Cincinnati Reds Call for Video Removal

Former Cincinnati mayor Ken Blackwell is facing pressure from the Cincinnati Reds to remove a video honoring his uncle, William DeHart Hubbard, the first black American to win an Olympic gold medal. The video was initially showcased during a game on July 29, celebrating Hubbard's historic achievement in the long jump at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Blackwell, who has ties to the Reds as a former part-owner, noted that there was no immediate backlash from the audience when the video aired. The Reds cited copyright issues as the reason for the request, which Blackwell explained involves the exclusive legal rights to reproduce and distribute content. He suggested that the push to remove the video may also stem from his conservative political views, as he has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump. Blackwell expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing his uncle's significant legacy in sports history. DeHart Hubbard's accomplishments extend beyond the Olympics; he was a standout athlete at the University of Michigan, winning multiple titles in long jump and triple jump during the early 1920s. He set a world record in 1925 and was recognized as one of the greatest jumpers before the era of Jesse Owens. Despite injuries affecting his performance in subsequent Olympic Games, Hubbard's legacy as a pioneering black athlete remains influential in American sports history.