RESTRICTED ATHLETES

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

The A.A.U.'s denial of its approval to the Soviet basketball team seeking to play here is a sad commentary on the status of amateur sports in this country. Presumably, non-professional athletics are open to all competitors regardless of whether or not sports officialdom nods its God-like approval upon their political views or those of their sponsor. The only restriction that should be placed on these athletes is that their status and that of the promoter ought to be amateur in spirit and actuality.

The purely altruistic activities of Frank Walsh and the Soviet team clearly fall under the label of "amateurism," especially since Walsh will give the proceeds of the tour to the Hall of Fame. In opposing the tour, therefore, the A.A.U. has surpassed its legitimate authority. Its true function is to ensure that only true amateurs compete in amateur athletics. Once the Russians have complied with this condition, the A.A.U. no longer has any place in the matter, and should not hamper their tour. Ira D. Benson '56