Muhammad Ali’s family tells Trump thanks, but no pardon needed as conviction was overturned 50 years ago

June 9th, 2018

Awake Goy

An attorney for Muhammad Ali has challenged President Donald Trump’s suggestion that he may pardon the late boxer, pointing out that Ali’s conviction was overturned nearly 50 years ago.

Mr Trump told reporters on Friday the was “very seriously” considering pardoning the heavyweight champ, who was convicted in 1967 of failing to report for military service after being drafted into the Vietnam War.

Ron Tweel, an attorney for Ali’s wife and estate, said such a move would not be necessary.

“We appreciate President Trump’s sentiment, but a pardon is unnecessary,” Mr Tweel said in a statement. “The US Supreme Court overturned the conviction of Muhammad Ali in a unanimous decision in 1971. There is no conviction from which a pardon is needed.”