Craig James, Now a Hall-of-Famer (at SMU)

By Robert Wilonsky Mon., Mar. 21 2011 at 2:40 PM

I went over to The Hilltop's website this afternoon to look for something unrelated and espied this announcement: "SMU announces the newest inductees into its Athletics Hall of Fame." At the top of the pops: running back Craig James of the Pony ~~Excess~~Express. No word whether his former agent, Sherwood Blount, will present the award. The honor comes with a one-way ticket to Lubbock, where James is beloved.

Also making the cut this fourth go-round: basketballer Gene Phillips, a former Dallas Chaparral drafted in '71 by the Milwaukee Bucks; looooongtime swim-team coach Alfred "Red" Barr; Tommy Bowers Sr., who'd go on to pitch for the Dallas Eagles; and soccer stars Luchi Gonzalez and Lisa Cole Zimmerman. There's a wingding May 6 at the Hilton Anatole, at which point they'll be inducted. Tickets run $200 from the slush fund.

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Jay D

If James is elected to the Senate (not bloody likely), do you suppose he'll use his office to force some NFL team to play Adam James at wide receiver?

There are many legendary athletes in the SMU Athletic Hall of Fame who brought honor and distinction to SMU. Craig James is not among them.

Grumpy Demo

"Craig James is just another overpaid jackass"

How has that changed form when he was playing at SMU?

Next the Alum who "paid for him to play" will be admitted.

RandyE

Tickets run $200 from the slush fund. From or for?

gabbahey

Craig James is just another overpaid jackass with a national soapbox (the wwl).

Lakewooder

Red Barr, wow, that's a blast from the past. I took swim (or maybe diving) lessons at Perkins Natatorium from coach Barr when I was knee high to a grass hopper - 40 + years ago. He was a class act. Craig James, notsamuch.

Not a fan...

Just disgusted with Craig James. I don't think he realizes how much he is hated. He has no clue the majority of Texans dislike him strongly. He is NOT one of this State's best and brightest. ESPN was duped and we have to tolerate him to see our teams play. Yuck! When will it end?

ChrisU

not for a while, he's running for senate

LaceyB

Sounds like a great place to hook up with people looking for people looking for people hoping to recognize them (honorees not included). A steal at $200 pp.