1951day.year
The "Johnny Bright incident" occurs during a football game between the Drake Bulldogs and Oklahoma A&M Aggies.
During a college football game, Drake quarterback Johnny Bright is brutally attacked by an opponent in a racially charged incident caught on film.
On October 20, 1951, the 'Johnny Bright Incident' occurred during a game between the Drake University Bulldogs and the Oklahoma A&M Aggies. Bright, a star African-American quarterback, was repeatedly and deliberately struck by Aggie lineman Wilbanks Smith. The blows broke Bright's jaw and left him unconscious while officials took no action. Photographic evidence of the assault circulated around the world, fueling public outrage over racism and violence in sports. The incident prompted the NCAA to adopt stricter rules against on-field brutality and abusive conduct. Bright later enjoyed a successful career in the Canadian Football League and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
1951
Johnny Bright incident
Drake Bulldogs
Oklahoma A&M Aggies