Key Highlights

• The U.S. Olympic basketball team originally beat the Soviet team 50-49 in the 1972 gold-medal game.
• By a 3-2 vote of Olympic officials, the Soviets were ultimately declared the winners, 51-50.
• U.S. team members refused to accept their silver medals, which remain locked in Munich.

(NicePlay Sports) – The 1972 Olympic basketball final remains one of the most controversial moments in sports history. The United States team, featuring notable players like El Pasoans Jim Forbes and assistant coach Don Haskins, experienced a stunning reversal of fortune. Initially declared victors with a 50-49 scoreline against the Soviet Union, they were soon dethroned by a contentious 3-2 vote from Olympic officials, which shifted the win to the Soviets at 51-50. This incident left an indelible mark on the U.S. team, who to this day refuse their silver medals, locked away in a Munich vault. While some, like Forbes, continue to share memories of that fateful game, others, including Haskins, are reluctant to revisit the past.

The Great 1972 Olympic Holdup

The sting of the 1972 Olympic basketball final may have faded over the decades, but the memory persists, particularly for El Paso’s Jim Forbes and UTEP coach Don Haskins. The U.S. team, having secured a 50-49 victory on the court against the Soviet Union, found themselves stripped of their gold medals in an unprecedented move by Olympic officials. The decision, made in a conference room rather than on the court, was determined by a narrow 3-2 vote, awarding the Soviets a controversial 51-50 win. This reversal ended a remarkable streak of 63 consecutive Olympic victories for the U.S. team, who subsequently boycotted the medal ceremony. To this day, team members refuse to accept their silver medals, which remain locked in a Munich vault.

Forbes, one of the youngest team members, often reflects on the game and its bitter conclusion. In contrast, Haskins has grown weary of discussing the events, once stating, “I’m sick and tired of talking about the 1972 Olympics.” Yet, both agree that victory was unjustly taken from them. “They (the Soviets) were the better team, they should have won,” Haskins acknowledged, citing the Soviet team’s experience and cohesion, having played together for three Olympic cycles. The U.S. squad, despite missing key players like Bill Walton and the nation’s top rebounder, fought valiantly, with memories of what could have been still haunting them.

A Game Defined by Controversy

The championship game itself was a slow, physical battle. The U.S. team, hindered by the losses of key centers Dwight Jones and Jim Brewer, had to adapt their strategy. Despite these setbacks, they capitalized on Soviet turnovers late in the game. A pivotal moment came when Doug Collins, after making a critical steal, was fouled hard but managed to sink both free throws, giving the U.S. a 50-49 lead with only three seconds left.

However, those final three seconds became the most contentious in U.S. basketball history. Twice, the game was reset, allowing the Soviets additional chances. Ultimately, Soviet center Aleksandr Belov scored the decisive basket after a full-court pass, sealing the disputed 51-50 victory. “We won the game,” Haskins insists, pointing out that the scorebook was never officially signed by referees. The real controversy, he contends, occurred at the scorer’s table, where language barriers and heated exchanges added to the confusion.

The Aftermath and Legacy

In the immediate aftermath, the U.S. team, feeling cheated, decided against attending the medal ceremony. Forbes recalls watching the awards on television, a poignant reminder of the opportunity they felt was stolen. He soon returned to El Paso, only to face further challenges, including a severe knee injury that hampered his college and professional basketball aspirations. Despite the disappointment, Forbes remains proud of his Olympic experience. “Remorse? No. I was glad I was there,” he reflects, though he wishes the outcome had been different.

Over the years, the narrative of the 1972 Olympic final has become a cautionary tale in sports history, illustrating how off-court decisions can overshadow athletic achievements. For Forbes and Haskins, the memory of that game serves as a testament to their resilience and the complexities of international competition during a politically charged era.

Unyielding Refusal to Accept Silver

To this day, the U.S. team’s refusal to accept their silver medals stands as a symbol of protest and principle. Locked away in a Munich vault, these medals serve as a stark reminder of the controversial decision that still resonates with many. The team’s collective stance reflects their unwavering belief that they were the rightful champions.

While time has softened some of the sting, the events of 1972 continue to be a focal point for discussions about fairness, sportsmanship, and the impact of political influences on athletic competitions. The story of the 1972 U.S. Olympic basketball team is not just about a game, but about a moment in history that challenged the integrity of the sport and left an indelible mark on those who lived it.

A Moment Frozen in Time

As the years pass, the 1972 Olympic basketball final remains a poignant chapter in sports history. The players, coaches, and fans who witnessed the events continue to grapple with the emotions and implications of that fateful game. For Jim Forbes, Don Haskins, and their teammates, the controversy is a reminder of both their incredible achievement and the bitter twist of fate that denied them their gold-medal moment.

The legacy of the 1972 U.S. Olympic basketball team endures, a testament to their skill, determination, and the enduring debate over one of the most controversial decisions in Olympic history. For those who remember, the story of that game is a powerful example of how sports can transcend the court, leaving a lasting impact on all who are touched by its drama and intensity.