Just saw 30 for 30 short about Arthur Ashe's brother...

[Ranger Dan]

He was a marine serving in Viet Nam in 1966, while Arthur was in the Army, stationed stateside at West Point. Arthur had enough time in his enlistment for him to be sent to Viet Nam when his brother returned. There was a policy at the time that two brothers wouldn't be sent serving in Viet Nam at the same time. Arthur's brother, Johnnie, decides to volunteer for a second tour in Viet Nam so that Arthur wouldn't have enough time left in his enlistment to be sent overseas. Of course, Arthur Ashe goes on to win the US open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open, breaking barriers and spending his short life devoted to making a difference. What may have happened if Johnnie hadn't volunteered for another tour...

 

[LionJim]

Dang. That's a cool story. One thing about Ashe, besides being a really nice guy he was one of the calmest big-time athletes I've ever seen. He looked like a college professor and carried himself that way. Trying to think of someone to compare him to and the best I can do is Tim Duncan. Maurice Cheeks was that way too.

 

[NittPicker]

Thanks for posting that. It was something I never knew. Arthur was a great ambassador and Johnnie sounds like the same type of person. Brother or not, it was a very unselfish act.