Steve Prefontaine: The Lost Press Conference

A year before the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine addressed many of his harshest critics in this emotionally charged press conference. Discovered by Seattle Untimely. http://www.seattleuntimely.com

FAQ:
1)Does this video make fun of Steve Prefontaine or Allen Iverson?

As expected, this is proving to be one of our more divisive episodes, with some people insisting that it slanders running legend Steve Prefontaine while others claim it ridicules basketball hero Allen Iverson. Some have even tried to have it both ways with impressively noncommittal comments like 'wtf'.

The truth is that we weren't trying to smear either of these American sports icons when we made this joke. If anything, this video was a way for us to bridge two defiant athletes, by conflating Iverson's well known "We're talking about practice. Not the game," and Pre's "I'm not thinking about making the team. I'm thinking about Gold in Munich."

The similarities don't end there. Consider their defining, front-running styles. Their diminutive size, their refusals to pace themselves, their brash personalities, their unique hairstyles, their olympic heroics in spite of not getting the medal that was expected. Their desire to push themselves as far as they possibly could go. They redefined their respective sports and were unquestionably, larger than life.

Did you know that Prefontaine died exactly one week before The Answer was born? Is it possibly that they are in some way metaphysically related, perhaps even the same soul? Or maybe Pre faked his death and got plastic surgery in order to conquer a new athletic challenge. We don't think it's outside the realm of possibility.

They were from vastly different eras and backgrounds, but distilled to the essence, they were very much the same.

1b)But I think this video has a satirical edge to it. Doesn't that mean that it should deeply offend Prefontaine and Iverson? What about their fans?

This video does have a jocular tone to it. However, both Pre and The Answer are known for having well developed senses of humor.

Iverson appeared in a Reebok commercial with the practice rant running in the background. He also was exceedingly graceful when he had to endure a tedious 'Punking' by Ashton Kutcher.

When Steve Prefontaine returned from the Munich Olympics, where he placed fourth after getting passed by three people in the last 100 meters, a friend, in an effort to console him said, 'They're going to name a street after you.' Pre famously responded, 'Yeah. They'll call it fourth street.'

Perhaps as a fan, one should honor these two sportsman by respecting their sense of humor.

1c)What if I call you guys fags? Doesn't that count for anything?

Well yes and no. We had a poll going among the Seattle Untimely community called the Countdown to Accusations of Homosexuality. Basically it works on a parimutuel system and you can bet for any comment to win, place or show. However, we've long surpassed the quota on 'fag', so all the money has been paid out. Therefore we reserve the right to remove any future 'fag' comments as they no longer contribute to the discussion or the Countdown. However, there are open polls going on some of our other videos, we suggest you check them out.

1d) Are there any other Countdowns I should be aware of?

There is one other big one. Considering the sums involved, we shouldn't influence the poll by mentioning it explicitly. Frankly we're surprised it hasn't been triggered already.

In the future, considering the trends in this stream, we might add categories for threats of physical violence, and demands to remove the video.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• steve
• prefontaine
• allen
• iverson
• press
• conference
• gold
• munich
• germany
• 1972
• summer
• olympic
• games
• game
• oregon
• nike
• practice
• pre
• palm

[John2070]

I find this video highly offensive.

[beckyhammonbest]

Fuck this bitch...flag it everybody. And be comforted in knowing that if it doesn't get this shit pulled off there will ALWAYS be "Karma." Rest In Peace Pre

[pbs91111]

We talking about making the team man!

[2etc]

did he die because he could not take the defeat? did he lose because of overconfidence and arrogance? or did he display arrogance because of lack of international exposure? we wonder

[mshsxcrunner]

hey douche pre had more talent in his right calf then you willl in your emtire life.

[mamowolde]

yea...this is basically a slap in the face to the legend. Plus this never even happened...

[Skullbladeproduction]

Stfu

[teammike]

This is really funny; the critics need to lighten up a little.

[MrSlamdog3]

This isn't even remotely funny. Who the hell would ever waste their time making this?

[stogatrack]

PLEASE GOOGLE: ALLEN IVERSON PRACTICE