Sports
Jarvis Greer among those inducted into Memphis Sports Hall of Fame
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The 2024 class of the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame featured one of Action News 5’s finest.
Jarvis Greer, who spent 43 years at the station, with over 30 of them as sports director, was immortalized Wednesday night in the city he’s called home his entire life.
Simply known as “Jarvo” to many, Greer grew up in Memphis, played football at Memphis State, then launched a legendary broadcasting career in his home city.
“Emotions are off the chart, I can’t tell you everything that I’m feeling right now, because there are so many things that are going through,” Jarvis said. “I never got into this for awards or anything like that. I started doing sports because I liked sports and it was fun.
Jarvis was presented with his Hall of Fame trophy by his son, J.J., making the moment even more special.
“I got a chance to work a job that I had fun doing, and when you get a chance to do something you have fun doing, it’s not like work,” said Jarvis. “And when you’re interested and excited, hopefully the people out there will be.
“And I’m so fortunate that people like what I had to do, and I’m just glad that I had the chance to do it.”
Jarvis was part of a class full of big names, including Grizzlies icon Zach Randolph, late NFL legend Reggie White (who started his professional career with the Showboats in the 1980’s), and Tiger basketball player Andre Turner.
“Man it‘s a great honor,” said Randolph. “Like you said, just to be inducted into this Hall of Fame and going in with the rest of these legends, coach (Lionel) Hollins and the others legends, Jerry Lawler, so it’s just a great honor.
“I’m just grateful, you know like I said this city man I love this city, this is home for me. You know it’s grit n’ grind forever man.”
The timing couldn‘t have been better for Turner, who returned to his alma mater as part of Penny Hardaway’s staff this season.
“Oh absolutely at the top, absolutely at the top,” said Turner of where this ranks on the list of his favorite accolades. “Anytime you have an opportunity to be blessed and honored to put you in some sort of Hall of Fame, it’s an absolute blessing man.”
His high school classmate at Mitchell and fellow Memphis basketball star on the women’s side, Regina Street, was also inducted.
“I’m excited,” said Street of the honor. “I tend to forget that people still remember me. So a lot of times I’m surprised when they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re Regina Street.’ So I’m forever grateful, and I feel very honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, with this special group that we’re having.”
Other 2024 inductees include:
- Dick Fadgen
- Andy Roberts
- Bobby “Bingo” Smith
- Robert Newman
- Jim Heinz
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