalist Peter Norman might have come too late.
On Monday night, federal lawmakers in Canberra praised the “heroism and humility” of the late Australian sprinter for standing in solidarity with gold medalist Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlos on the podium following the 200-meter race at Mexico City.
Norman was later chastised at home for his stand, and reports suggested that he was shunned from future Olympic selection.
Carlos told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio Tuesday that the disrespect, “I think, mortally wounded him.”
“I don’t think he was as bitter as he was hurt … and I don’t think he ever recovered,” Carlos said.
Norman, who wore the Olympic Project for Human Rights badge as the Americans gave the black power salute, died of a heart attack in 2006.
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Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez says he won’t apologize after being caught on camera in a profanity-laced verbal exchange with a taunting Oakland Athletics’ fan.
“I don’t regret it,” Perez said before Monday’s game with Seattle of the incident that took place the day before. “Looking back it’s not the best thing to be on the Internet and stuff. I had no idea they were videotaping it. I wouldn’t have done it. Looking back, that’s what he was planning. So he got me.
“You have to live and learn. Luckily, I didn’t say too bad of stuff. It was pretty, bad, but it could have been worse.”
The video shows the back of Perez while he’s yelling at the fan. Perez said the exchange needs to be put in context.
He said that particular fan has been riding him in Oakland for the past four years when he shags balls in the outfield before the game.
“I ignored it for (a while), then I just said ‘What’s your problem?’ ” Perez said. “If you got something to say, come down to my face and say it down in the bullpen. That’s what happened.”
