LA28 Chair Wasserman Asks IOC To Allow Athlete Protests

LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman has asked Olympic leaders for a "rule change that would allow athletes to protest against racism either from the podium or at other times during the international competition," according to David Wharton of the L.A. TIMES. Wasserman in a letter to IOC President Thomas Bach wrote, "I urge you to allow and encourage athletes to advocate against racism anywhere they can, including on and off the field of play." Wharton noted at issue is Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which states that "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas." The IOC earlier this year issued "new guidelines with a 'no-no' list that included signs, arm bands and hand gestures." They "prohibited taking a knee during the anthem or otherwise failing to adhere to strict protocol during the medal ceremony." Wasserman's letter was first reported by Sportico (L.A. TIMES, 8/1).