levon1975 wrote:

I didn't hear this first hand but was told that The Fan morning show was looking for someone to verify that while playing for Duquesne Barry or Gary Nelson wrestled bear. I guess they doubted the story, but I recall seeing a newspaper account of it years later. I'm sure someone here has a copy of the story.

Heard it on the drive to work today. Pretty funny stuff. It was being disputed whether it was Gary or Barry, and where the match took place. They also talked about how the prize for beating the bear was lifetime free sandwiches from the oyster house in Market Square. Ex Duquesne player Moe Barr ended up calling in the show and giving his first person account. He said it occurred at the civic arena and the fight was ended after one of the twins, 93.7 thought it was one, Barr confirmed it to be the other, punched the bear in the nose and the caretaker of the beast ran out in the ring and ended the fight, because they were told the only rule was not to punch the bear in the nose. Barr also mentioned the Oyster house eventually revoked the lifetime sandwich privilege because of how many sandwiches ended up being eaten by both of the twins. Barr then talked about playing his one year of pro in Seattle, and during that time, the same guy with the bear showed up for a halftime show or something and claimed the bear had never been beaten. Barr replied I saw this bear beaten with my own eyes, and the care taker regrettably admitted, yeah one time by some big guy from Pittsburgh! Funny stuff
 

Here's a really good newspaper article on this:
https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19700301&id=NEwqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=c1AEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7148,250045&hl=en
or try this link:  http://bit.ly/1SKHxoK

 

Last edited by PhoenixRising2 (2/11/2016 2:49 pm)

That's badass!