"That's pathetic, ridiculous," said Jobe, who was a McLendon disciple. "The man's a coach. He was the greatest coach of us all and should be in as a coach. They need to right that wrong."
Jobe, who played at Fisk and coached at schools including Talladega College, Alabama State, South Carolina State College and Southern, said he's not interested in becoming a Hall-of-Famer. He would be interested in sitting on Jackson's committee to recognize others, however.
Jobe said he is wary of the hall establishing a separate exhibit about players and coaches from the historically Black schools, rather giving key coaches and players full enshrinement.
"You're talking about segregation again," Jobe said. "I can see how they would think that way, that's typical of the way most organizations today think."
Klores said the many players and coaches he's talked to feel slighted because the Hall of Fame has passed them over, recognizing broadcasters, foreign coaches, and others who they feel are not as qualified.
"I'm not saying Dick Vitale isn't qualified, but is he more qualified than Jerry Johnson, who won over 800 games at LeMoyne?" said Klores.
Klores said he is thankful that Jackson has taken up the cause, and urged him to move swiftly, "because time for a lot of worthy men and women is precious."
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