Two decades later this week, I have accepted the job of executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, succeeding my late and dear friend Michale Rubenstein, who ate the beans and rice that day, too. For the past four decades plus, I have covered Mississippi athletes and have become more and more passionate about their achievements and their major role in our state's heritage. Our museum is a showcase of what Mississippians do best. I intend to see it grow and prosper
It is a little known story of how the museum became a reality, and now seems as good a time as any to share it:
The call came late one afternoon 20 years ago. The bright voice on the other end of the line said, "Would you please hold for Commissioner Ross?" Me being a sports writer and all, I thought to myself, "Commissioner Ross of what? What league have I ticked off now?" The only commissioners I ever wrote much about back then were named Kramer and Rozelle, Ross didn't ring my bell.
