A HAT SQUAD INDUCTION INTO THE TVXOHOF: MUHAMMAD ALI

"If you ask me, Muhammad Ali, in his prime,
was much better than anti-lock brakes."
Lenny Leonard
'The Simpsons'

From NBC News:

Muhammad Ali, the silver-tongued boxer and civil rights champion who famously proclaimed himself "The Greatest" and then spent a lifetime living up to the billing, is dead.

Ali died Friday at a Phoenix-area hospital, where he had spent the past few days being treated for respiratory complications, a family spokesman confirmed to NBC News. He was 74.

Muhammad Ali appeared as his own fictional "Televersion" in three different TV shows, thus making him eligible for the Television Crossover Hall of Fame.

'VEGA$'

(January 17, 1979)
A benefit telethon is planned for Leon Hazlett, a five-time Olympic gold medalist who was crippled in a car crash. But emcee Paul Baker is kidnapped and a $200,000 ransom is demanded. -- IMDb Plot: "The Eleventh Event"

Also from DVDTalk:
"The Eleventh Event" 
Tanna's good friend, Olympic Medalist Leon Hazlett, returns home after losing the use of his legs in an accident. He quickly finds himself involved in an elaborate kidnapping for ransom scheme that involves a singer, his wife and his manager. Robert Loggia, Clifton Davis, Jill Haworth, Michael Conrad, Squire Fridell, Vernee Watson-Johnson, and Muhammad Ali guest star. 

'DIFF'RENT STROKES'

(October 24, 1979)
Arnold wants to meet his hero, world champion boxer Muhammad Ali. Willis and Kimberly meet Ali and say that their little brother is dying and that his last wish is to meet him. -- IMDb Plot: "Arnold's Hero"

'TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL'

(May 9, 1999)
Two boys stay with their uncle since their mother is in jail. The eleven year old is picked on by his brother and other older kids. He takes up boxing to defend himself. -- IMDb Plot: "Fighting the Good Fight"

Muhammad Ali also appeared on several variety programs, lots of talk shows, at least one panel game show, and of course in plenty of televised sports events - usually about himself, such as the boxing matches that made him "The Greatest".

However, those don't have the oomph that is needed for TVXOHOF membership, which celebrates Television as a fictional universe.  So it's best that he did qualify legitimately with those three appearances listed above.  

But his tally of qualifications can be enhanced by references to him in other TV shows by fictional characters which would signify that he did exist on Earth Prime-Time.  The following quotes also count towards his membership:

'GILLIGAN'S ISLAND'

Professor Roy Hinkley: 
"Always remember that true beauty is the end result of the inner glow of good health, and isometric exercise provides for the inner play of muscle against muscle to improve the general physique."
Mary Ann Summers:
"Oh, but Professor, I just want to beat Mrs. Howell and Ginger, not Cassius Clay!"

'SANFORD & SON'
Aunt Esther Anderson:
Watch it, suckah. You're gettin' on my nerve.
Fred G. Sanford:
It would take Muhammad Ali, Rosey Grier, with an assist from King Kong to get me on any part of you!

'GOOD TIMES'
Thelma:
J.J., we have no proof, Penny said she fell.
J.J.:
You'd say you fell down too if your mama was Muhammad Ali.

'JUST SHOOT ME'
Kelly:
Who's your favorite fighter?
Dennis Finch:
Muhammad Ali.
Kelly:
Anyone else?
Dennis Finch:
Sugar Ray Super Sugar Crisp?

'SUITS'
Donna Paulsen:
I'm afraid because of what it's already doing to you. I'm talking Ali-Frazier.
Mike Ross:
Come on, Donna.
Donna Paulsen:
Listen to me. They started out like brothers. Then they went toe-to-toe three times, and Joe Frazier went to his grave hating Muhammad Ali.
Mike Ross:
I didn't know you were a boxing fan.

I had been holding off on inducting Muhammad Ali before now, because I'm always going to need candidates for the February inductions every year (celebrating Black History Month).  I regret that I didn't jump him ahead of the line some years back.  But he's going in right now as a memorial tribute, during this year in which we're celebrating the League of Themselves.

Good night and may God bless, Muhammad Ali…..