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John Carlos (on right), Tommie Smith (center), and Peter Norman, who wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge in support of their gesture. When Norman died in 2006, Carlos and Smith were pallbearers at his funeral. Photograph: AP
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has doubled down on its decision to ban any political, ideological, or social protest at the upcoming Tokyo Games. So, athletes and spectators are banned from raising a fist, taking a knee, or wearing Black Lives Matter (BLM) apparel in the Olympics. Athletes risk facing punishments if they do so.
English footballers take the knee in support of Black Lives Matter before last month’s World Cup qualifier with San Marino at Wembley. (Evening Standard via Getty Images)
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Athletes who participate in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics will not be allowed to wear “Black Lives Matter” apparel, Revolt reports.
The ruling will be part of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) long-standing ban on “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda.” Athletes cannot wear the clothing on the medal stand, playing field, or during the official ceremonies. However, “Black Lives Matter” slogans will be allowed during some parts of the Olympics, including press conferences, interviews, and team meetings.
So far, the IOC has not revealed what punishment athletes could face if they violate those rules. They said that each violation will be treated on a case-by-case basis.
Black Lives Matter apparel or kneeling at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo,
Per Revolt, the ruling is part of a long-standing ban on “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda.” Athletes will be permitted to wear “Black Lives Matter” slogans during some parts of the Olympics, including press conferences, interviews and team meetings, according to the report.
The IOC says athletes who violate the rules will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
“A very clear majority of athletes said that they think it’s not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views on the field of play, at the official ceremonies or at the podium,” IOC Athletes’ Commission Chief
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The International Olympic Committee gets it. People don’t want social justice nonsense in sports, and the IOC won’t tolerate displays like “Black Lives Matter” at the Summer Games in Tokyo beginning July 23.
Spoiled American athletes accustomed to prattling on about BLM and police brutality must adapt to performing in the social justice-free zone of the Olympics. Or pay the consequences.
The IOC affirmed it will enforce Rule 50, which bans political and social justice protests of any kind. Any defiance will be met with case-by-base repercussions.
The Associated Press reported that the IOC specifically banned apparel with the words “Black Lives Matter.” This phrase practically became the NBA’s brand in 2020. The AP reported:
International Olympic Committee Bans Black Lives Matter Apparel, Signs At Tokyo Games
Lausanne, SWITZERLAND – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) upheld its established Rule 50 and said athlete protests and political messages will be banned from fields of play, medal podiums, and the opening and closing ceremonies at the Tokyo games this summer.
The IOC further said the slogan “Black Lives Matter” would could not be worn by athletes at Olympic venues, the Associated Press reported.
However, the committee decided the words “peace,” “respect,” “solidarity,” “inclusion,” and “equality” could be worn on shirts.
The IOC said that a survey it conducted of more than 3,500 athletes showed 70 percent felt that it was “not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views” on the field of play or at the official events, the Associated Press reported.