30 for 30 Shorts: Arthur and Johnnie (2013)
Johnnie Ashe, the brother of tennis legend Arthur, sits down to talk about an important decision he made that allowed his brother to continue his tennis career, win the U.S. Open and possibly save his life. Both men were in the military as the Vietnam War was at full force and Johnnie was set to leave when he realized that by leaving it meant that Arthur might have to come and serve his time there. Not wanting that to happen, Johnnie stayed an additional term, which allowed Arthur to stay in America where he'd become the first black man to win the U.S. Open. It's funny seeing how laid back about the entire thing Johnnie is because he repeatedly says that he never wanted the attention for this story nor does he see he did anything "special" because brothers are supposed to help one another. The story is certainly a very interesting one and especially when you realize how different things could have been.
Episode: B+
Johnnie Ashe, the brother of tennis legend Arthur, sits down to talk about an important decision he made that allowed his brother to continue his tennis career, win the U.S. Open and possibly save his life. Both men were in the military as the Vietnam War was at full force and Johnnie was set to leave when he realized that by leaving it meant that Arthur might have to come and serve his time there. Not wanting that to happen, Johnnie stayed an additional term, which allowed Arthur to stay in America where he'd become the first black man to win the U.S. Open. It's funny seeing how laid back about the entire thing Johnnie is because he repeatedly says that he never wanted the attention for this story nor does he see he did anything "special" because brothers are supposed to help one another. The story is certainly a very interesting one and especially when you realize how different things could have been.
Episode: B+
