[Bamabeachlivin]

Sylvester Croom had no idea the words his father spoke to Paul "Bear" Bryant would define his life. He only knew that the legendary coach of his favorite team was asking the Rev. Sylvester Croom Sr. to let him play for Alabama - something impossible even a year earlier for a poor black preacher's son in the deeply divided South. Don't give him nothing because he's black, the elder Croom told Bryant. Don't take nothing away from him because he's black.

"That was his belief because in his mind, his whole idea about integration was simply this: All I want you to do is open the door and let me walk in. I'll do the rest," the younger Croom said. "Just don't say I can't."

More than 35 years later, the Mississippi State coach has made the most of that chance as he prepares to lead the Bulldogs into Saturday's Liberty Bowl against Central Florida. The appearance marks the 25th anniversary of Bryant's last game, a tense 21-15 win over Illinois.
Full Story