kk
This is the second article in a three part series of our interview with Hurricane Legend of the Fall Lamar Thomas (LT). We recently sat down with LT at The Titanic in Coral Gables and spent some time talking about the glory of past UM teams (Part I), his time in the NFL and current activities (Part II), and the potential of the returning players and new recruits on the 2008 team (Part III).
LT had a spectacular career at UM and left Miami as the Canes leading all-time receiver. He was a star on the Canes 1991 National Championship team a team which 
outscored its opponents by a 386-100 margin (a differential of 286 points!) in Dennis Erickson's high powered offense. LT was a key part of "The Ruthless Posse" which helped QB Gino Toretta win the Heisman Trophy in 1992.
After his college carrer, Lamar was selected in the third round (60th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LT would go on to play eight years in the League, three with the Bucs and five with the Miami Dolphins. During his NFL career he would play 73 games and catch 106 passes for over 1500 yards and 10 TDs. In his final and most productive season with the Fins in 1998, he caught 43 passes for 603 yards and five TDs from Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino.
Here is LT as you know and love him...
Canespace (86): You were selected by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Tell us about that experience?
Lamar Thomas (36): Sam Wyche was the Coach at Tampa when they drafted me. Sam called me to tell me the Bucs were going to take me with their pick and at the time I was like yeah, whatever. I was kind of disappointed that I went in the third round but hey what can I say. After the Bucs drafted me Sam called me back and he asked: "Are there any other players on the Miami team we should take a look at?" I told him right away Horace Copeland; he had the prototype body for a WR. He was shocked. He said "You want us to take another WR. You wouldn't be upset if we take another WR?" I told him no, he's a Cane, he's my brother (in the Hurricane family) and he can play.
He couldn't understand the bond between players at Miami. Well they drafted Horace with another pick and we were teammates in Tampa. I started like the first three games of the season and then Sam called us into his office one day after practice and told us that Horace was going to start the next game. I immediately stood up and high-fived Horace and told him congratulations. Sam was like "This is crazy". He couldn't understand how I could be happy for the guy who took my job. He didn't understand that I love Horace like my brother and I was happy for him. That's the Cane way.
86: You know I have to ask this, so here it is: You were teammates with (former Alabama player) George Teague when you played with the Dolphins. Teague was the player who was on the other end of the now infamous "Strip Play" in the 1993 Sugar Bowl. Did you guys ever talk or laugh about that play?
36: First of all, as a Canes fan, you can understand that we don't like to talk about that game. Let's just say that they were the better team on that night They would have beat us with or with that play (The Strip). But here's a story that nobody knows. One day I was at the Dolphin practice facility and I 
see Teague drive up in his new Mercedes. So in the locker room I (jokingly) asked him if I could borrow the keys and take it for a drive. So he says sure and throws me the keys. I said are you serious? He says "Yeah, you made me famous, if not for you I may not have that car!" We laughed about it then.
86: Let's talk a little about what you are currently doing. You recently received your degree from UM?
36: Yeah, it felt really good to get my degree. People used to ask me: "When did you graduate from UM?" and I would just say I left there in 1992. Now I can say I graduated. I'm proud of that. I'm taking classes right now and have one class with several (current) players including Marve, Fortson, Spence, Jacory. Those kids are funny, and they are all really good kids. They really want to win trust me on that.
86: We recently saw you at you at several UM baseball games. Your brother is a pitcher for Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona and he recently pitched against Miami in The Regional Tournament at The Light. How did you feel seeing him pitch against the Canes? Were you torn between rooting for your brother or The U?
36: Look, I love my brother and I love The U. When I went to The U that became my family. Watching that game, of course I wanted my brother to do well, but I wanted the Canes to win. You have to understand, I love my University like my family. I love The U.
86: So what's next for LT? What are your goals and plans?
36: Well I have my degree and I'm taking some more classes now (at UM). I liked working in broadcasting and may have some opportunities to do more of that. But I really want to coach at The U. My ultimate goal is to be the WR coach at Miami. Aubrey (new UM WRs coach) is going to be a good coach for the program. He's a disciplinarian, but he's good guy too. I think he can help a guy like (Sam) Shields get the big picture. He's a guy I could play for, I know that.
I also want to be elected into the UM Hall of Fame, that's another goal. I'm willing to pay my dues, and I'm willing to help the program and the Athletic Department any way I can. I want all the fans to understand that I love The U, that's my family right there.
Join us again on Tuesday night at 8 PM for Part III of this series of articles on Hurricane Legend of the Fall Lamar Thomas. LT talks about Coach Randy Shannon, the current Hurricane football team and which individual players to watch out for in 2008. You will be surprised, I promise you that
Cat5,
It sounds as if you may have stepped to the front of the closet. I am sure no one will say anything or poke any fun if you open the door and pronounce your true love for LT.
Posted by: Cane Since 1982 | June 23, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Sorry cat I just had to jump on you a little more.
Posted by: Cane Since 1982 | June 23, 2008 at 10:38 AM
KL, I heard Holton did qualify.
Fingers crossed on the others.
I think B. Wash tried to cram and we all know how successful cramming is.
Posted by: Cavaleer | June 23, 2008 at 10:21 AM
He qualified, it is just the clearinghouse that he needs to get by.
Posted by: SuperCooper | June 23, 2008 at 10:42 AM
82... Laughing out loud... It's All Good! When you got... ya got and ya can't take it away.
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | June 23, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Trust me if any of you were there during the interview you too would also loudly proclaim from the top of (the OB if it were still there, sad) Dolphin Stadium:
I LOVE LT!!!
He's just a great guy and Tru U to the core.
Part III on Tuesday at 8 PM. LT talks about the team, the coaches and the players to watch for in 2008.
Posted by: SOUP | June 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Cat5...TOP LEFT!
Posted by: SOUP | June 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM
"And why is the Sun-Sentinel featuring Mike Bianchi? He's an Orlando guy, and falls all over himself praising that school up north. Disgusting."
Posted by: Matthew | June 23, 2008 at 01:03 AM
Because the SS is closet Gaytor. lol
In all seriousness, I believe they're in a Gator heavy area of SoFl.
Someone from SoFl verify or correct that for me.
Posted by: Cavaleer | June 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM
GREAT interview series 86!
This is real VALUE provided to CANES fans everywhere. FANTASTIC!
If anyone hasnt read CANE Mutiny, there's some great stories about LT especially about Playmaker's role in recruiting him.
LT is certainly a great CANE and I hope he realizes that dream to coach the WRs one day.
CONGRATS on graduating Lamar...another fine accomplishment.
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | June 23, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Vince----Thanks so much for the good words and the good vibes. Things like this make you re-examine what matters most. My honey is doing much better, and is home from the hospital. Total life change in the future with eating, medication and stress management. After Tim Russert and the great George Carlin, I am truly blessed, and the Legion keeps me strong. Who knows, I may lose a few extra pounds too with all this healthy eating!! Thanks again everyone. I may not blog too often, but I read Canespace all the time. You guys are so much more informed technically about every sport, but I'm with you all the way.
Posted by: MaryLouAlumni | June 23, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Because the SS is closet Gaytor. lol
In all seriousness, I believe they're in a Gator heavy area of SoFl.
Posted by: Cavaleer | June 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM
The SS is partner paper of The Orlando Sentinel which IS a GATOR rag, hence the connection.
In addition, it is a business decision. They let The Miami Herald have the Canes (9,000) and cover the Gators (100,000) and Noles (30,000) which have a larger student population and fan base.
It's all about the $$$!
Posted by: SOUP | June 23, 2008 at 11:37 AM
There's another angle to Orlando Sentinel articles. By sharing content, they can spread the cost of acquiring it - still provide the same amount of information, but use fewer reporters to gather it.
Newspapers are in trouble. Readership is way down, the demographics are aging and a lot of advertising are migrating to the web. They'll cut corners anyway they can.
Posted by: Old Skool | June 23, 2008 at 11:48 AM
86. Is LT working on his Masers, or does he just enjoy continuing his education?
What class is he taking with all the current players?
BTW, great interview. Lots of fun inside info. especially the story about him and GT.
Keep it up
Go Canes!
Posted by: Jake | June 23, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Newspapers are in trouble. Readership is way down, the demographics are aging and a lot of advertising are migrating to the web. They'll cut corners anyway they can.
Posted by: Old Skool | June 23, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Skool...U got that right! It is WORSE than you know, trust me.
Posted by: SOUP | June 23, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Jake...here's the thing, LT trusts us because he knows we are Canes fans and he knows we don't have any hidden agendas.
He's been burned by other media types who wanted to create hype and controversy.
He was very open and even shared stuff "off the record" that will never see the blog. We can keep secrets and would never violate his confidentiality. That's how you make and keep friends too!
The class is a film/drama class I think? Have to check to confirm.
I'll find out about the Masters degree thing soon. You might get the chance to ask him yourself on the blog Tuesday night at 8 PM. We are trying to get him to commit to that time but not sure just yet.
Or if you attend a Canespace tailgate party at TNP Stadium this year U never know who U might run into...
Posted by: SOUP | June 23, 2008 at 01:19 PM
The difference between football and baseball according to the late great George Carlin
Comedy great George Carlin died Sunday of heart failure at the age of 71. This is a reprint of his classic bit "The Difference Between Baseball and Football." Excerpted from Brain Droppings by George Carlin, Copyright 1997, Comedy Concepts Inc. Published by Hyperion. All rights reserved.
Baseball is different from any other sport, very different. For instance, in most sports you score points or goals; in baseball you score runs. In most sports the ball, or object, is put in play by the offensive team; in baseball the defensive team puts the ball in play, and only the defense is allowed to touch the ball. In fact, in baseball if an offensive player touches the ball intentionally, he's out; sometimes unintentionally, he's out.
Also: in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and all sports played with a ball, you score with the ball and in baseball the ball prevents you from scoring.
In most sports the team is run by a coach; in baseball the team is run by a manager. And only in baseball does the manager or coach wear the same clothing the players do.
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 23, 2008 at 01:22 PM
UM runningback commit and brother of Arthur Brown, Bryce Brown, plans to enroll at UM early
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 23, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Actually I was very happy to read positive things about LT because several years ago a book came out about violent athletes and LT had a reputation back then of roughing his girlfriend up pretty bad. As far as the man crush thing, hey we are in the year 2008, it is fine for men to express their feelings. I finally admitted to my girlfriend while watching dancing with the stars, that jason taylor is a good looking man!
Posted by: vince | June 23, 2008 at 01:49 PM
George Carlin was a very funny man. Remember the piece he did on cuss words you can't say on TV? That was a classic!
Posted by: vince | June 23, 2008 at 01:51 PM
RIP George Carlin. Funny man that made brilliant observations about life.
//
You're cracking me up Vince! LOL
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | June 23, 2008 at 01:54 PM
that Girlfriend ended up being my wife, we actually went on to have two very fine young men.
Posted by: LT36 | June 23, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Is that really U Lamar?
If so, let me say that it was a joy watching you play. U provided CANES fans everywhere with so much to celebrate. Thanks for letting 86 and Co interview U. There's no way this fan base could get thru the dog days of football-less summer without specials like this on Canespace!
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | June 23, 2008 at 02:02 PM
that book that you talk about was called pros and cons. I wouldnt help the guy who wrote the book so he took my police report. Im not saying nothing happened that night, because it did, But that police report wasnt all true. believe me if it wouldve gone down the way the book states, i would be the first to man up. The media has its way we all know of running with things to help sells. But they are slow to print any apoligies. and thats ok, they( the media) have made me a better man in the process.
Posted by: LT36 | June 23, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Apologies and retractions aren't as "interesting" as shock value stories so the media won't run those over and over again like they would a story. Unfortunately the society we live in craves that kind of crap... look at the check-out aisle magazines. I don't believe the media made you a better man, you did that on your own and, I'm sure, with the support of your family and friends.
Posted by: KLCaneFan | June 23, 2008 at 02:24 PM
LT regardless of what happened in the past what is important is what you are doing now! Congratulations on completing your degree!
Posted by: vince | June 23, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Kenny Boynton cuts Miami from his list:
"Kenny Boynton narrowed his list of schools to five. He said his finalists are Georgia Tech, Duke, Texas, Memphis and Florida. His plan is to take visits following AAU Nationals in July."
Sucks, but Haith will get his. Get guys that want to be Canes like DeQuan Jones.
Posted by: SuperCooper | June 23, 2008 at 02:32 PM
KL I don't think all of society craves stories about the failuers of athletes and entertainers but domestic violence is a major issue with many professional athletes. A month does not go by where you don't hear a story of an athlete smacking around his ex and that is tragic. I am raising two young boys to be men and I would hurt both of them if they ever smacked around their future wife or girlfriend regardless of the circumstances. I think LT can act as a positive role model to the young men attending the U.
Posted by: vince | June 23, 2008 at 02:33 PM
LT36,
Glad to have you here. I'm the video game analyst here at Canespace and have been playing games for a while. I'm 35. I loved playing with the '91 Canes on Bill Walsh College Football back on Sega Genesis! LOL. You were a beast on that game! LOL. Congrats on your degree. I just recently finished my degree too, as I left school early to take a job as a web developer (money was too good to say no). I finished at the same school Canes great Ray Lewis did (Univ of MD - Univ. College). I'm currently working on a Dual Masters in IT w/MBA. Keep purusing your dreams bro and mad love to you from all of the entire Legion!
Go Canes!
Posted by: bg1906 | June 23, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Domestic violence is a serious issue, but regardless of the specifics...LT IS a positive role model for current and future CANES. More like him are needed.
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | June 23, 2008 at 02:39 PM
don't know if anyone cares, but Ohio State hauled in some pretty impressive recruits this weekend. Also, did anyone read that guy on ESPN's (Mandel i think) games that changed the college scenary? He said the OSU vs. UM 2002 championship game. Have to admit, Tressel is a hell of a coach.
Posted by: Jake | June 23, 2008 at 02:43 PM
LT,
I think you're fantastic, as a person, on the field, and in the booth. So, please don't take offense, because truths and memories change with time, but do you remember this...
I was at the U from 90-94, and my suitemate was an Omega...he said one time he "knocked you out" during a fight on campus; it may have had something to do with him or someone else leaning on your Mercedes one night. Was there a football team v Omega fight when you were at school back then? Again, I have no reason to ask other than just being curious; for some reason, I just always have remembered that story.
Take care and thank you for visiting Canespace!
Posted by: Seoul Cane | June 23, 2008 at 02:47 PM
LT, if you're still there, here's my question...how long and what will it take for these WRs to HATE DROPPING PASSES the way the Ruthless Posse HATED dropping any pass??
I watched that Nebraska NC game and after every dropped ball you guys were pounding the dirt like someone had just stolen your first-born son.
Otherwise, you're all class and a Classic Cane to me. F*ck some two but hack journalist.
Posted by: Cavaleer | June 23, 2008 at 02:55 PM
CGNC, thanks for that. I don't think it's a surprise but definitely a great momentum builder.
Those Brown Brothers are very serious, thoughtful young men. It's great to see.
Posted by: Cavaleer | June 23, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Newspapers are in trouble. Readership is way down, the demographics are aging and a lot of advertising are migrating to the web. They'll cut corners anyway they can.
Posted by: Old Skool | June 23, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Skool...U got that right! It is WORSE than you know, trust me.
Posted by: 86Cane | June 23, 2008 at 01:09 PM
The Sentinel cut half of its financial group... All of the Orlando-side financial people lost their jobs, and now the SoFla part has taken over both
Posted by: Loco | June 23, 2008 at 03:05 PM
we'll have to get a picture with you and the Gator Hator stickers that Solar is sending sometime
Posted by: Loco | June 23, 2008 at 03:07 PM
LT36, thanks for dropping by
Posted by: Loco | June 23, 2008 at 03:07 PM
stupid typepad...
LT36, thanks for stopping by, we'll have to get a picture with you and the Gator Hator stickers that Solar is sending sometime
that's what ti was supposed to say...
Posted by: Loco | June 23, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Loco, it's a natural and gradual shift. Most of those people who were fired will end up being hired by some online service, or something like that.
Besides, other than the WSJ and a few others, no one reads business news in the paper any more. It's not deep, broad or timely enough. It never really was but since it was the only option it didn't matter.
Posted by: Cavaleer | June 23, 2008 at 03:09 PM
lol, seoul cane your suite mate and the rest of his bros got destoyed that night . i really felt bad those kids. they got beat down. dude i was way toooooo pretty back then too fight. and that the only thing that came close to my face that night was his girls lips kissing me goodnight that night. lmao. so no i never got knocked out sorry. and its ashame hes probably been tellin that same lie for ever. when he'd see me on tv, to try to impress someone. mmm mmm no good. i left school in 92
Posted by: LT36 | June 23, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Cav - U R Welcome! I didn't win the Heisman here for nothing! Tebow got nothing on me and that, my friends, is Canes swagger! ;-D
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 23, 2008 at 03:15 PM
For U Cav - some Bryce Brown to the tune of James Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upGNU4oOTEE
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 23, 2008 at 03:18 PM
LT36,
Are we going to be able to get you to stop by some of the pre game tail gates at TNP?
Posted by: Cane Since 1982 | June 23, 2008 at 03:19 PM
LT since you can no longer park at the gas station across from the bowl bar. Where is the new LT parking spot?
Posted by: alf | June 23, 2008 at 03:20 PM
LT,
favorite or most memorable Marino moment.
Posted by: miamimike01 | June 23, 2008 at 03:24 PM
A little Lamar Thomas (5 wides, no receivers.....)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rin_wP6K43w
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 23, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Just was wondering who the fastest guy on the team was when LT was their. Im sure you guys raced for bragging rights, but was anyone a little faster then the reat of the pack. I always thought #5 had most quick on the field those days.
Posted by: slim32 | June 23, 2008 at 03:34 PM
That would be Kevin Williams, he was fast.
Posted by: bg1906 | June 23, 2008 at 03:35 PM
just my opinion...but Bryce Brown should transfer to Killian H.S. for next yr.
Posted by: Jake | June 23, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Ok some of the CANESPACE brethren have spoken, i'mma go ahead and let that shat go(the teague/lt play) cause after reading the interviews, i know that play had to be harder for lt to live with than the shat i felt and no how we played in Miami.
On a different note, alot of yall know how i feel about getting to many recruits from out of state, but i will say this much, i can't vouch for authur brown, but i know this guy from kansas, he's an older guy around 70, retired lawyer type who now, all he does is come u with sports trivia's and sometimes life trivia's. Anyway, he was messing around with me saying, looks like Miami is going to turn it around, they got the #1 player from kansas, and shat like that.
But he gave me a trivia question, hell i'm going to give it to yall to than. NAME 3 RUNNINGBACKS FROM THE NFL, CONSIDERED GREAT, 2 WERE GREAT FOR SURE, 1 WAS VERY GOOD, WHO WERE FROM OR PLAYED IN KANSAS.
Posted by: Calvin | June 23, 2008 at 03:45 PM
some people get real joy out of immaturity. 86 just delete and don't respond. I know for me, and probally most blogger, we don't even get past the 5th word when reading those ridiculous post.
LT36-who is the best WR at the U right now in your opinion?
Posted by: Jake | June 23, 2008 at 03:47 PM
By the way, the point being, if history holds true to form, bryce brown just might live up to what is expected of him.
Posted by: Calvin | June 23, 2008 at 03:47 PM