former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali talks with superstar New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath during his talk show in 1969. Things get a bit tense in the end
So much respect for Ali. He never wavered from his opinions in any circumstance which was especially powerful growing up and living in a time he did. It's within his right not to take part in a conversation he doesn't want to. He sat there quietly and respectfully until he was questioned. I see nothing wrong with it. He's literally The Greatest and for so many reasons outside the ring.
Joe Namath & Ali are two of the greatest athletes of the 20th century and their encounter was among and between professionals and friends God bless both of them and it was fun watching them both.
What the hell you people was watching! What I seen was the most uncomfortable the most disrespectful interview muhammad Ali ever been in. Namath couldn't handle Ali wisdom on social issues . Ali tells him I don't partake in sexual conversations, namath: well you better go back to sleep " . Come on!
That was very strange. But Ali was right to keep to the integrity of his religion. That's why he is more highly regarded today then everyone else on that show .
Unfortunately he was a racist, as was Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam is a nutty religion... they contend that all white people are the devil. Literally. Not figuratively.
Not really. Don't make him into a saint. He had an extramarital affair with a 16 year-old girl, getting her pregnant, when he was 32. Now, I don't care but you have to consider being uptight about actors talking about nude scenes is acting itself.
Ali showed true gentleman ship standards and Namath, Seagal, and Schaap were embarrassed because they knew they crossed the line with the sex talk. In today's world, we need more people like Ali. I am sick and tired of all the sexual inuendos on television and the movies!
I don't think so. It was not really "sexual". Segal was talking about the play and Ali copped a very sanctimonious attitude. He was honest but very stuffy, acting like a holy man. Joe was not embarrassed but it was awkward when they realized they offended him. "Broadway Joe" Namath was a football star but a famous playboy and creature of the night life. His show might be counted on to sizzle a bit. She wasn't on this clip but there was a blonde bombshell co-host who used to come on and titillate the crowd. It was still interesting to watch. I think the show lasted about 15 weeks, half a season in those days.
Ali was right refusing to talk about 'all that naked stuff'. 'Without integrity nothing works' and you only have to look at how over fifty years the integrity continued to decay to the position we have today. Ali again proves his greatness. Ali was right - even when it was unpopular to say so.
Don't let Ali fool you my friend, now I like Ali and yes he was funny but he had plenty of women. He was with different women while he was training to fight Foreman in Africa. I remember Larry Holmes talking about all the different women coming up to his camp in Pennsylvania. Ali wasn't a saint by any means. I am not judging his lifestyle but it was a bit hypocritical to act like he was all pure and blind to that sort of thing when in reality he had affairs with several women.
@@dedalusVeen , Larry Holmes was in Africa when he fought Foreman. I have heard him talk about it during interviews and it was even talked about in the movie Ali with Will Smith. It was well known that Ali had different Women. He had a couple of marriages and it was public knowledge. I am not Judging the man just stating what has been written and told in biography and from people that were around him.
Too bad Namath isn't very bright. Really shows through here. I know, it was 1969 and it was still okay to disrespect Black people, but seriously. To me it looks like common sense, to treat someone with respect.
Joel Mc I don't care to watch the clip again to be honest, if you are asking where I noticed it. I don't see it as much of an assumption. I've never met Joe, I bet like most folks he is a decent person. I've never come across anything about him opposing the Vietnam War, which of course was a racist war, as most wars are based on racism. I guess I was just disappointed in him because here he had a chance to interview one of the greatest Muslims, though there are many others, and to show the superiority of their religion and the general superiority of the black man over the average white american and he didn't go for it but just seemed kind of apolitical and silly. If I recall correctly. I would have to go back and watch it again to get a better analysis but I've got stuff to do. Thank you for asking me though.
john smith Anyone with even a 1st grade education knows that the most brutal and devastating wars, are Civil Wars. Was the Revolutionary War, a racial war? Were the 2 World Wars, racial wars? Was The Cold War, a Racial War? Learn some World History, see a therapist, and get back with me.
Is that what you learned in first grade? Yes, those wars were based on racism. I learned that at the university. Maybe I was lied to? I don't plan on getting back to you though. I appreciate your concern for the truth though. I am still learning but I think there was a racist element in all of those wars. Would you like me to try and give a justification in each instance?
@@drstrangelove09 no he wasn't the whites killed black for jokes , 50 and 60s was a racist error especially in USA So if you still say Ali was the racist then you need to wake up , speaking up doesn't make you a racist ( black lives matter)
@@ilyasmohammad5045 You do not understand . That is not the basis. You need to learn more about the crazy things that the Nation of Islam believes. They believe that white people are LITERALLY the devil.
@@ilyasmohammad5045 also, hating people today because white people maybe did some things in the past is also racist... but agan, that is not what I'm talking about... surely you see that saying "because some white people did something bad years ago then that means all white people are the devil" is racist...? Even saying "a white person did something bad today and so all white people are the devil" would also be racist. You see that, do you not? But again this is not what the Nation of Islam says. The Nation of Islam says: "all white people are literally the devil" and Ali also said that.
I grew up with Muhammad Ali. In 1969, I was 18. Muhammad Ali, much greater than being the Number 1 Heavyweight Champion of the World.... I felt so bad for him, and for me, because I did not "see" then what I "see" now. As the playwright George Bernard Shaw put it, "Youth is wasted on the young."
Ali was a professional during this interview and was no doubt bored when sexual conversation came up. I've been in conversations with people when they start talking about something that you rather not be discussing.....Good for Ali, pure class!!
Ali had women coming and gọing in his training camps. He had women while training for his fight with George Foreman. I think that’s a little hypocritical.
I remember this show so vividly. I saw this with my Parents, and when Ali said civilized people don't talk about being naked, my Parents applauded him.
Ali didn't want to give off the wrong impression to the public. Doesn't mean that he's perfect but being a minister he didn't want to participate in that kind of talk.
People forget what the world and America was like back then. Black people were dying in the U.S for their civil rights. Black people also had a limited exposure in the media, so if Ali wanted to control his public image, one of the few black people at the time who was mainstream, he had the right to. His personal life, was his own. Whether we agree or not, his religion allows him to have many wives and lovers. It's not my cup of tea but it was their consensual path. Also, the sex talk was a very risqué conversation for that era, the sexual revolution did not happen yet. A black man, regardless of religion was not a person who could partake in that type of conversation, this did not happen until the mid seventies in blaxploitation films and innuendo/ humour in black sitcoms. It seems like people are looking at historical footage through modern eyes, rather than trying to position themselves in the correct timeframe.
+Barcelona You are so correct, majority of people making negative comments were probably not born yet, they don't realize what it was like in the 60's, Ali became a spokesperson for black America and had to be careful talking about such subjects,, in addition he was and remained a very religious man, yes, he had 9 children his religion allowed it, also Ali was a very handsome man and women literally threw themselves at him, he was human, and we should look at all the great things he did do for humankind.
To answer the haters, ali spoke what he felt like without being wishy washy, manipulative and being a back stabber. And there you go, ali was honest. He spoke to the audience being himself. As a matter of fact i have a question to the trolls and haters on youtube, did any of you go through 4 years of high school without being bullied or getting into an argument? There is no way you did so how can you give an answer to how ali can conduct the "perfect" interview of how he doesnt offend anyone.
John Smith You're wasting your time addressing the trolls. Most of them weren't even alive when this show was on the air and have no clue about what Ali was going through during that time in American history.
And every kid should have said Fuck the Iraq/Afghanistan war. 2 completely innocent countries we have butchered with 0 reason. Other than Oil and Poppy fields.
Lee, he wouldn't have gotten near the fighting anyway. He would have boxed or COACHED the Army team or did exhibition matches or some other kind of shit like that. They probably wouldn't have let him in combat even if he's WANTED to go. Gotta love how these socialist hacks who come out apologizing for commies and talking about who was "right"! 7.5 million murdered South Vietnamese after the South fell!!!! 100 Years of Communism-and 100 Million Dead!!!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ I have great admiration and respect for both Muhammed Ali and Joe Namath. Both worked hard to get where they were, and during this show it was fun to see them together having fun (mostly). Both are beautiful though quite different and yet I think they probably have a lot in common. I enjoyed this clip very much. Thank you for posting it. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
"well then you better go back to sleep." If Ali doesn't want to talk about sex, leave him alone about it. I think Namath was just trying to be funny, and Ali can be funny, but not always, and not on certain topics.
Joe Namath was only 26 when he did his show in the fall of 1969, and I have to admit he was pretty good. With Dick Schaap as his wingman. He did the show on Mondays, his only day off.
I enjoyed the interview with Muhammad Ali on the Joe Namath show, but Joe Willie was my first crush, and I just kept waiting for them to show him in his prime.💕
Ali, and him not wanting to get engage in loose talk is the way he always has been..in another show he was asked about his divorce..and he was not having it...Barbra Walters asked if he cud be faithful...and Ali deferred to her, whispered something and the subject was dropped. How Ali dealt with his personal life was his business...he never brought it to a public level of stag night rapport. Everything about him was his own definition. His choice. Take it or leave it
Lee - I’m not sure, his private life was pretty much secretive but he was very open to discuss how the judge ordered him to pay alimony at the tube of $200,000 a year for the first wife. I guess this is why he kept fighting in the ring till 1980-81.
Ali handled this very well all things considered. This Joe Namath guy had some kind of ego, he obviously thought he was on the level of Ali and tried to one-up him but ultimately came across like a massive douchebag. If I was Ali, given my commanding stature and influence I would not have been as calm towards Joe!
didn't try to one up him, he was starting to feel inferior like most people would, knew he wasn't nearly as good on tv as ali and he couldn't take it, couldn't master himself. the whole thing got the better of him and ali knew he was taking advantage of the circumstances, out of weakness. ali had to carry the whole load as usual.
I'm a huge Jets fan, and I love Joe Namath, but I'm sorry Joe was out of his depth interviewing Ali. Dick Cavett has some of the best recorded interviews with Ali from this same time period. Ali was used to going on Cavett's show and having intelligent, yet witty, conversation. Ali had a sharp-witted humor as well Cavett. Loved the way he spoke up for himself after Joe mocked him "go back to sleep".
I saw that when it aired! Just turned 11 years old, and my two idols are there, together! I wanna be a kid again. Joe was a little shocked about Ali's total reluctance to be mischievous about "naked people." He didn't know quite what to say. Joe was raised a good Catholic boy, but you know, he was grown now! He was into 24/7 FUN! LOL That was a trip.
Ali and Namath were both ahead of their time. Both had a ton of swag. They are the only two athletes that I can think of off the top my head that had the “It” factor. Both would have dominated social media, had it been around way back then. Both did and said things that were unprecedented for their time. I only like Ali better over Namath because he stood up what he believed in. He gave up his title because he wasn’t going to Vietnam, cause he got drafted into war. And he also played a role in the civil rights movement. Ali basically for a couple years anyway gave up being the greatest boxer for the greater good of mankind.
What I meant to say was these were the only two athletes of the 1960’s that had the “it” factor. A ton of swag, very cool, a ton of influence and a ton of charisma. Ali was just more cooler and Charismatic than Namath. Namath and Ali had similar personalities. It’s no surprise they butted heads a little bit through out this interview.
They asked Joe Frazier in 1966 or 1967 (can't remember exactly) if he wanted to fight Muhammad Ali. He said not right now, I need more experience. This was Ali at his prime when they asked Joe. So yes, Ali would have danced around Joe all night.
@Aaron D. Digby, Sr. I'll try to remember to look up those fights but Ali was fine by the time he fought Frazier the problem was Fraziers relentlessnes, toughness and style of fighting always gave Ali big trouble, that's why Frazier did a lot better vs Ali than what Forman did, when he tried the rope-A-dope with Frazier he took a fearful beating up against the ropes, styles make fights. If you look up the lost Cus D'Amato tapes that was filmed weeks before the first Frazier fight Cus told Ali who was going to win an even showed Ali exactly how Frazier was going to beat him and low an behold Ali lost exactly the way Cus D'Amato predicted he would.
@Aaron D. Digby, Sr. He sure was, Frazier was a warrior he would fight to the bitter end even later on when all he had was one good eye and a bad back the man just did not stop fighting, a true legend of the ring. Yeah that trilogy had to be the greatest in boxing history, it was two legends going at it in the golden age of boxing, mighty hard to beat that. That trilogy of Fury vs Wilder is up there too lol
This had the makings of really great interview. Two superstars of their time interviewing one another, but the dude on the right kind of made it really cringe worthy to watch.
It's hard to believe that Joe was only 26 when he did this show. Ann Margaret: "Tell me, Joe, to what do you attribute your quick release?" Namath: Without missing a beat. "Two things, " he drawled, grin getting wider. "One, excitement; and the other, fear." Joe was THE athlete who was the greatest in front of the camera, with the possible exception of Ali.
namath at this time in his life was the king of swag in sports.... how much so? he held his own charisma wise w/ arguably the most important person in sports during that century.
how do you know it did? maybe we're all just figments of your imagination which you subconsciously created; or maybe you're all just figments of mine, created by me and here solely for my own amusement. I tend to think the latter.
It became tense when grown men were intensely talking abt being naked amongst each other. He tuned it out, and Joe wanted Ali to engage in something he wasn't to amused about. Joe was adding sexual connotations "your thigh is big, but he has big hands". Wise people see through things like that and instead of getting into a confrontation, Ali shut down. Wise man to say the least and Joe tried it with his arrogant snoddy ways.
Yeah...I understand Ali's position. This is a public conversation...there should be some basic standards. I don't think you'd see this kind of conversation in this same manner nowadays: perhaps we've grown more conservative?
The music at the end was DOPE! BTW, the ending was not as crazy as people in the comments are making it seem. All Muhammad Ali said was he doesn't want to take part of conversations like that. People bringing up his personal life are off here... what a person does in private and what they do in public are two different things. I would rather someone play a saint in public and be immoral in private rather than be normal in real life and play a devil in public. Public people like this have a lot of influence. Muhammad being who he was at this time couldn't participate in stuff like that.
Namath , Ali , the Beatles , Elvis , Sammy Davis , Sinatra , mickey mantle, Willie Mays . what a time of greats and legends . larger then Life people , all strutting on the world stage at the same time .
This is when sports had real heroes. They loved their jobs and the fans. Everyone knew who they were. Now, there are very few household names in sports and even the ones who are, are not on the same level as Joe Namath and Ali. George Vreeland Hill
Any serious religious person would have felt the same way as Ali. He is a very decent person. Not to say Joe isn't or the other two but Ali lives a life of abstinence whereas the others don't.
Ali far more likely was worried about what NOI and his handlers would say or do if he participated in that conversation. For those who haven't read an extensive biography of Muhammad Ali (try Jon Eig's book), he was not shy about matters female or sexual or breaking any religious taboos related to women or the act of love making. Ali had a lot of women around, always, married or unmarried, home or on the road. Probably why Namath kept going-he knew Ali off camera.
I don't believe that at all! As Ali was VERY much his own man and he spoke his mind regardless! Not to mention that he put his career and his freedom on the line for what he believed in!!!
Ail was just So smooth.. And Joe Namath Was smooth to but look like he smoked a ton of weed! 💨.. gotta little Chippy at end with Ail and Joe .. Respect the man’s religion. Joe. Ali was The Bigger Starr! ⭐️
Its funny how the guy wasn’t saying anything bad at all by todays standards and everyone here is like “Ali was right! He shouldn’t be talking about being naked! Disgraceful!” Very hypocritical talk from people today to defend Ali. But I do think Ali was right to not participate in something he didnt like just to “get along”. Very principled.
Muhammad Ali was prudish, which is a departure from the world of athletes and actors. The late sportswriter Dick Schaap, down at the far right end of the panel, seemed a little nervous that Ali was getting agitated by the risqué talk. Actor George Segal (the ginger guy with mustache) was his usual happy-go-lucky self. Broadway Joe was like, "screw this tension, let's get the show over with."
He was Muslim and being modest and shy, or prude as you stated, is part of Islam. For that reason he didn't indulge in the dirty parts of the conversation or the useless segments of it. See 8:59 and on.
choff56 Thats what the Quran orders of Muslims; modesty around the opposite gender and shyness regarding topics like the ones that came up in the video, and If some people aren't then that is a reflection of them and not of the Quran or Islam. Muhammad Ali was a true Muslim and one of the best representations of Islam.
So much respect for Ali. He never wavered from his opinions in any circumstance which was especially powerful growing up and living in a time he did. It's within his right not to take part in a conversation he doesn't want to. He sat there quietly and respectfully until he was questioned. I see nothing wrong with it. He's literally The Greatest and for so many reasons outside the ring.
Joe Namath & Ali are two of the greatest athletes of the 20th century and their encounter was among and between professionals and friends God bless both of them and it was fun watching them both.
scretching08 They do act as friends here. Btw, Namath looks high as hell here. Just saying.
True!
What the hell you people was watching! What I seen was the most uncomfortable the most disrespectful interview muhammad Ali ever been in. Namath couldn't handle Ali wisdom on social issues . Ali tells him I don't partake in sexual conversations, namath: well you better go back to sleep " . Come on!
What an amazing presence, Muhammad Ali.
im not conceited, im convinced
two of the most charismatic iconic athletes of all time
A cricketer by name Vivian Richards is also very charismatic like Mohammed Ali.
That was very strange. But Ali was right to keep to the integrity of his religion. That's why he is more highly regarded today then everyone else on that show .
He cheated on his wives!!
Idgaf, the only thing exposed is your stupidity.
@@italianguy6969 : he was a boxer not God.
Unfortunately he was a racist, as was Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam is a nutty religion... they contend that all white people are the devil. Literally. Not figuratively.
@@drstrangelove09 Ali was not a racist. He was fighting against Racism.
Such a remarkable, principled man. Ali was truly one of the most extraordinary people ever to have lived - as remarkable out of the ring as in.
He lost 5 title fights, and actually more where he was given "wins." Clay-Ali often showed up flabby to fights.
How hypocritical of ali.Preach one thing and do another.
His private life looked different.
Ok brown
Not really. Don't make him into a saint. He had an extramarital affair with a 16 year-old girl, getting her pregnant, when he was 32. Now, I don't care but you have to consider being uptight about actors talking about nude scenes is acting itself.
Ali showed true gentleman ship standards and Namath, Seagal, and Schaap were embarrassed because they knew they crossed the line with the sex talk. In today's world, we need more people like Ali. I am sick and tired of all the sexual inuendos on television and the movies!
Thanks you're right!
I don't think so. It was not really "sexual". Segal was talking about the play and Ali copped a very sanctimonious attitude. He was honest but very stuffy, acting like a holy man. Joe was not embarrassed but it was awkward when they realized they offended him. "Broadway Joe" Namath was a football star but a famous playboy and creature of the night life. His show might be counted on to sizzle a bit. She wasn't on this clip but there was a blonde bombshell co-host who used to come on and titillate the crowd. It was still interesting to watch. I think the show lasted about 15 weeks, half a season in those days.
Ali was right refusing to talk about 'all that naked stuff'. 'Without integrity nothing works' and you only have to look at how over fifty years the integrity continued to decay to the position we have today. Ali again proves his greatness. Ali was right - even when it was unpopular to say so.
Don't let Ali fool you my friend, now I like Ali and yes he was funny but he had plenty of women. He was with different women while he was training to fight Foreman in Africa. I remember Larry Holmes talking about all the different women coming up to his camp in Pennsylvania. Ali wasn't a saint by any means. I am not judging his lifestyle but it was a bit hypocritical to act like he was all pure and blind to that sort of thing when in reality he had affairs with several women.
@@curtismcneil8695 do you have proof or Larry Holmes told you so?? come on give evidence or shut up
@@dedalusVeen , Larry Holmes was in Africa when he fought Foreman. I have heard him talk about it during interviews and it was even talked about in the movie Ali with Will Smith. It was well known that Ali had different Women. He had a couple of marriages and it was public knowledge. I am not Judging the man just stating what has been written and told in biography and from people that were around him.
Point is is that he didn’t need to drag anyone through the mud !
@@dedalusVeenhis wives said it too
Two of the greatest legends together. Can't top this.
Too bad Namath isn't very bright. Really shows through here. I know, it was 1969 and it was still okay to disrespect Black people, but seriously. To me it looks like common sense, to treat someone with respect.
john smith In what way was Joe Namath rude to Ali? And you're assuming it's because he was Black, huh?
Joel Mc I don't care to watch the clip again to be honest, if you are asking where I noticed it. I don't see it as much of an assumption. I've never met Joe, I bet like most folks he is a decent person. I've never come across anything about him opposing the Vietnam War, which of course was a racist war, as most wars are based on racism. I guess I was just disappointed in him because here he had a chance to interview one of the greatest Muslims, though there are many others, and to show the superiority of their religion and the general superiority of the black man over the average white american and he didn't go for it but just seemed kind of apolitical and silly. If I recall correctly. I would have to go back and watch it again to get a better analysis but I've got stuff to do. Thank you for asking me though.
john smith Anyone with even a 1st grade education knows that the most brutal and devastating wars, are Civil Wars. Was the Revolutionary War, a racial war? Were the 2 World Wars, racial wars? Was The Cold War, a Racial War? Learn some World History, see a therapist, and get back with me.
Is that what you learned in first grade? Yes, those wars were based on racism. I learned that at the university. Maybe I was lied to? I don't plan on getting back to you though. I appreciate your concern for the truth though. I am still learning but I think there was a racist element in all of those wars. Would you like me to try and give a justification in each instance?
Ali was ready to show him whos boss at the end before the advert came on , oh Ali we love you and always will and may Allah grant him heaven Ameen
@Mark Richardson I- why?
He was a racist, unfortunately.
@@drstrangelove09 no he wasn't the whites killed black for jokes , 50 and 60s was a racist error especially in USA
So if you still say Ali was the racist then you need to wake up , speaking up doesn't make you a racist ( black lives matter)
@@ilyasmohammad5045 You do not understand . That is not the basis. You need to learn more about the crazy things that the Nation of Islam believes. They believe that white people are LITERALLY the devil.
@@ilyasmohammad5045 also, hating people today because white people maybe did some things in the past is also racist... but agan, that is not what I'm talking about... surely you see that saying "because some white people did something bad years ago then that means all white people are the devil" is racist...? Even saying "a white person did something bad today and so all white people are the devil" would also be racist. You see that, do you not? But again this is not what the Nation of Islam says. The Nation of Islam says: "all white people are literally the devil" and Ali also said that.
I grew up with Muhammad Ali. In 1969, I was 18. Muhammad Ali, much greater than being the Number 1 Heavyweight Champion of the World....
I felt so bad for him, and for me, because I did not "see" then what I "see" now.
As the playwright George Bernard Shaw put it, "Youth is wasted on the young."
I was 11, and I saw it. No offense, but Ali was everything back then - and so was Joe. I so adored them!
So sad, Ali was so animated, witty and gracious. In his latter years he was a prisoner of his own body. Dam he was so good.
over rated fixed fights
Mike Harrigon - agreed
He still had his personality under all that. I remember a clip of him clowning Ed Bradley 😂
You dumb, what do you mean, on his late carees he beat shavers, lyle, frasier, leon spinks how could you say that
@@100_1OO________1 they are as dumb as they look lol
Ali was a professional during this interview and was no doubt bored when sexual conversation came up. I've been in conversations with people when they start talking about something that you rather not be discussing.....Good for Ali, pure class!!
Thank God you have to aire and respect Ali for his spiritual andoral convictions. Admire and respect his spiritual and moral convictions
Well he was also guilty of doing things that he wasn't supposed to do
He was right. Don't fall into their evil trap. I really admire his brave response.
Ali had women coming and gọing in his training camps. He had women while training for his fight with George Foreman. I think that’s a little hypocritical.
I remember this show so vividly. I saw this with my Parents, and when Ali said civilized people don't talk about being naked, my Parents applauded him.
Ali didn't want to give off the wrong impression to the public. Doesn't mean that he's perfect but being a minister he didn't want to participate in that kind of talk.
Two baddest dudes ever lived love you both
Ali was firm asf with the naked convo shit lollll. You can't hate this man
Ali always demanded respect and I guess he mostly got it. He is a good example to stand up for what you believe in.
Ali is levels beyond these men.
Above
bullshit. He was an asshole
you are
If you hate fun then yes
@@melovinci You're a piece of shit
Ali was the best handsome man no matter where he appears plus a wonderful intelligent man
Superhuman
Ali is thrice the man they were. Integrity and respect
People forget what the world and America was like back then. Black people were dying in the U.S for their civil rights. Black people also had a limited exposure in the media, so if Ali wanted to control his public image, one of the few black people at the time who was mainstream, he had the right to.
His personal life, was his own. Whether we agree or not, his religion allows him to have many wives and lovers. It's not my cup of tea but it was their consensual path. Also, the sex talk was a very risqué conversation for that era, the sexual revolution did not happen yet. A black man, regardless of religion was not a person who could partake in that type of conversation, this did not happen until the mid seventies in blaxploitation films and innuendo/ humour in black sitcoms.
It seems like people are looking at historical footage through modern eyes, rather than trying to position themselves in the correct timeframe.
+Barcelona You are so correct, majority of people making negative comments were probably not born yet, they don't realize what it was like in the 60's, Ali became a spokesperson for black America and had to be careful talking about such subjects,, in addition he was and remained a very religious man, yes, he had 9 children his religion allowed it, also Ali was a very handsome man and women literally threw themselves at him, he was human, and we should look at all the great things he did do for humankind.
Oh man go on with your babble
Spot on.
Girls frinds? You sound don’t know 💩 if you don’t have enough in the Subject don’t open your mouth an just talk
Muhammad Ali the more I know about him I feel that's it's the end but there will be something again which shocks and amazes me...
To answer the haters, ali spoke what he felt like without being wishy washy, manipulative and being a back stabber. And there you go, ali was honest. He spoke to the audience being himself. As a matter of fact i have a question to the trolls and haters on youtube, did any of you go through 4 years of high school without being bullied or getting into an argument? There is no way you did so how can you give an answer to how ali can conduct the "perfect" interview of how he doesnt offend anyone.
John Smith You're wasting your time addressing the trolls. Most of them weren't even alive when this show was on the air and have no clue about what Ali was going through during that time in American history.
Junkman2000 great point
John Smith : Preach!!!
You are talkin out the side of your neck
Wow a true legend who stood up for his rights with such dignity he put food to you are missed Mr Ali
Ali was 100% right on the Viet Nam War.
He was also 100% right in his position here.
And every kid should have said Fuck the Iraq/Afghanistan war. 2 completely innocent countries we have butchered with 0 reason. Other than Oil and Poppy fields.
MAGA
Wayne Johanson you think so, he was a wimp, didn't want to fight for freedom. He just copped out.
Lee, he wouldn't have gotten near the fighting anyway. He would have boxed or COACHED the Army team or did exhibition matches or some other kind of shit like that. They probably wouldn't have let him in combat even if he's WANTED to go. Gotta love how these socialist hacks who come out apologizing for commies and talking about who was "right"! 7.5 million murdered South Vietnamese after the South fell!!!! 100 Years of Communism-and 100 Million Dead!!!
Ali was so handsome and good looking, modern and different from other. He was one man army.May Allah bless him Jannah.
Only Ali could outshine joe namath in a room and I’m a big fan of joe
Ali and Joe,two of my heroes.both were great athletes and men
I totally agree those were great time, real times, real heros, not made up celebs. Glad I lived in those times................
Boy these 3 were very disrespectful. Ali had class
How
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I have great admiration and respect for both Muhammed Ali and Joe Namath. Both worked hard to get where they were, and during this show it was fun to see them together having fun (mostly). Both are beautiful though quite different and yet I think they probably have a lot in common. I enjoyed this clip very much. Thank you for posting it. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Joe and Ali were both handsome men
"well then you better go back to sleep." If Ali doesn't want to talk about sex, leave him alone about it. I think Namath was just trying to be funny, and Ali can be funny, but not always, and not on certain topics.
Two icons sitting next to one another--awesome. Good to see Dick Schaap there too and George Segal rocking a cool stache--long live the 60s!
At first I wondered what Frank Burns (Larry Linville) was doing there.
Two of the best of their time and game.
Say it Loud “ I’m Black and I’m very Proud” Black is Beautiful!!! ✊🏽
LiSa’S 4FuR BaBiEs and fine as 🍷
I don't mind black people
You're exactly right honey
Joe Namath was only 26 when he did his show in the fall of 1969, and I have to admit he was pretty good. With Dick Schaap as his wingman. He did the show on Mondays, his only day off.
I don’t think Joe comes off good here. He seems like a total jerk
I enjoyed the interview with Muhammad Ali on the Joe Namath show, but Joe Willie was my first crush, and I just kept waiting for them to show him in his prime.💕
I saw this when it was broadcast....tks for posting
Real treat to see this on RUclips
They are two different people with two different life convictions, they should never have been on the same stage together.
No BS from the GOAT!!
Ali, and him not wanting to get engage in loose talk is the way he always has been..in another show he was asked about his divorce..and he was not having it...Barbra Walters asked if he cud be faithful...and Ali deferred to her, whispered something and the subject was dropped.
How Ali dealt with his personal life was his business...he never brought it to a public level of stag night rapport. Everything about him was his own definition. His choice. Take it or leave it
What happened between them two?
He was properly divorced each time and even paid alimony $200,000 a year to one wife of which he was only married to for 11 months. That’s ludicrous.
He just didn’t want to entertain these devils with their wack talk...
@@zemzem8323 Did she divorce him because she wanted a lot of money from him?
Lee - I’m not sure, his private life was pretty much secretive but he was very open to discuss how the judge ordered him to pay alimony at the tube of $200,000 a year for the first wife. I guess this is why he kept fighting in the ring till 1980-81.
PURE CLASS!
Apparently in capital letters
Ali handled this very well all things considered. This Joe Namath guy had some kind of ego, he obviously thought he was on the level of Ali and tried to one-up him but ultimately came across like a massive douchebag. If I was Ali, given my commanding stature and influence I would not have been as calm towards Joe!
didn't try to one up him, he was starting to feel inferior like most people would, knew he wasn't nearly as good on tv as ali and he couldn't take it, couldn't master himself. the whole thing got the better of him and ali knew he was taking advantage of the circumstances, out of weakness. ali had to carry the whole load as usual.
I'm a huge Jets fan, and I love Joe Namath, but I'm sorry Joe was out of his depth interviewing Ali. Dick Cavett has some of the best recorded interviews with Ali from this same time period. Ali was used to going on Cavett's show and having intelligent, yet witty, conversation. Ali had a sharp-witted humor as well Cavett. Loved the way he spoke up for himself after Joe mocked him "go back to sleep".
I was embarrassed for Joe, it just shows how we were all out of touch with Ali.
If you think this show was intense, look up the time Ali appeared on the Mike Douglas Show with Sly Stone.
RIP greatest of all times
Ali is the GOAT!
The King of Champions
Great interview! The greats true to themselves. I miss Ali.
Ive never seen Ali so uncomfortable in my life i kinda felt bad for him watching this interview
Real Cool late 60's footage here!👍 the only thing missing is Cosell!
I saw that when it aired! Just turned 11 years old, and my two idols are there, together! I wanna be a kid again.
Joe was a little shocked about Ali's total reluctance to be mischievous about "naked people." He didn't know quite what to say. Joe was raised a good Catholic boy, but you know, he was grown now! He was into 24/7 FUN! LOL That was a trip.
Ali and Namath were both ahead of their time. Both had a ton of swag. They are the only two athletes that I can think of off the top my head that had the “It” factor. Both would have dominated social media, had it been around way back then. Both did and said things that were unprecedented for their time. I only like Ali better over Namath because he stood up what he believed in. He gave up his title because he wasn’t going to Vietnam, cause he got drafted into war. And he also played a role in the civil rights movement. Ali basically for a couple years anyway gave up being the greatest boxer for the greater good of mankind.
What I meant to say was these were the only two athletes of the 1960’s that had the “it” factor. A ton of swag, very cool, a ton of influence and a ton of charisma. Ali was just more cooler and Charismatic than Namath. Namath and Ali had similar personalities. It’s no surprise they butted heads a little bit through out this interview.
They asked Joe Frazier in 1966 or 1967 (can't remember exactly) if he wanted to fight Muhammad Ali. He said not right now, I need more experience. This was Ali at his prime when they asked Joe. So yes, Ali would have danced around Joe all night.
Ali was at his absolute best at the time he fought Frazier. Frazier would have knocked a prime Ali out.
Fake news
@Aaron D. Digby, Sr. I'll try to remember to look up those fights but Ali was fine by the time he fought Frazier the problem was Fraziers relentlessnes, toughness and style of fighting always gave Ali big trouble, that's why Frazier did a lot better vs Ali than what Forman did, when he tried the rope-A-dope with Frazier he took a fearful beating up against the ropes, styles make fights. If you look up the lost Cus D'Amato tapes that was filmed weeks before the first Frazier fight Cus told Ali who was going to win an even showed Ali exactly how Frazier was going to beat him and low an behold Ali lost exactly the way Cus D'Amato predicted he would.
@Aaron D. Digby, Sr. He sure was, Frazier was a warrior he would fight to the bitter end even later on when all he had was one good eye and a bad back the man just did not stop fighting, a true legend of the ring. Yeah that trilogy had to be the greatest in boxing history, it was two legends going at it in the golden age of boxing, mighty hard to beat that. That trilogy of Fury vs Wilder is up there too lol
This had the makings of really great interview. Two superstars of their time interviewing one another, but the dude on the right kind of made it really cringe worthy to watch.
That's Dick Schaap, legendary sportswriter. The guy with the moustache is actor George Segal.
The two great sports legends. Ali was respectful in his conversations on TV nothing dirty. I heard Broadway Joe was very ratedex.
Nice.... I've never seen this before.
fuck me Joe Namath just stood up to Ali!
These were great men that understood the business. Great Interview!
It's hard to believe that Joe was only 26 when he did this show.
Ann Margaret: "Tell me, Joe, to what do you attribute your quick release?"
Namath: Without missing a beat. "Two things, " he drawled, grin getting wider. "One, excitement; and the other, fear."
Joe was THE athlete who was the greatest in front of the camera, with the possible exception of Ali.
Ali was a great man
Very handsome man with a beautiful personality .. .
Allah hu Akbar!!
That a man of honor. May Allah (swt) gift him the best of the hereafter.
ISIS?
How about you write the English Arabic in English so that everyone can understand 🪓
Two of the greatest
namath at this time in his life was the king of swag in sports.... how much so? he held his own charisma wise w/ arguably the most important person in sports during that century.
Actually, Joe came off looking quite inferior to Ali! There was ONLY ONE King on that stage! Ali dwarfed Joe's rock star star statues!!!
Fly like butterfly sting like a bee my name is Joe Namath,Muhammad Ali and George Segal! 🙏👑♥️
Wow, Namath was a good talk show host!!!
"2" OF MY SUPER STAR FAV'S : JOE NAMATH TALKING ABOUT MUHAMMID ALI(HAVE BOTH THEIR AUTOGRAPHS + JACK LALANNE)
I was only 43 days old, but I remember it like it was yesterday.
And I wasn't even born. This is 22 years before I was born. I didn't know life existed before me 😬
how do you know it did? maybe we're all just figments of your imagination which you subconsciously created; or maybe you're all just figments of mine, created by me and here solely for my own amusement. I tend to think the latter.
+Uncle Tony you have some serious issues
nah, I think that would be you, arshid.
+Uncle Tony wow thats a deep answer : )
It became tense when grown men were intensely talking abt being naked amongst each other. He tuned it out, and Joe wanted Ali to engage in something he wasn't to amused about. Joe was adding sexual connotations "your thigh is big, but he has big hands". Wise people see through things like that and instead of getting into a confrontation, Ali shut down. Wise man to say the least and Joe tried it with his arrogant snoddy ways.
Yeah...I understand Ali's position. This is a public conversation...there should be some basic standards. I don't think you'd see this kind of conversation in this same manner nowadays: perhaps we've grown more conservative?
Bullshit
You'd talk that way with your girlfriend, not around grown men and the public
@@BigLee93 I guess so
@@meanieeheart4236 Exactly, right!, Thanks for agreeing with me, man.
Ali was uncomfortable here. He was about to snap, good thing they cut is short.
Yeah.
Is the big nose arrogant punk next to him.
The music at the end was DOPE! BTW, the ending was not as crazy as people in the comments are making it seem. All Muhammad Ali said was he doesn't want to take part of conversations like that. People bringing up his personal life are off here... what a person does in private and what they do in public are two different things. I would rather someone play a saint in public and be immoral in private rather than be normal in real life and play a devil in public. Public people like this have a lot of influence. Muhammad being who he was at this time couldn't participate in stuff like that.
I thank God I grew up when these guys ruled the world.
Those were the days.
+George Vreeland Hill Yeah, Ali and Elvis!!!!!!!!!!
Namath , Ali , the Beatles , Elvis , Sammy Davis , Sinatra , mickey mantle, Willie Mays . what a time of greats and legends . larger then Life people , all strutting on the world stage at the same time .
Wow... Back then a QB actually had his own TV show.
Was Namath one toke over the line when this was filmed? His eyes have that look.
god this was hard to watch
Why
@@nickj3513 idk either lol, maybe its sad?
@@nickj3513 Cos it's cringy as hell. The chat was very awkward most ofthe way thru it and Namath was a jerk.
Did that host really get out his chair to stand up to Ali ?
This is when sports had real heroes.
They loved their jobs and the fans.
Everyone knew who they were.
Now, there are very few household names in sports and even the ones who are, are not on the same level as Joe Namath and Ali.
George Vreeland Hill
Hey your welcome. About your request .. I will mosdef try to get more Ali stuff on here if I find any more in my collection
Any serious religious person would have felt the same way as Ali. He is a very decent person. Not to say Joe isn't or the other two but Ali lives a life of abstinence whereas the others don't.
What????????He was married 4 times and couldn't keep it in his pants.
Ali cheated and fornicated on his wives!!
Namath and Ali are the most beautiful athletes of all time! Have you noticed Ali has no hostility toward Namath?
both Joe and Ali were cool a$$ dudes
Ali far more likely was worried about what NOI and his handlers would say or do if he participated in that conversation. For those who haven't read an extensive biography of Muhammad Ali (try Jon Eig's book), he was not shy about matters female or sexual or breaking any religious taboos related to women or the act of love making. Ali had a lot of women around, always, married or unmarried, home or on the road. Probably why Namath kept going-he knew Ali off camera.
I don't believe that at all! As Ali was VERY much his own man and he spoke his mind regardless! Not to mention that he put his career and his freedom on the line for what he believed in!!!
These days were the best. Miss how the country was in those days.
Awwwwwwkwaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrd.
I've heard Ali recycle that poem and use it on other interviews....
best way to shut 3 ignorants up .. . THE LEGEND MUHAMMAD ALI
Two of the best...……………..
Ail was just So smooth.. And Joe Namath Was smooth to but look like he smoked a ton of weed! 💨.. gotta little Chippy at end with Ail and Joe .. Respect the man’s religion. Joe. Ali was The Bigger Starr! ⭐️
Ali a hero and legend 🥰
Ali was so fine.
in person he was gorgeous.
Keshun Grantham Oh gosh yeeeesss, he was freaking sexy 😍😍😍😍😍
Tree Peace u met him before?
Awesome talks
3:54 Now I know where that Reservoir Dogs line comes from. Did Tarantino write anything that was original?
Its a known quote by Ali. Even the way Keitel says it is similar to Ali.
In Germany we say: a gentleman enjoys and stays silent. Ein Kavalier geniesst und schweigt. So he protects the women.
As a preteen and young teenager, Namath walked on water.
i agree with Ali here. You dont have to talk about it on a public forum. There acting like a bunch of high school boys. Why even bring it up.
Cmon man get off of that mess
Its funny how the guy wasn’t saying anything bad at all by todays standards and everyone here is like “Ali was right! He shouldn’t be talking about being naked! Disgraceful!”
Very hypocritical talk from people today to defend Ali.
But I do think Ali was right to not participate in something he didnt like just to “get along”.
Very principled.
Muhammad Ali was prudish, which is a departure from the world of athletes and actors. The late sportswriter Dick Schaap, down at the far right end of the panel, seemed a little nervous that Ali was getting agitated by the risqué talk. Actor George Segal (the ginger guy with mustache) was his usual happy-go-lucky self. Broadway Joe was like, "screw this tension, let's get the show over with."
He was Muslim and being modest and shy, or prude as you stated, is part of Islam. For that reason he didn't indulge in the dirty parts of the conversation or the useless segments of it. See 8:59 and on.
Thank you. indeed he is.
modest and shy , is that what they are ?
A real muslims yes. Unfortunately not many are left today. Peace.
choff56 Thats what the Quran orders of Muslims; modesty around the opposite gender and shyness regarding topics like the ones that came up in the video, and If some people aren't then that is a reflection of them and not of the Quran or Islam. Muhammad Ali was a true Muslim and one of the best representations of Islam.