A Tarnished Legacy: Texas Southern Removes Retired Number Banner Honoring HBCU Standout Kevin Granger

The Texas Southern University Tigers' basketball arena has undergone a notable change, one that has sparked significant discussion within the HBCU community. HBCU journalist Kyle Mosley recently shared a photograph from inside the H&PE Arena, revealing that the retired No. 10 banner honoring Kevin Granger, one of the most decorated figures in Texas Southern's storied history, has been quietly removed from the rafters.

"Kevin Granger's banner no longer hangs in the rafters at Texas Southern," Mosley wrote while posting the image on social media.

The photograph clearly shows that while several other retired-number banners, including those for Bennie Swain, Gaylord Davis, Alonzo Bradley, Marcella Singleton, and Harry Kelly, still hang proudly in the arena, Granger's iconic No. 10 jersey is conspicuously absent.

Texas Southern University has yet to make an official announcement regarding the decision to remove Granger's banner, but its disappearance comes amid ongoing legal and administrative proceedings involving the former Tigers star and athletic director.

A Retired Number That Symbolized One of TSU's Greatest Careers

Texas Southern retired Granger's No. 10 jersey in 2002, recognizing one of the most prolific scoring careers in the program's history. During the 1995–96 season, Granger led all of NCAA Division I in scoring, averaging an impressive 27.0 points per game, outpacing future NBA stars Allen Iverson and Ray Allen.

Granger finished his HBCU basketball career with 1,971 points, placing him among the top scorers in Texas Southern history. He also played a crucial role in leading the Tigers to back-to-back SWAC Tournament championships in 1994 and 1995, earning SWAC Tournament MVP honors in 1994.

Granger's accomplishments were further recognized when he was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year in 1992 and earned two Black College All-American selections. His outstanding career ultimately earned him a place in the prestigious SWAC Hall of Fame.

For more than two decades, Granger's banner hung in the rafters of H&PE Arena, serving as a permanent tribute to his remarkable achievements and legacy as one of the greatest players in Texas Southern's history.

From TSU Star to Athletic Director

After graduating from Texas Southern in 1996, Granger pursued a professional career overseas, playing in Argentina and Italy before returning to Houston.

In 2008, Granger joined the TSU athletics staff as the Director of Operations under then-athletic director Charles McClelland. He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director roughly a year later, where he helped oversee the department's daily operations.

Texas Southern's confidence in Granger's leadership was further demonstrated in 2019 when the university named him Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director, placing him in charge of the entire athletic department. This trust was reaffirmed in 2024 when the TSU Board of Regents approved a five-year contract extension for Granger, solidifying his position through 2029.

Administrative Leave and Ongoing Litigation

However, Granger's tenure as Texas Southern's athletic director was interrupted in June 2025 when the university placed him on administrative leave. This decision followed a civil lawsuit filed in Harris County by a former athletics staff member, who accused Granger of sexual assault and harassment related to an alleged incident in April 2025.

The plaintiff, represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, is seeking damages exceeding $1 million. Granger has denied the allegations, and his attorney has stated that no sexual assault occurred and that the claims will be contested in court.

Texas Southern has launched an independent investigation into the matter, but the university has declined to comment further while the case proceeds. As of March 2026, Granger remains on administrative leave, with Dr. Paula Jackson serving as the interim athletic director.

The HBCU community has long revered Kevin Granger's achievements and contributions to Texas Southern University. His retired number banner served as a tangible symbol of his legacy and the pride felt by Tigers fans and alumni. The sudden absence of this banner, without any clear explanation from the university, is a jarring development that resonates deeply within the HBCU community.

As the legal proceedings and administrative investigation continue, the fate of Granger's legacy at Texas Southern remains uncertain. The HBCU community will closely follow these developments, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and preserves the positive impact that Granger's exceptional career had on the university and its student-athletes.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.