This auction is for the following RARE Alvin Garrett Washington Redskins "Smurfs" Super Bowl XVII during the first half of the September 5th , 1983 Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, Howard Cosell's commentary on Garrett included "That little monkey gets loose doesn't he?" Cosell's references to Garrett as a "little monkey," ignited a racial controversy that laid the groundwork for Cosell's departure from MNF at the end of the 1983 season. 

Autographed cut that has been mated with an unsigned 5x7 inch photograph. This autographed cut that has been mated with an unsigned 5x7 inch photograph the autograph is JSA authenticated #QQ92070. This autograph cut has been authenticated by the most prestigious and respected authentication company in the hobby JSA #MM67858. Autographed items that have been authenticated by JSA adds an additional value to all signed items that bare the JSA authentication process.

BIO: Alvin Garrett (RARE AUTOGRAPH) Washington Redskins "Smurfs" "#89 Super Bowl XVII, New York Giants (1980-1981), Washington Redskins (1981-1984). During the first half of the September 5, 1983 Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, Howard Cosell's commentary on Garrett included "That little monkey gets loose doesn't he?" Cosell's references to Garrett as a "little monkey," ignited a racial controversy that laid the groundwork for Cosell's departure from MNF at the end of the 1983 season. The Rev. Joseph Lowery, then-president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, denounced Cosell's comment as racist and demanded a public apology. Despite supportive statements by Jesse Jackson, Muhammad Ali, and Alvin Garrett himself, the fallout contributed to Cosell's decision to leave Monday Night Football following the 1983 season. "I liked Howard Cosell," Garrett said. "I didn't feel that it was a demeaning statement." Source: Washington Post article, April 25, 1995. Cosell explained that Garrett's small stature, and not his race, was the basis for his comment, citing the fact that he had used the term to describe his own grandchildren. Among other evidence to support Cosell's claim is video footage of a 1972 preseason game between the New York Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs, that features Cosell referring to athlete Mike Adamle, a 5-foot, 8-inch, 195-pound Caucasian, as a "little monkey."

THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED CUT that was been matted with an unsigned in uniform 5x7 inch photograph perfect for framing. The black mat measures 8x10 inches. This is one of the last remaining autographs that I have available of him. I am close to being permanently sold out do not miss out on your chance to add this remarkable collectable to your collection. PLEASE NOTE this photograph was printed posted war. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you get the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same item that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. I combine S&H when multiple items are purchased. I ship items internationally the price for international S&H varies by country. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.