Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 30, 1995 TAG: 9507310079
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CANTON, OHIO LENGTH: Medium
Kellen Winslow, the prototype tight end for the San Diego Chargers, blasted opponents of affirmative action and challenged African Americans to make their own opportunities.
The 15-minute segment of his acceptance speech dealing with affirmative action was met by polite but only sporadic applause from an overflow crowd that included Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
Gingrich, seated in the first row in front of the Hall's steps, sat impassively through Winslow's speech.
Winslow and Largent, a record-setting wide receiver with the Seattle Seahawks, were joined in the 1995 class by Tampa Bay defensive end Lee Roy Selmon, team administrator Jim Finks and Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Henry Jordan.
``After less than 30 years of a policy that has a proper goal of attempting to induce those who have been excluded for so long, the powers that be have declared it no longer necessary,'' Winslow said of affirmative action, a policy that has come under fire from Gingrich and others.
``To these people, I say take off your robes, leave your ivory towers and Congressional halls and walk the streets of America today. Look into the eyes of the various minorities - Native Americans, African Americans, women, Hispanics, Asians and so on - and tell them that in spite of the odds before them ... that they can overcome these odds because now the playing field is level.''
Largent, a freshman Congressman from Oklahoma, said Gingrich had asked him if he could attend the induction ceremony.
``After I was elected, in January, he approached me on the floor [of the House of Representatives] and congratulated me,'' Largent said. ``He asked if it would not be a distraction to me, `I would like to ask your permission to come down and join you at the Hall of Fame induction and to share in that with you.'
``I was honored by the fact that he was willing to take the time to come here. I told him that. As you can imagine, he has a very busy schedule.''
Largent, meanwhile, used his acceptance speech to thank friends, family and God for his career and induction. He also acknowledged the impact the sport had on his life.
``In football I found temporary achievements and lasting relationships,'' Largent said. ``It tested and it shaped my character. I've seen the glory of this game.''
Largent retired in 1989 with six major receiving records, including 819 receptions for 13,089 yards and 100 touchdowns.
Jordan spent two uneventful years as a backup with the Cleveland Browns, then was traded to Green Bay, where he played defensive tackle for 11 years. During that period, the Packers won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls.
Jordan, who starred as a collegian at Virginia from 1954-56, died of a heart attack at the age of 42 in 1977.
Henry Jordan Jr. concluded an emotional acceptance speech by saying, ``I love you, Dad. You're my hero. Congratulations. You've earned it.''
Finks, the administrator who turned around struggling franchises in Minnesota, Chicago and New Orleans, also was represented by his son. Finks died in 1994 after battling cancer.
Jim Finks Jr. said, ``Jim Finks was known as a Steeler, a Viking and a Bear. But it's no coincidence he left this world a Saint.''
Selmon, presented by his brother Dewey, said it was his family background that was noteworthy and not his accomplishments on the field.
``People have said, `Your parents must be proud of you,' but I'm more proud of them,'' he said.
Selmon had 781/2 sacks and was selected for the Pro Bowl six times during a nine-year career.
Winslow redefined the position of tight end, catching 541 passes for 6,741 yards and 45 touchdowns during his nine years with the Chargers.
by CNB