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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

LSU SPORTS

Cannon headed to Hall of Fame

  • By SCOTT RABALAIS
  • Advocate sportswriter
  • Published: May 2, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

The first call Thursday came from Billy Cannon’s daughter, Bunnie, telling him an announcement was pending on his election to the College Football Hall of Fame.

“I said, ‘That’s good.’ She said, ‘That’s all?’” Cannon recalled, chuckling to himself.

Perhaps his response was a reaction to years of waiting, wondering if his name would ever be called again.

By Thursday afternoon, after several interview requests and a call of congratulations from Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis — Cannon played five seasons for the Raiders in the 1960s — the weight of the honor hit home for LSU’s most legendary football player.

“It’s nice to be remembered,” said Cannon, who won LSU’s only Heisman Trophy as a senior in 1959.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen and I am even prouder that I will always be an LSU Tiger.”

Cannon and 14 other inductees will be honored Dec. 9 during ceremonies at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York during the National Football Foundation’s annual awards dinner.

The College Football Hall of Fame is in South Bend, Ind.

Cannon is the 11th LSU player or coach to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the first since three-time All-American safety Tommy Casanova (1969-71) was honored in 1995.

Cannon was originally elected to the hall in February 1983. But his induction was denied in July of that year after Cannon pleaded guilty to taking part in a counterfeiting ring.

Cannon would go on to serve 2 1/2  years in federal prison.

Eventually he was welcomed back into the hearts of LSU football fans. When LSU’s 1958 national championship team was recognized at halftime of a 1988 football game in Tiger Stadium, the crowd gave Cannon a standing ovation. He has received similar on-the-field honors over the years.

Whether the College Football Hall of Fame ever came calling again wasn’t a concern, he said.


Comments (16)
Cajun Jedi
Friday, May 02, 2008
5:29 AM

If this convict can get in, there is hope for Perrilloux.
Margie Boudreaux
Friday, May 02, 2008
5:53 AM

This has really upset me...not that Billy Cannon is going to the Hall of Fame,but,the fact that he was convicted of Counterfeiting and spent time in Federal Prison and Pete Rose only betted on baseball and will probably never go to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I am a big fan of Pete Rose and I just feel this is unfair. To me counterfeiting is a lot worse than betting on a game...thank you for listening,just wanted to let off some steam.
LSU Brad
Friday, May 02, 2008
6:48 AM

As a former patient of Billy Cannon, all I have to say is "GEAUX Billy Cannon"--proud of you!!!
BatonRougeToday
Friday, May 02, 2008
7:51 AM

What a great message to future athletes. As long as you're a good football player, we don't care if you commit any federal crimes.
wayne4lsu
Friday, May 02, 2008
8:30 AM

Get off the counterfeit stuff. He did his time, and that's in the past. This guy's a legend, and anyone who doesn't think he belongs in the Hall of Fame doesn't qualify as an LSU fan. Leave this great man alone.
Patty Fairweather
Friday, May 02, 2008
9:42 AM

Billy Cannon deserves the Football Hall of Fame. He was an outstanding High School player and a legend at LSU. He was a first draft pick for professional football. He exemplified a fine athlete in every way. There are much worse "crimes" committed by many professional athletes on a regular basis. This does not "excuse" what he did but he has "paid his debt" and made peace over it and he should not be condemned for it. I know the quality of man that he really is and he more than earned this honor. I'm extremely proud of you Billy........ Old High School friend
John mulliniks
Friday, May 02, 2008
10:25 AM

I hope all of you that have the attitude of no forgiveness in your heart, will remember your thoughts and actions, when you face the LORD JESUS CHRIST the instant that you die, and what have you done to deserve HEAVEN? The only answer is the BLOOD of JESUS on the CROSS at calvery...I certainly am glad that HE and not many of you that have been pretty hard on those who need your help not your crude remarks...I hope that RYAN P, straightens out his life and gets another chance with someone. Thank you billy for being a good example for someone, maybe RYAN...I am praying for you both!!! maranatha!!!
LSU1inATL
Friday, May 02, 2008
11:12 AM

He's a great football player, and yes he did the crime and he did the time, but he did not do the crime while he was playing GREAT football at LSU. GEAUX GALLOPING GHOST!!!!!

Friday, May 02, 2008
2:07 PM

He may be a great football player, but he is still a convicted felon. He does not desreve to be in the hall of fame. What kind of example does this set for younger kids to follow????
Dee Ryal
Friday, May 02, 2008
2:09 PM

Does not matter he "did his time" he should not be allowed to be in the Football Hall of Fame or any other Hall of Fame. This has nothing to do with "anyone forgiving him, etc." no one really cares, however, he is a convicted felon who has done his time. If he were anyone other than an LSU football hero and a member of the dental profession, he would not be allowed to be inducted. Sending a great message to our young people???? I agree with the person who commented regarding Pete Rose (and I am not a fan or either).
LSUnS'Port
Friday, May 02, 2008
2:49 PM

Evidently you can print counterfeit money as long as you don't bet with it and get inducted, huh Billy? Pete Rose can't get inducted into the Hall of Fame because he bet on games but real money...so he should have printed it. What's wrong with this picture?
Charles Elliott
Friday, May 02, 2008
2:57 PM

Billy Cannon certainly deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. His outstanding performance on the field merits that. It's time we grow up and recognize that college (and professional) athletes are not role models for anything but sports. Cannon was a star and belongs in the Hall of Fame. Congratulations Billy! Your brother Harvey, a fine man, would be so proud of you right now.
DC
Friday, May 02, 2008
5:27 PM

For several I hated to hear the name Billy Cannon having anything to do with LSU sports. Then I realized after I had the chance to me Dr. Cannon that he is a fine man who made a huge mistake in his life. He was convicted and served his time. Heck I know murderers who have served their time and walk the streets of our cities. Billy Cannon earned his right to be a legend in the hearts of all true LSU Tiger fans. He has certainly earned his place in the Hall of Fame. Congratulations Dr. Cannon, your time has come. GEAUX TIGERS!
CBS
Friday, May 02, 2008
8:35 PM

Congratulations....you deserve to be in the hall of fame. You were the best orthodontist Baton Rouge has ever seen and a great athlete at LSU. You made your peace with the Lord. You helped so many people and good friends will never forget that. Those that put you down....shame on them.. Dr. Billy, take your honors.
Tommy
Friday, May 02, 2008
10:29 PM

This is wrong. Billy Cannon is a convicted felon. The College Football Hall of Fame has rules for admission. They are: Each player nominated must have: (1) received major first-team All-America recognition; (2) played his last intercollegiate game at least 10 years previously; (3) retired from playing professional football; and (4) proven himself worthy as a citizen after his football career, carrying the ideals of football forward into his community. I’d say Billy definitely has NOT lived up to the 4th requirement. What message does this send to our younger athletes? If this were a former Auburn player, I guarantee the views would be different. All of you who put football above ethics need to get your priorities straight. I love LSU football, but when it comes down to it, it's only a game, and is purely for entertainment. Actions should have consequences. Convicted felons who do their time cannot own firearms, cannot vote, and should not be in the hall of fame.
Richard V
Saturday, May 03, 2008
12:20 AM

I only hope that Ryan Perrilloux recieves less villification on the local news for doing a hell of alot less than Billy Cannon..........then again...Ryan looks like he dabbled in counterfeiting too!!!.......Geez...
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