According to reports, former Detroit Lions star and currently Hall of Famer Lem Barney and his wife Jacqueline have filed a lawsuit against Happy’s Pizza, accusing the pizza chain of discrimination.
From MLive:
The couple says they visited the Commerce Township on Nov. 2 but when they attempted to order, a manager told them to visit the Happy’s Southfield location because “they would be more at home there.”
The AP notes that the Barneys are black and Southfield has a majority black population, while Commerce Township is mostly white.
The lawsuit says the Barneys contacted police who investigated the matter. The store manager allegedly told police the Barneys were refused service because the store was preparing for a corporate catering event.
In 11 seasons with the Lions, Barney, who played cornerback, racked up 56 interceptions. He was selected to the Pro Bowl on seven occasions and was an All-Pro in 1968 and 1969.
Former Detroit Lions running back and return specialist Wallace “Wally” Triplett III passed away today at the age of 92.
In a statement released by the Detroit Lions, the team praised Triplett as “one of the true trailblazers in American sports history. He resides among the great men who helped reshape the game as they faced the challenges of segregation and discrimination.”
From Detroit Lions:
STATEMENT FROM THE DETROIT LIONS:
“As the first African-American to be drafted and to play in the National Football League, Wally is one of the true trailblazers in American sports history. He resides among the great men who helped reshape the game as they faced the challenges of segregation and discrimination.
“His contributions date back to his days at Penn State as the Nittany Lions’ first African-American starter and varsity letter-winner, highlighted by his appearance in the first integrated Cotton Bowl.
“Wally’s legacy also reaches beyond breaking color barriers, having served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
“We fondly reflect on his great achievements and send our heartfelt condolences to the Triplett family.”
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