Four individuals with HBCU connections have been named to Sports Illustrated's
2004 list of the 101 Most Important Minorities in Sports. The listing was published
in the June 28 edition of the magazine.
Maryland-Eastern Shore alum Art Shell (#28)
was joined by former Grambling quarterback James "Shack" Harris (#45),
Southern University Athletic Director Floyd
Kerr (#75) and Bethune-Cookman product John
Cheyney (#98) in the magazine's annual listing.
To qualify for the list, "an individual had to have the power to hire
and fire [or substantially influence those who do], hold a significant senior-level
position with a team, league or major sports enterprise or have a profound
economic impact on the sports economy. The rankings are based on several factors,
including the size of the person's company, division or budget, and the breadth
of his or her influence."
Shell, recently named Senior Vice-President of Football Operations and Development
for the NFL, was recognized for his work as an NFL appeals officer and for
the influence he will have overseeing league football operations including
NFL Europe.
Harris was credited with "transforming an aging squad into a young and
promising team" as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Jacksonville
Jaguars.
Kerr made his first appearance on the list. The magazine noted how he had "remade" the
Athletic Department at Southern in less than two years increasing athlete graduation
rates from 27% to 63%.
Temple basketball coach Cheyney, described as "The Yoda of college basketball" was
recognized for the strong influence he exerts on his players.
This year's list included 30 new entrants led by Arturo Moreno, owner of the
Anaheim Angels. Fourteen-year-old golfing phenom Michelle Wie was ranked #101.
Maryland-Eastern Shore alum Art Shell (#28)
was joined by former Grambling quarterback James "Shack" Harris (#45),
Southern University Athletic Director Floyd
Kerr (#75) and Bethune-Cookman product John
Cheyney (#98) in the magazine's annual listing.