As noted in an earlier post, HG is a college football fan. And, HG’s favorite football team through the years has been the University of Georgia. HG recalls the great stars like Sinkwich and Trippi. HG remained a loyal fan even during years when the Dawgs were being crushed by Alabama, Auburn and other SEC rivals. It’s all about tradition. There’s been a Freeman at Georgia for almost 100 years. My late cousin, the eminent Dr. Gustave Freeman (pioneering cancer researcher and the first to link cigarettes to lung and throat cancer) started the tradition in the 1920’s. He was followed by HG’s late brother Bernard (Bernie was a star of the freshman football squad and known as “The Russian Bull.” His athletic career ended as the result of a plane crash and leg amputation). His son, the late Paul Freeman, graduated from Georgia. Paul became a real estate mogul and a major investor in the New York restaurants of HG daughter, Victoria Freeman. Brother Bernard wanted HG to attend Georgia but left wing HG couldn’t tolerate southern racism. HG went to CCNY where the student body was racially diverse and politically radical (HG graduated in 1950). Okay, that’s the background. So, imagine HG’s pleasure in watching Georgia demolish TCU by an outlandish score: 65-7. Before the game, BSK predicted Georgia would win by many touchdowns. Right as always. TCU didn’t belong on the same field as the Dawgs, national champs for the second year in a row. HG reflected on the changes in football (and basketball, track, etc.) since HG’s college graduation 72 years ago. Black students attend Georgia and all other colleges. And, as far as athletics are concerned, Blacks dominate. Football and basketball without Black players? Unthinkable.
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