In the middle of the last century, the US military invaded the territory of Vietnam. The U.S. war with the "communist regime" in that country lasted nearly 20 years. Half a million Americans participated in the fighting, of which, according to official figures, 58,000 did not return home, and hundreds of thousands became crippled. The more the conflict in Vietnam dragged on, the worse the mood of ordinary people became. Mobilization and conscription into the army in the United States every year was supported by fewer and fewer people.

One of those who fought against the Vietnamese adventure of the US authorities was the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The greatest (his nickname. - Approx. "SE" ) almost went to prison, was out of the sport for three years, but did not change his pacifist position.

On April 28, 1967, Muhammad Ali arrived at the headquarters of the conscription commission in Houston and demonstrated a reluctance to perform military service. He specifically filled out a questionnaire with errors, where he indicated William Shakespeare as the President of the United States.

During the military oath, the officer shouted "Cassius Clay" several times (the name of Muhammad Ali before he converted to Islam. – Approx. "SE"), but the boxer remained standing still, although he had to take a step forward. "Muhammad Ali! Ground forces," the military continued. In response, the athlete did not even flinch.

Ali flatly refused to participate in the mobilization, citing "considerations of conscience and beliefs of a Muslim believer." A couple of hours later, several sports commissions stripped him of his professional boxing license. Later, the WBA association joined them.The boxer was deprived of the title of world champion, and Ali called sports functionaries fools.

In June 1967, Ali appeared in court in his criminal case because of draft evasion. An excerpt from his speech became so popular that it is still remembered today.

"I did not quarrel with the Vietnamese, I have nothing against the Vietnamese," Muhammad Ali said at the meeting. "They didn't do me any harm, they didn't call me a Negro, they didn't restrict my rights, they didn't lynch me. If you want to send me to prison, please. But I won't go 10,000 miles away to kill these unfortunate people. I'd rather go to jail and die fighting you. It is you who stood in my way to freedom, do not allow me to be equal with others, do not respect my religious rights. And I have no complaints about the Vietnamese.

The U.S. Supreme Court found Mohammed guilty. However, Ali's team of lawyers appealed the verdict. The boxer served only 10 days in prison. Formally, the reason was driving a car on a driver's license of the wrong category.

But Ali has become perhaps the main object of hatred among the patriotic part of American society. Ordinary citizens and politicians harshly criticized the boxer for his anti-war stance. Journalists provoked the athlete, hinting at the lack of support for his own country in his actions.

For three years, Ali remained without a box and almost turned into an outcast: he was called a draft dodger and a traitor to the motherland. The American magazine Esquire placed on its cover the April 1968 issue of Ali, riddled with arrows and with the caption: "Muhammad Ali Passion".

Ali did not change his beliefs on the Vietnam War, despite all the reputational and financial costs.

Draft dodger or youth hero

When Ali was suspended from the sport, he didn't waste time. From 1967 to 1970, Mohammed performed at universities across America. Many universities even paid the boxer for his lectures.

The 1960 Olympic champion quickly turned into a favorite of young people, which was a big surprise for Ali. His vivid reports often ended in applause. Many members of the younger generation in the United States were also against the war. Ali was impressed by this reaction from white students. Previously, the boxer was absolutely sure of the split of society against the background of racial contradictions.

At the same time, many other American black athletes did not agree with the students. For example, The American baseball player Jackie Robinson believed that Ali, by his refusal to serve, showed ingratitude towards his own country, which provided him with great career opportunities.

"For me, the tragedy is that he made millions of dollars from the Americans, and now he does not want to thank the country that, in my opinion, gave him opportunities," Robinson said.

One of the best boxers of all time, regardless of weight class, Joe Louis, in his edification of Ali, recalled in a positive way the army life during the Second World War. The heavyweight did not participate in hostilities, but attracted the civilian population to the service.

"I was just waiting to be called and waited. I was a champion when World War II started. And when the time came, I left, "Luis admitted in an interview.

Although there were those who supported the Greatest. Former football player and record holder Jimmy Brown asked for an exception for Ali in the matter of military service.

"The champion is committed to his faith," Brown said. - His position is based on religious views. Refusing to serve in the army cost him his title. He also faced five years in prison. Please make an exception for the preacher."

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It is possible to argue ad infinitum about the correctness of Muhammad Ali's decision regarding the topic of the War in Vietnam. However, one thing is for sure - this guy won in the ring and beyond, sincerely defending his ideas.

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