Degree for Magee
Degree for Magee
IT'S BEEN CALLED Philadelphia Textile Institute, Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, and Philadelphia University. The only name that has remained a constant at the tiny East Falls school has been that of Philadelphia basketball legend Herb Magee.
Whether it was as a two-time All-America and one of the top scorers in the school's history (2,235 points) or serving as the third-most winningest coach (880 wins) in NCAA history during a 42-year head coaching reign, Magee's impact has been felt. So much so that the Rams hold a 1092-368 (.748) overall program record with Magee as either a player or a coach.
To reward loyalty that will hit a half-century next fall, the university will present Magee with an honorary degree during commencement ceremonies this Sunday. Magee's longtime nickname the "Shot Doctor" will actually hold legitimacy after he is presented with a Doctorate of Humane Letters. Which, to put in layman's terms is a degree in humanities, one generally given to notables who have distinguished themselves in areas besides science.
"Philadelphia University's 'Shot Doc' will earn yet another distinction and honor . . . It is a most-fitting way to recognize Herb Magee's achievements both on and off the court during his 50 years at Philadelphia University," said university president Stephen Spinelli, Jr.
Bitter backs
New York Jets running backs Leonard Washington and Thomas Jones are reportedly skipping offseason workouts disgruntled over their current contracts. Washington, who earns a base salary of $535,000 skipped the first day of the Jets' organized team activities while Jones, has been a no-show for all the workouts this offseason. He is currently in the third season of a 4-year, $20 million contract. According to a report in the Newark Star-Ledger, the Jets were negotiating a new deal with Washington, but those talks stalled after a source told the newspaper Washington found the team's initial offer "insulting." Fingers crossed this doesn't turn into a WWBFD situation. You know, "What would Brett Favre do?"
- Kerith Gabriel
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