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PoconoPony wrote:

LHS81 wrote:What Jerry had to deal with, he had every right to be angry.

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Jerry had a clear understanding right from the beginning that he was being placed in a very difficult situation breaking the color barrier in the SWC. I do not think that anyone can fully appreciate how difficult things were and what Jerry ultimately faced. I recall many stories about threats and incidents via telephone, mail and on the football field. My recollection was that Frye was fully aware of the problems and was a solid rock with Jerry and went through much himself with criticism re recruiting Jerry and yet he still opened the door for black athletes with his subsequent recruiting classes. Jerry might have had many emotions, but angry should not have been one. He faced the challenge and made it through. Coach Tommy Protho at UCLA made every effort Jerry's frosh year to get him to transfer. Jerry had cousins Bubba and Toby Smith at Michigan State and UCS and could have easily gone to these schools. Bottom line is that Jerry had many options to walk out at any time to better situations and yet he remained at SMU. This shows Jerry's strength of character and yet it is disappointing that he left SMU disappointed in the overall support he recieved. At the same time, Jerry somewhat isolated himself his last 2 years and stayed somewhat alouf from the school and team and in my opinion this is where systems failed him and at the same time Jerry did not appear to readily seek or accept support. Many fingers can be pointed, but it was a difficult time immediately after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, concerned people did not know what to expect and everyone involved had huge learning curves as to the realities of the ever changing situations. I only hope that Jerry can self reflect, come to grips with the realities of the day and come to appreciate what he accomplished and the doors he opened. In addition, kudos to Coach Frye for the for the many things and pressures he endured. In fact, a great story would be Coach Frye's thoughts,recollections and motivations.