Tuesday Sports Short: Stand By Your Man

Paul "Bear" Bryant was the winningest coach of his era. Bryant totaled more than 300 career victories and established a dynasty at the University of Alabama. One day after practice Bryant called a team meeting. He felt that he needed to be stricter with his boys, and lay down the proverbial law.

Bryant gathered the team around and outlined some new team policies. He told them, “This is a class operation. I want your shoes to be shined. I want you to have on a tie, get your hair cut, and keep a crease in your pants. I also want you to go to class. I don’t want no dumbbells on this team. If there is a dumbbell in the room, I wish he would stand up.”

Suddenly star Quarter Back Joe Namath rose to his feet. Surprised, Bryant looked at his team leaders and said, “Joe how come you’re standing up? You ain’t no dumb.” Namath responded, “Coach, I just hate like the devil for you to be standing up there all by yourself!”

On a side note the Tampa area is morning the loss of a community icon, Al Lopez. For those of you who are not familiar with the name, Lopez is in the baseball Hall of Fame. Lopez has been a part of this community for a very long time, and he will be missed. Lopez was 97 year old when he died.

*Next Tuesdays Post will be devoted to Al Lopez*