Confessions of a Practical Joker: The Wacky Pranks, Gags, and Antics of Sportswriter Freddie Russell and His Entourage

The truth is finally revealed. Victims are exonerated. The story of one of America’s biggest practical jokers and his entourage is told. In this uncut collection, sportswriter Freddie Russell and his circle at long last come clean; or rather, dirty. Russell was one of America’s most prolific 20th Century sports journalists, known for his uniquely humorous style - and his practical jokes. But only some were known, until now. Confessions was Russell’s idea and includes over 135 practical jokes: the good, bad, ugly and everything in between: teasing, racy, raw, subtle, clever, in your face, naughty, offensive, suggestive, shocking . . . it’s a rollicking rampage through the decades, a free-for-all, as Russell and his sports-loving comrades pull all manner of pranks and gags on innocent victims. The cast is a virtual who’s who from the greatest generation: pioneers, tycoons, leaders, sports legends and personalities, friends, neighbors, colleagues, people of all ages . . . no one was off limits. The sparkling cast of characters shine: Russell, Hall of Famers Red Sanders and Bear Bryant, foil Cotton Clark, PR man Max Benson, TV pioneer Slick Welsh, New York Opera’s Francis Robinson, University leaders, business magnates, and a host of colorful luminaries. Confessions reveals it all, uncensored, with first-hand testimonies, original prank letters dating back the 1940s, never-before-seen photos, and more. Most of all, Confessions reveals the deep friendships and camaraderie of the greatest generation, those true originals who helped build our nation and had a lot of fun along the way. Warning: don’t try this at home - or anywhere. “I do not come to acclaim Fred Russell, but to reveal him for what in part, he is – a Practical Joker, A Gagster, A Rib Artist, a Merry Andrews, a fiendish Dr. Jekyll who has too long hidden behind Mr. Hyde . . .” – Max Benson, PR Director, writer, and Russell friend