Walt Klinker Obituary

August 9, 2018

Kevin Linam wrote a sympathy message

“I was a junior college transfer from Southwestern College in Chula Vista California to New Mexico in spring 1979. I had earned my second football scholarship. I was 1st team All State in San Diego, Castle Park HS, 1976, took scholarship to Georgia Tech and was there for 2 years. In my last game at Southwestern College, I was 1st team All Conference, I injured my hamstring, played from upright position entire game, unable to get in 3 point stance. I went to New Mexico in the spring, broke the weight room records for bench press and incline press in my first weeks there. On the first day of practice, I reinjured my hamstring and was hobbling, I went a couple days in extreme pain, by the second week, I was hurting bad, so I reported to training room and told them I could barely walk and could not practice in pads that day. I received a message to put all pads on and report to the field, I thought I would be required to walk or watch practice from the sidelines. Instead, I was taken to practice field by Walt Klinkler and punished, told to do barrel rolls and try to run, when he blew the whistle, I did my best for about 15 minutes, and then said I could not take another step on this injured hamstring, I was tackled (assaulted by Walt Klinker) who ran and hit me from behind and held me down and cussed me, I got him off and headed to the locker room. He told me not to come back, that day, I lost a full scholarship I had worked for for over a year, every minute of every day was spent on football. I finished the semester, never heard from any coach. I walked on at Florida State, fall 1979, and played for 6 semi professional teams, 1981-1983, was signed by USFL and FA tryout with NO Saints. I was 1st team All Dixie League in 1981. I finished my degree and began teaching and coaching in 1983, I earned an Ed.D and taught and coached football for 30 years. Walt Klinker was no hero, he was a bully, many of my UNM teammates have called me in the years after the incident, saying he should have been arrested for assault and lost coaching credentials, he did this to many people in his career and got away with it. Just wanted to let you know the rest of the story. I forgave Walt Klinker, because I am a Christian. Respectfully, Dr. Kevin R. Linam Atmore, Alabama [email protected] 251 253-1738”