RIP Charles Hollis

Former beat writer in Birmingham who worked inside in his later years. I didn’t work with him much but he was good to me.

https://www.al.com/sports/2021/11/a...labama-sports-writer-charles-hollis-dies.html

Kevin Scarbinsky with a remembrance.

https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2021/11/good-bye-to-my-newspaper-big-brother.html

 

Someone who covered both Auburn and Alabama and lived to tell the tale! That's one hell of a tightrope to walk. I'm not sure there's many of us with a hard enough shell to deflect the criticisms of both coaches and fan bases. But sounds like Charles reveled in the rivalry and was more than willing to dish out as much as he took, particularly with bigger than life personnas. Wimp Sanderson was a piece of work. I imagine Gene Stallings was, too.

 

As a USC grad covering UCLA, I got a taste of this. Bottom line, UCLA basketball fans are assholes. USC football fans are assholes. ...... Notre Dame fans of any sport are assholes.

 

Much admiration for the old-school beat writer who served readers with hard work, accuracy and a sense of the importance of the beat.

 

Here's a shot of recent Charles Hollis.

https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2...an-harsin-goes-far-beyond-football-field.html