Athletic Testimonials

“George, Greetings! ….congratulations once again for another breakthrough in your illustrious career. You are special my friend and I am never surprised when I hear news of you and the family doing something cutting edge or community oriented. I am always proud and happy to refer to our special relationships in sports, business and socially. Stay the course and continue to pave the way for the many, including me, who admire your integrity, intellect and style. I look forward to peeping in at your Web site with great frequency.”

Julius Erving
Former Professional Athlete
Philadelphia, Pa.

“I’ve been blessed to know George Tinsley since I returned from college in 1976.  Having played basketball collegiately at Northwestern State University in Louisiana, I returned to Winter Haven thinking I was “the stuff”–that was until I got to play in a men’s league game against George Tinsley.  Someone said that he had been “all everything” in college and had played in the ABA, but I had to let this “old” guy–seven years my senior–know that I wasn’t too bad either.

“Well, I learned the tough way that “ole” George was quite the competitor.  He politely schooled me, night in and night out, when our two teams would play.  That competition has made way for great admiration over the past 31 years.  George is the consummate professional, both on the basketball court and in the business community. If he kept score, which he doesn’t, of his accomplishments with the local youth, his scorecard would be incredible.  He has been, and continues to be, an example for all the youth in our area.

“Thankfully, over the past ten years, I no longer call George an opponent, but rather a teammate, having joined up with him in a weekly league in nearby Lakeland.  This has fostered our friendship and allowed us to compete nationally at the National Senior Games Basketball Tournament in Louisville in June of 2007.  He is both a dear friend and teammate, but most important to me, he is also ‘My Brother from a different Mother!!!’”

Rick Rease
Former Professional Athlete
Business Leader

“I have known George Tinsley for many years.  I was impressed with his on-court talents as a basketball player, but I am even more impressed with his business skills.  George has attained a level of success in the business world that I admire and respect.  His accomplishments are no surprise to me because as a player, he exhibited the characteristics necessary for success in any walk of life.”

Rick Barry
Basketball Hall of Fame
NBA All-time Top 50 Player

“George Tinsley and I have known each other since our competitive days in the American Basketball Association (ABA).  While George was an outstanding player, he has far exceeded his days on the hardwood floors with his many accomplishments in the business world.  An award-winning entrepreneur and family man, George has also found the time and energy to give back to his community in many ways.”

Chuck Williams
Former ABA/NBA Player

“When George was in high school, he was such a proud kid; one of the hardest working kids I ever coached. Little did George know that I was learning how to coach track, and he would try anything I would come up with.  I will never forget George’s senior year. Pap Glenn was our A.D. and told me that George was now a senior and had never been to a basketball banquet.  Pap told me that he felt like the reason George had never attended a basketball banquet was that he did not have a sport coat.

“Pap and I decided we would split the cost and buy him a sport coat.  After track practice the next day, I asked George to go with me to Levy’s, a department store downtown.  I never told George why we were going. I had him try on a few sport coats until we found one he really liked. I told the salesperson that we would ‘take that one.’ George got a little upset with me and refused to take the sport coat. His reason: “No sir, I have not earned it.”

“I tried to explain to him that he needed to attend his basketball banquet. After discussing the matter for a while, George agreed to go to his basketball banquet and wear a sweater, and he did. I feel George has lived his whole life as an honest, truthful and hard worker, and has given back so much more than he would ever take. George is in The Louisville Male High School’s Hall of Fame as well as Kentucky Wesleyan College Hall of Fame. He will always be in my Hall of Fame.”

John Conn
High School Teacher, Track and Field Coach
Louisville, Ky.

“George Tinsley is an extraordinary man. Similar to many others of his generation, he was a highly talented athlete who received collegiate level basketball awards and obtained professional basketball status. Upon retirement, dissimilar to most of his contemporaries, George was able to parlay his professional opportunities and the contacts gained to immediately enter the business world, and again become highly talented and successful.

“The discipline honed from years of preparation for success in basketball served him well as he persevered through the difficulties of starting up with minimal funding. That perseverance has delivered to him, and to his family, an opportunity to rest on laurels. He has continued to expand his holdings, and moreover, has created a sense of corporate responsibility. He and his wife are serious personalities in the affairs of several communities around the country.

“This commitment to others is symptomatic of the commitment that he and his wife of 35 years possess for each other. It is rare that the convoluted trail of the college and professional athlete results with such fidelity. But George Tinsley is an extraordinary man.”

Warren Jabali
Retired Professional Basketball Player
Youth Teacher and Mentor
Miami, Fla.

“First, let me say that there is no one I know more deserving of the quotes and accolades I have read about this fine man/person. How do I know? Glad you asked. I have known Tinz since he was a sophomore at Male High School and I was a junior. Since then, until our 1968 NCAA Division II second National Championship and our third Final 4 together, we shared many points and rebound. But even more important than all the sports awards and membrane we have shared, we still have a very vibrant friendship. Tinz is one of the most, if not the most, respected human beings I know. He is an excellent role model and exception business man, family man (husband and father) and a friend that we all have come to depend on. There are many who like to campaign for the title of leadership, and then there is George W. Tinsley, on whom the title just falls.”

Dallas Thornton Sr.
Former Professional Athlete
Louisville, Ky.