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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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8

McCain Asks Obama to Pardon Boxing Champ

Wants to overturn racially motivated conviction

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(Newser) – John McCain has introduced a resolution requesting a posthumous presidential pardon for Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion of the world, the LA Times reports. Johnson suffered what McCain calls a “racially motivated conviction” in 1913 for dating a white woman. Prosecutors said he’d violated the Mann Act, which forbade taking women across state lines for “immoral purposes.”

“This resolution...would not right this injustice,” McCain said. “But it would recognize it, and shed light on the achievements of an athlete who was forced into the shadows of bigotry and prejudice.” The resolution is co-sponsored by Republican New York Rep. Peter King.

John McCain speaks as documentary filmmaker Ken Burns looks on during a media conference to discuss a petition for a posthumous presidential pardon for Jack Johnson July 13, 2004 in Washington, DC.
John McCain speaks as documentary filmmaker Ken Burns looks on during a media conference to discuss a petition for a posthumous presidential pardon for Jack Johnson July 13, 2004 in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
In this 1932 file photo, boxer Jack Johnson is shown working out in New York City at the age of 54.
In this 1932 file photo, boxer Jack Johnson is shown working out in New York City at the age of 54.   (AP Photo, File)
In this undated file photo, date unknown, World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Jack Johnson is seen.
In this undated file photo, date unknown, World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Jack Johnson is seen.   (AP Photo)
Full-length portrait of American boxer Jack Johnson, the first African-American World Champion, posing barechested in gloves and shorts outdoors.
Full-length portrait of American boxer Jack Johnson, the first African-American World Champion, posing barechested in gloves and shorts outdoors.   (Getty Images)
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8 comments
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Robert_Dada
Apr 2, 09 7:37 AM CDT
This is long overdue. Reply
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Fondue
Apr 2, 09 8:36 AM CDT
Absolutely. Reply
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benevolent_anarchist
Apr 2, 09 8:38 AM CDT
I've always appreciated John McCain's involvement in my favorite sport. He's a lifelong fan who has been fighting corruption and pushing for boxing regulation for over a decade. "The thing that gets me so involved is the exploitation of the boxers who, with rare exception, come from the lowest rung on our economic ladder, are least educated and are left many times after some years in the sport mentally impaired and financially broke." – John McCain Reply
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northeast
Apr 2, 09 9:30 AM CDT
...but why now? What's with the timing? This couldn't have been done before Bush left, at a point in a presidency where the pardons usually happen? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
anchower
Apr 2, 09 5:32 PM CDT
This is a no-brainer. Which, as you say, northeast, would've suited Boosh perfectly.
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