That Time the FBI Conspired To Get George Foreman an Award for Boxing
3 minute readPublished: Friday, June 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm
**FBI Sought to Boost George Foreman's Image After Olympic Victory**
Newly released documents reveal the FBI's involvement in promoting boxer George Foreman's image following his gold medal victory at the 1968 Olympics. The files, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, detail the Bureau's efforts to secure Foreman an award for his patriotism.
The FBI's interest stemmed from Foreman's display of the American flag after defeating his Soviet opponent. Associate Director G.C. Moore, in a memo, highlighted the patriotic gesture, contrasting it with the "black power-black gloved demonstration" of other athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, and the anti-Vietnam stance of Muhammad Ali.
The Bureau saw Foreman's actions as a way to counter domestic dissent. With the approval of then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, the Bureau sought to get Foreman the Americanism Award from the Freedoms Foundation. While he wasn't successful that year, Foreman did receive a George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation in 1974.
The FBI's actions occurred during the COINTELPRO program, a counterintelligence initiative that viewed various groups, including anti-war activists and civil rights leaders, as potential threats. The Bureau also heavily monitored Ali and Carlos.
The release of these documents comes after Foreman's passing and highlights a period of intense scrutiny and political maneuvering by the FBI. The files offer a glimpse into the Bureau's priorities and its efforts to shape public perception during a time of significant social and political upheaval.
BNN's Perspective:
The revelations about the FBI's involvement in promoting George Foreman's image are a reminder of the potential for government overreach. While the context of the Cold War and domestic unrest is important, the Bureau's actions raise questions about the appropriate role of law enforcement in influencing public opinion and interfering in domestic politics. It is crucial to maintain a balance between national security and individual liberties.
Keywords:
FBI, George Foreman, Olympic Games, COINTELPRO, Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Patriotism, Freedom of Information Act, Boxing, J. Edgar Hoover, Americanism Award, Freedoms Foundation, Vietnam War, Counterintelligence.