American football – NFL legend and activist Jim Brown dies at 87

It is with sadness that the wife of Jim Brown announced the death of her husband this Saturday. He died peacefully in his home at the age of 87 as announced by his wife Monique.

His wife made a few remarks to release the thoughts that went through his head following his death: “For the whole world, he was an activist, an actor and a football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our hearts are broken…” she pronounced. A great way to sum up the career of this multi-faceted man.

Brown is one of the greatest players in NFL history, the legendary Cleveland Browns running-back, Super Bowl winner (1964) and three-time NFL MVP. The rest of his career was made in the cinema where he played in particular in Robert Aldrich’s “Twelve Bastards” or even “Mars Attacks!” by Tim Burton. About fifty films and series shot. He has also played in feature films of blaxploitation (social and cultural current praising African Americans) with the leading role.

Culturally and socially, he was a fine example, an activist for the civil rights of America. In 1967 he supported boxer Mohamed Ali not wanting to go to Vietnam for the war. In addition, he created the “Amer-I-Can” program aimed at helping young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods to ensure them a bright future away from gangs.

Behind the great man, hide malicious acts. Many problems with justice and women. He was accused in 1965 by an 18-year-old girl of having forced him to have sex, he inflicted assault and battery on him. But also in 1985 when he is accused of raping a 33-year-old woman, the case will not be followed up. In 1999, Jim Brown received a three-year probation and 1-year sentence for having smashed his wife’s car with a shovel. He did not respect the sentence and was sentenced in 2000 to 6 months in prison of which he will only do 3.

Many accusations and facts never firmly condemned by justice.

Source : Eurosport

Thomas Brouard

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