Doyle Brunson’s legend in poker will be enshrined for centuries to come. He has not only won numerous tournaments, WSOP bracelets, and other accolades, but he has also become legendary for games played in dusty Texas saloons well before he ever hit the bright lights of Las Vegas. By the time everything is said and done, there may never be a poker player that’s done as much throughout his life as Doyle Brunson has in the game.
But what’s amazing about Doyle Brunson is that he has been so much more than just a felt jockey during his 76 years. This was recently proved when Brunson was elected into the Hardin-Simmons University Hall of Fame. For those who’ve never known Doyle to be more than a poker player, he was also a standout basketball and track star during his days at HSU. Of course, the induction into the Hardin-Simmons Hall has been a llong overdue as Brunson will tell you.
Doyle told the media, ““I know a lot of people went to bat for me, and they were more anxious for this to happen than I was at this point. I felt a little snubbed, but on the other hand I did understand the reasons.” The reasons Brunson is talking about include the fact that he became a famous poker player out of a Baptist University. With this being the case, HSU looked down upon his induction into the HOF for many years.
Fortunately, the right thing has finally been done and Brunson is in. He’s definitely deserving of the honor too since he even drew NBA attention during his time at the college. A broken leg ended that dream, but also openned up possibilities that he never could have imagined outside of basketball.