MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Peranich, Clarke, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Fredericks, Jennings, Martinson, Robertson, Scott (17th), Scott (80th), Stevens, Thomas, Wells-Smith, Whittington

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING CAREER OF SPORTSCASTER ROBIN ROBERTS.

WHEREAS, Robin Roberts, a native of Pass Christian, Mississippi, began her broadcasting career while in college at WHMD/WFPR Radio in Hammond, Louisiana, in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Roberts, a graduate from Pass Christian High School, played basketball and, recently, her basketball number was retired at the dedication of the gym at Pass Christian High School; and

WHEREAS, a 1983 cum laude graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor of arts degree in communications, Ms. Roberts was also a remarkable performer on the women's basketball team; and

WHEREAS, as a Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lion, Ms. Roberts ended her career as the school's third all-time leading scorer with 1,446 points and rebounder with 1,084; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from college, Ms. Roberts worked as a sports anchor and reporter for WLOX-TV in Biloxi, Mississippi, and WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, endearing herself to the citizens of South Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Roberts' parents live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and that region proudly claims Ms. Roberts as one of its star daughters; and

WHEREAS, from 1986 to 1988, Ms. Roberts served as sports anchor and reporter for WSMV-TV in Nashville, Tennessee, where she won the "Nashville Scene" Sportscaster of the Year Award in 1987; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Roberts worked for WAGA-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, as a sports reporter, anchor and also a morning personality on WVEE-FM, Altanta's top-rated morning show; and

WHEREAS, having joined ESPN in February 1990, Ms. Roberts has been one of the network's most versatile commentators, whose assignments have included hosting Sportscenter, Sunday SportsDay, contributing to NFL PrimeTime and providing reports and interviews from the field; and

WHEREAS, in 1995, Ms. Roberts signed on with ABC's Wide World of Sports, hosting such events as the summer and winter Olympics, Wimbledon and NFL games; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Roberts also fills in for ABC's Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, hosts GMA's Sunday show and contributes to ABC's newsmagazine 20/20; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Roberts has received numerous awards and honors including receiving the annual Distinguished Achievement Award in Broadcasting from the University of Georgia's DiGamma Kappa, the nation's oldest professional broadcasting society in 1996; being named to Basketball Times "Five Most Intriguing People in College Basketball" list in 1997; the 1993 Excellence in Sports Journalism Award for Broadcast Media; the Daughters of American Revolution Television Award of Merit in 1990; and Women at Work Broadcast Journalism Award in 1992; and

WHEREAS, in 1994, Ms. Roberts was inducted in the Women's Institute on Sport and Education Foundation's Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Roberts accepted the invitation of Katie Hester, President of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, to participate in the celebration of National Women in Sports Day on February 4, 2000:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Ms. Robin Roberts upon her outstanding career as a sportscaster and extend our heartiest wishes for continued success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Robin Roberts, Colonel Lawrence and Lucimarian Roberts and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.