HBO is doing a documentary on Joe Namath. I thought it might be interesting to tell you about the first time I saw him when he arrived for his official visit to Alabama.
Joe lacked just a little getting into Maryland. So Tom Nugent, the coach at Maryland called Coach Bryant about Joe. I think Coach Bryant had coached his brother at Kentucky. Howard Schnellenberger flew up and brought Joe to the campus. Howard, having played at KY, had a connection as well.
We had a coaches' room in the back where all of the coaches hung out before work and shot the bull til Coach Bryant walked in. Then it usually got real quite. Anyway, I was back in the restroom and in walks Joe, plaid sportcoat, straw hat and a toothpick in his mouth. That was the first time I ever saw him.
I had him on my freshman basketball team for a few games. He was not a bad basketball player.
Then I had him in a basketball activity class and Snake was in there too. You had to
dress out and do basketball drills. I decided to tell Joe to go to the library and not come back. I gave him a good grade, real good. HA!! Don't turn me in to the NCAA because the statue of limitations is in effect.
p.s. We all need to respect weather!!!!!
