Team USA was a big favorite to win basketball gold at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Why not? American teams had won the gold at every Olympic competition to that point, and boasted an overall record of 55-0 in Olympic play. Led by future pros like Bobby Jones, Doug Collins, Swen Nater and Tom Henderson, the Americans cruised through the opening round, then crushed Italy, 68-38 in the semifinal, setting up a gold medal matchup with the Soviet Union. The final game was much closer than any of the previous contests; the Americans were behind 48-49 with three seconds remaining and Collins at the free-throw line...And then all hell broke loose.
Collins sank the first freebie, tying the game. As he made his second attempt, the buzzer sounded - apparently signaling the end of the game. Despite the distraction, Collins hit the shot, giving Team USA a 50-49 lead. The Soviets inbounded the ball and advanced it as far as halfcourt... but at the same time, their coaching staff ran to the scorer's table and protested, claiming they had called a time out that should have been awarded after Collins' first free throw - and giving rise to the theory that the mysterious end-game buzzer was actually a late attempt from the scorer's table to signal for that time-out. Under international basketball rules in effect at the time, the time-out could not be awarded after Collins' free throw, but the delay caused by the discussion had the same basic effect; the Soviets were able to set up a last-second play and win the game.
American officials immediately launched a protest, which was heard by a five-member FIBA jury and denied. The fact that three of the five jurors were from Soviet-bloc nations Hungary, Poland and Cuba may have factored into the decision, but that has never been confirmed. The American team voted unanimously not to attend the medal ceremony to accept their Silver medals.
Here offered is the uniform worn by Nater during the 1972 Olympics. The white dureen jersey displays “U.S.A." across the chest in red on blue tackle twill lettering. Nater's number "13" is featured on the front and back in like fashion. Vertical blue and red striping in stretch-ribbed cotton runs down the right side of the jersey. Stitched to the left front tail is the Sand-Knit manufacturer's tag, which displays the jersey's size "46". Nater has signed the front number in black sharpie. Excellent game wear is evident. Includes a signed LOA from Swen Nater.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.