Your inbox approves Men's coaches poll Women's coaches poll Play to win 25K!
BOXING

Jack Johnson relative says Trump considering pardon of boxer to 'win over black people'

Josh Peter
USA TODAY
President Donald Trump says he's considering "a Full Pardon!" for boxing's first black heavyweight champion more than 100 years after Jack Johnson was convicted by all-white jury of "immorality" for one of his relationships.

A descendant of boxer Jack Johnson said he thinks racial motives are behind President Trump saying he is considering a full pardon for Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion.

“I think in some kind of way he’s trying to make up for some of the stuff he’s said and done that was racially biased,’’ Dorwynn Smith Jr., whose maternal great-great-grandmother was Johnson’s sister, told USA TODAY on Thursday. “I think he could be doing this to try to win over black people.

“If he decides to run again (for president), I think if he publicizes this, then that would change black America’s opinion of him overall. I think that’s the move that he’s trying to make.’’

Johnson, who in 1908 became the first black heavyweight champion, was convicted of kidnapping in 1913 in a racially charged prosecution. He served about 10 months in prison. Johnson died in 1946.

On Saturday, Trump said actor Sylvester Stallone called him to urge a pardon for Johnson — something former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama declined to do.

"Others have looked at this over the years, most thought it would be done, but yes, I am considering a Full Pardon!" Trump tweeted.

Smith, whose mother has helped spearhead the effort to have Johnson pardoned posthumously, said he doesn’t begrudge Trump, regardless of what has spurred the president.

“I mean, every president does things to win favor with the people,’’ Smith said. “He’s doing something that every other president would do if they’re trying to win another term. Or they’re just trying to gain popularity so they’re not looked at in a negative sense.’’

Follow Peter on Twitter @joshlpeter11

 

Featured Weekly Ad