No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Setting the Record Straight on the role of TLSN

There has been a deliberate and puzzling attempt by some individuals to mischaracterize the long-standing mission of the TLSN organization. TLSN’s charter and track record stands on its own merit. TLSN is a Longhorn sports historical site and tax-exempt organization who solely acts for the benefit of former UT athletes, men and women, in need.

For example, we have presently committed $7,000 to help Tyres Dickson, a Longhorn letterman confined to a wheelchair for the last 20 years following complications of a near-fatal car accident. Tyres played for Mack Brown.

In the most recent newsletter, the comment was made that former Longhorn football players Jimmy Gunn and Billy Dale, Pat Frost President of Frost bank, and successful businessmen Lukin Gilliland and Dick Tips met with UT Athletic Director Chris Del Conte and his top assistant Chris Plonsky in support of visionary Jim Nixon’s next project.

There is a group of Longhorn football players from the DKR era who have shared their belief that this project has not been authorized. Chris Del Conte has confirmed in writing that it has been authorized.

Jimmy Nixon is the visionary and fundraiser behind the Earl Campbell bronze, and he is also the visionary and fund raiser for the sculpts of the 4 Longhorn National Championship quarterbacks. TLSN has no involvement in Jimmy’s project.

During the conversation with Chris Del Conte and Chris Plonsky, we were informed that the 4 quarterback bust would be housed in the south sector of DKR-Memorial Stadium where countless fans can commemorate the achievements of the QBs and the players who helped make it possible. All team members names will be inscribed on the pillar of each bust.

We also discussed logistics and the funding process for the three remaining busts. Conclusions were drawn, and the project committee has moved forward.

As you read this newsletter, James Street’s bronze has been funded and the clay model for Duke Carlisle is underway. Members of the national championship teams should feel good about joining Longhorns everywhere in supporting this project.

Minimum contribution for a donor engraved plate that will be adhered to the pillar is $250. Here’s how you participate:

Four accounts have been set up at Frost Bank for donations to the three unfunded national championship quarterbacks The full detail of how to donate is listed on the TLSN website, If you don’t want to visit the webpage below is the edited version.

Donations should be made out payable to one of the following: (1) “Nonspecific statue” (Funds will be used where needed) (2) “Duke Carlisle” statue (3) “Eddie Phillips” statue (4) “Vince Young” statue . Donations should be sent to : Pat Frost at Frost National Bank P. O. Drawer 1600 San Antonio, TX 78296 .

2) TLSN has $7000 in the tax exempt fund to help Tyres Dickson, but we need to replenish the TLSN support account. If you don’t want to donate to the TLSN tax exempt, you can donate to him personally. Email me at WilliamDale@msn.com and I will give you his address. Tyres story is in the Que.

3) Bill Robertson states “On behalf of our directors, we appreciate your generous support in 2019 and could not stay afloat without you. It was a privilege to honor this year’s class into the Texas Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame! The pictures and videos of the evening have been posted on our website for you to relive the event. Feel free to pass on the link to friends and family that want to relive the evening or might have missed the festivities!!” http://www.tsdhof.org/class-of-2019

In the Que TLSN salutes Longhorn women swimmers who have played a major role is building the Longhorn brand.

4) In the que the series on walk-ons continues with Todd Smith’s story.