Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Where I Stand — Brian Greenspun: … and still champion

Brian Greenspun is editor of the Las Vegas Sun.

FORGET MIKE TYSON. We saw the real champion in action.

When it came down to the choice last Friday, there was no choice at all. My family is full of boxing enthusiasts, not the least of whom is my wife of a lifetime, Myra. So when I informed her that I had managed to secure tickets for the upcoming Mike Tyson fight, she set her heart, her wardrobe and her weekend planner on last Saturday's pugilistic encounter. I give this small bit of background by way of explanation of our version of "a funny thing happened on the way to a Mike Tyson fight."

For those of you who read this space regularly, you'll recall that I have at least one passion about which I love to talk and write -- golf. That is what each year causes me to embarrass myself by joining in the VH1 Fairway to Heaven golf tournament, which features the one group of people about whom I am woefully underinformed -- the rock star generation. I play because I believe very much in saving music education in our public schools as does our cable partner, Cox Communications, and together we do what we can to make sure Las Vegas schools come out way ahead. I also write about the experience just to show that after a full day on the links with these young and talented rocking golfers, I have actually learned something.

No sooner had last week's Fairway to Heaven tournament hit the history books than I received an invitation to the White House to attend the VH1 Concert of the Century, another significant effort to bring public awareness to the need for music education in our public schools. It promised to be a star-studded event and, as I thought to myself, cried out for my attendance. "No" was my response because the Tyson fight had a prior priority. The White House and VH1 would have to go on without me.

It couldn't have been 10 minutes after my announcement of regret to the much-appreciated invitation that I received a phone call from a friend who told me he was going to Washington with his friend, Muhammad Ali. Ali was to be the guest of honor at the Best Buddies Ball, which is a fund-raiser for a foundation that provides friendship and jobs for the mentally handicapped. It was founded by President John F. Kennedy's nephew, Anthony Shriver, and is one of the must-go-to events in official Washington. The ball was being held this year at Ethel Kennedy's home in McLean, Va., the same place I first volunteered as a driver to help a sister organization while a student at Georgetown University. Thirty years ago I was lucky enough to draw Angie Dickinson. Could it happen again, I thought?

My mind doesn't move these days as fast as it used to, but even I could see the headlines if Muhammad Ali would lend his support to the cause of music education. A few phone calls later and it was all set. Not only would Ali be an honored guest of President and Mrs. Clinton, but Myra and I would be missing Mike Tyson in the ring in Las Vegas. It was one of those command decisions that takes a split second to make and for which we are grateful the rest of our lives.

When we arrived at the White House Saturday afternoon, it was quite apparent to us that the crowd there assembled was very different from the usual guest list we had become used to seeing over the years. For one thing, the average age was significantly lowered by the presence of dozens of children, who came not just to meet the president and first lady, but more likely to see their favorite music and movie stars. Whether it was 'N Sync, Lenny Kravitz, B.B. King or some of my favorites, Gwyneth Paltrow and Meryl Streep, there was no question that the young and young at heart knew and appreciated the entertaining giants who had thrown their considerable talent behind the idea of continuing music education for our public school students. There was a buzz about the White House that signaled to all that this was a special day indeed.

And then it happened. Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, suddenly appeared at the front door of the White House. I know that survey after survey confirms that his is the one face best known around the world than any other, but when those in attendance -- from music icon to movie star to young and old alike -- caught their first glimpse of "The Greatest," the focus shifted his way and stayed.

And it wasn't until President and Mrs. Clinton entered the room that the attention finally moved away from the champ, if only for a moment. For when he sat in his seat to enjoy one of the most incredible concerts I have ever seen or heard (it will be re-broadcast on VH1 this Thursday), it seemed like everyone who didn't meet and take a picture with him inside did so before the show began.

I saw government officials -- who have seen and done everything -- go giddy at the thought that they had met Ali. I witnessed the greatest stars in show business flock to his side for a picture or a handshake, seeing in his willingness to meet them an example that they should follow with their own fans. And when President Clinton gave his friend and three-time heavyweight champion a big hug of warm recognition and friendship, it became as clear as the bell in the ring that this was a man of stature and respect.

Later that night the same thing happened again at the Best Buddies Ball. I know that it happens everywhere Ali goes in this world, for here is a man who, while we may not agree with all that he did throughout his life, we have to respect the way he did it. Like each one of those children, their parents and every other adult who formed lines to meet him last Saturday, Myra and I were equally inspired by his presence and the effort he makes to let everyone know he cares about them.

And then, just as I suspected, it happened. The headlines and pictures of the nation's newspapers carried the stories of the VH1 Concert of the Century and the Best Buddies Ball. There, front and center in each report, was the story and picture of Muhammad Ali.

In many of the same newspapers, there were also stories about the debacle in Las Vegas known as the Tyson-Norris fight. There were no glowing reports and no adjectives describing a good and giving aura surrounding that fight. Instead, there was more of what we have become used to from such events.

In hindsight there is absolutely no question that our decision was the right one to make. More importantly, though, was the decision we made without the benefit of such perfect vision. We chose music and education, charity and friendship, and we did so without hesitation.

Some decisions are better than others and some are simply the best. We decided to watch the real champion in action. It doesn't get any better than that.

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