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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 7, 2001
Let him hang
A group of LSU fans let their feelings about Florida quarterback Rex Grossman be known in a dramatic way: an inflatable doll, with a noose around its neck, hanging from a tree. The doll was clad in a T-shirt bearing a vulgar slogan about Grossman.
About 75 former LSU players were on hand for a tribute to Charles "Charlie" McClendon, the LSU coach from 1962-79. McClendon, a former executive director of the Tangerine Bowl, was surrounded by his players and presented a plaque. During his 18 seasons, McClendon compiled a 137-59-7 record. Among his many projects is a scholarship fund for children of former LSU players.
After Florida kicker Jeff Chandler's extra-point attempt in the second quarter, the football went into the stands and fans decided to keep it. Fans tossed the ball around for about 30 seconds before one fan threw it too far and it hit the sideline, where national guardsmen and LSU sideline personnel confiscated it, much to the fans' displeasure.
LSU suffered its first loss of the season last week at Tennessee. So it should come as no surprise that one of the largest cheers of the day came after this announcement: Georgia 26, Tennessee 24.