The 2012 London Olympics mark the 40th
anniversary of what is likely the most tragic and disturbing event in the
history of the games and sports, in general. It marks the anniversary of the
1972 Munich Massacre in which 11 Israeli athletes at coaches died at the hands
of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September.
Despite the anniversary the International Olympic Committee
(or IOC) has repeatedly said that they have no plans to pay tribute to the
murdered Israeli athletes, which has angered many around the world, especially
those in Israel.
I think the decision by the IOC shows a distinct lack of
class on their part, but they don’t want to play politics and potentially anger
other nations. However, I’m happy to say that NBC Sports anchor Bob Costas
doesn’t give a damn about what the IOC has to say on the subject. Costas has
told media outlets that he plans to honor the fallen athletes and coaches from
40 years ago with an on-air tribute during Friday night’s Opening Ceremonies on
NBC Sports with a moment of silence. Not only will Costas memorialize the
Israeli athletes, but he said he also intends to note the “baffling denial” by
the IOC during the event.
I’ve always given Bob Costas a hard time in the past,
because I’ve often felt like he thinks he’s the show more so than the sporting
events that he covers. However, I’ve got to say that I’m very pleased with his
intentions for the Opening Ceremonies. The IOC has chosen to do the wrong
thing, in my opinion, and Costas is doing his little part to right that. Good
for him because the tragedy that occurred in Munich in 1972 is something that
should never be forgotten for if it is it might repeat itself.
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