(Hectic Scramble Starts as Pro Grid Leagues Merge Player _■___♦ -- Bell Thumbs Down Bell Is on Spot in Disposition j totting J&te J&p0fIs Of Out Details D. as Talent, Ironing Washington, C., Saturday, December 10,1949—A—12 *» On '49 Playoff Marshall Wants Share of Biggest Jackpot Rooney Plugs It In Sports History; Draftees Are Pooled , or Draw ly th« Auociatad Pratt By Francis Stann Lose; NEW YORK, Dec. 10.—Wistful Peace has come at long last to professional football, but it may FRANCIS STANN would like to see the By not be for long as club owners in the new 13-team Natlonal-Ameri- All-America Conference and Na- Matter Who It Was can League today eyed probably the biggest player jackpot in the No Won, Costly tional Football League champions history of sports in this country. And the man on the spot is Now that peace has descended upon the bloody factions in meet this year for the United Commsisioner . professional football, who won the four-year war—the National States title. It will require the wisdom of a Solomon and the patience League or the All-America Conference? So would a few million other of Job to settle the disposition of more than 100 jobless players, "Don’t forget the 10 original National League teams are still fans. college stars who had been in business,’’ says President George Marshall of But the official nix is on today. plus drafted, but who now will be the Redskins, "and only three clubs from the Commissioner Bert Bell of the a Hart Less dumped into a gigantic pool along Having Conference are left, if you want to know who NFL says the league constitution with pros. The re-assigning proc- won.” forbids a post-season contest— Expensive With Pro two will ess likely will begin in Philadel- Be that as it may, the fledgling All-America even though the leagues December 19. phia next January 19. Combined Conference enjoys some measure of triumph. merge Leagues Dozens of details, including a th» Aoocietad Pr«» the Rooney, president of the Pitts- ly It offered the first serious threat to suprem- of is the first NFL schedule for the odd number BALTIMORE. Dec. 10.— acy of the 28-year-old National League and burgh Steelers, teams, remain to be worked out, Walt Driskill, coach and pres- inroads. Never before had a loop bigwig to come out for a national finally made but all else will be championship game. transcending ident of the Baltimore Colts, accomplished the feat. for talent. And it A-AC owners always have the scramble Indicated the new line of Whether it was worth the hundreds of to Presi- wanted the test that would pro- will be a scramble, hear. thinking on players’ salaries thousands of dollars poured down the drain is Marshall of the Red- duce the undisputed best eleven in dent George by commenting on , something else. Certainly the Conference lost his share. the oountry. skins. He wants the All-America end from more but the depression was beginning money, One of them, Arthur McBride, The original story out of Phil- Notre Dame. When the Colts to hit the National League, too. Although whose Browns are right adelphia, where peace between the picked Hart in the A-AC draft Francis stann. claims that half of the teams in his Marshall in the -middle of any potential All-American Conference and the and the of the even at Grif- league made money this year, crowds were smaller, playoff, said he’d like to see the older National League was de- also fith Stadium. The Redskins, who have perhaps the most loyal A-AC and NFL champs meet this clared, Indicated that players of plucked him, an expensive and rabid fans in the National League, never had a sellout. year. But he expressed doubt a the now defunct Buffalo Bills bidfest was in the offing. Somewhere today Elmer Layden, former commissioner of the game can go through at this late would combine with the Cleveland But last night Driskill re- National League, must be wearing a wry grin. It was Layden who, stage. Browns and that the Los Angeles marked that $26,000 a year, back in 1945, kissed off the Conference with the words, “They McBride said he’d like to see a Dons would join forces with the the figure which Hart said he haven't even got a football.” two-out-of-three game playoff . might accept to play pro ball, for A couple of years ago Layden was joking about it at the Ken- Baltimore Needs Bolstering. is "a lot of money Just those he said, "I playing end.” • tucky Derby. “As soon as I uttered words,” Out of "Not if I can help it,” Marshall me Flaherty Job; He ’’If Hart could wished I could have recalled them. Nobody will ever let forget stated today. “Every club in the added, make footballs on the side it them.” v Tribe Door Closed league should get its share of the would be different.” players from every team that’s Who's Afraid of the Browns? , who wan i _____ been eliminated, with one excep- business now in the new Na- most of the Redskins’ cham- on While they may be partners tion. That exception is the New every other club In Its division remains a rivalry between the one- pionships when he coached tional-American League, there York Bulldogs, because Ted Col- a home-and-home basis. clubowners. At least so far from 1937 through 1942, is time National League and Conference lins out Dan and “Baltimore will a roving out of a now that PEACE—IT’S WONDERFUL!—Bert Bell (left), commissioner of the National Football League, bought Topping play is it would job again as Marshall concerned, appear. are shown in is entitled to Topping’s players.” schedule. I understand,” said Mar- the Buffalo Bills the Chicago Hornets have and J. Arthur Friedlund, representing the All-America Conference, Philadelphia An interviewer asked Marshall if combining It is that six of Top- shall. “That is to say, the Colts been eliminated in the merger after the merger of the major pro grid leagues. —AP Wlrephoto. understood with the Conference champions, the , will to the New will each of the other 12 perennial between the National Foot- ping’s players go play wouldn’t make the Browns prohibitively strong. Giants and the rest will be- teams once. As for the Redskins, ball League and the All-Amer- York first Marshall answered, “the Browns aren’t the of Collins. we never meet “In the place,” ica Conference. come property for example, may the Buffalo Not over my dead body. But Tie Some Redskins Some some of the teams we have been going to get all players. Is George Marshall inter- Majors May Snap Pleased, Players or the defunct Chicago use for years. We won’t have don’t think they can’t help. ested in re-signing him? Hornets will go into the pool, and playing that it was generally agreed to go to the West Coast any longer, The interviewer suggested pretty "No, indeed,” replied the Uncertain Over New Setup Marshall is emphatic when he Games or at least I don’t think so, nor the Browns’, with , , "I have a Day by Voting he will insist they be joined Redskin president. John a veteran says Lewis F. Atchison Adams, tackle, will we the Detroit Lions. and , were an outstanding team. coach in Mr. Herman Ball. By by the left-over Bills and Dons. play Staff said elimination of competitive couldn’t beat a single club in the National League,” Star Corratpondcnt That is, barring championship “They "However,” he added, “I on bidding for players would give “It would be silly to dispose of “including the Redskins.” To Turn Lights LOS ANGELES. Dec. 10.— playoff games.” Marshall snorted, might recommend Flaherty club owners more money to them any other way than to leave ty thi Aisociatod Prw* Reaction of Redskin players to Two benefits in for the Baltimore Colts. around among the older it up to Bell to assign these play- particular A Second Shot at Chandnois news of in football's spread looking for a coach, NEW YORK, Dec. 10.—Just to peace pro to his own strike the Redskin boss, who prob- to be in a pool and Tfiiey’re hands—he hoped. Ends Hal ers according good With college draftees now destined put under ranks ranged from pleased sur- exerted as much influence as aren’t they? And they like prove that baseball played Crisler and Bones Taylor Judgment. A good many teams, ably Marshall may get another shot at his No. 1 choice, Half- to uncertain wondering in National redrafted, the single wing.” lights is more popular than ever, prise in- such as Baltimore, need build- any club owner the who made some All- thought the move would back Chandnois of Michigan State, not are envision- today, with the squad about League. “One is the fact that Lynn the majors only crease fan interest, which ing up.” and was rated by Notre Dame second only to Kyle equally divided in sentiment. we’ll Baltimore, which is a America teams series instead of just one game in ing a heavier night game schedule would boost gate receipts, his win- play faced this year by realized it Asked about Redskins, Rote of Southern Methodist as the best back to come. next season, but a plan is afoot Older heads might tremendous natural rivalry. The years thereby enabling the owners ners of only four games this sea- Irish. Francisco’s 49ers meet the to turn on the lights for all day mean a gradual reduction in other is that the two teams in the San to distribute salary money more son. Marshall said, “They don’t Chandnois also had been drafted by Cleveland, Mar- tomorrow for threatened by darkness. salaries, which had been prod- Chicago and the two New York Although Browns at Cleveland games uniformly among the squad. need as much help as people chance to land the star ball carrier. the action taken ded skyward in spirited bidding clubs have been split and will shall felt he stood an excellent the A-AC title. Following by A1 Demao, veteran center, think. I would like to land a few and asked how much he the American Association, the big between the two leagues for big compete in separate divisions.” A Redskin emissary visited Chandnois In the NFL, the Los Angeles didn't agree with that line of seasoned men, however, because at their meeting here Will Colts Twice. wanted to play for Washington. Rams or will finish leagues, reasoning. The disbandment I’ve got 11 first-year men on the Play to have replied. next week, are alm&st certain to “Ten thousand dollars,” Chandnois is alleged tomorrow as Western Division Game on Air of four all-America Confer- squad this year and they’ve made Although Baltimore cannot play who to vote for such a step. The talent scout reported the price to Marshall, agreed champion. The winner will play ence teams would put more a million mistakes.” the Redskins more than once in said that Ford Frick, president of the Na- Tomorrow’s Washington the figure. But when Chandnois again was contacted, he the , Eastern than 100 veterah players out regular league competition, ac- tional feels confident the Redskins-Los Angeles Rams Competitive Bididng Ends. to the Browns. for the League, of Jobs, he pointed out, and cording to Marshall’s line of rea- he was committed tltleholder, championship football will be stars Cleve- move will get the support of the pro game make for col- College already drafted, Marshall did a quick burn. “He already was signed by next Sunday. would it tougher soning, the Redskins and Colts, ha majority of the clubs. broadcast over WMAL start- including Notre Dame's Leon Hart the Redskin chieftain. Now that he stands a “Now I wish they would climax lege rookies coming into pro promises, will meet on a home- land.” accused ing at 5:10 p.m. It will not and Lynn Chandnois of Michigan in the new draft it remains to be seen the by matching the “We have the proposal up for ranks next year to make the and-home basis. chance to get Chandnois peace party be seen on television. State, will be reassigned, it is And if still sounds like two Rooney said. consideration,’’ he said, “along grade. “One will have to be an whether Marshall still wants him. $10,000 champions,” understood, and in all likelihood game "Pro fans deserve it.” with the plan to eliminate the Other players’ expressions he “but in name a right price. name college stars, but some the will suffer exhibition,” said, 12:50 a.m. curfew on night games. were varied. One said the news players financially. Most club owners said the com- the in- only. I guarantee it'll be a hard Is Over thought stabilizing made no to him as The days of competitive bidding Players Honeymoon I don’t believe there will be much difference Marshall also is bination will prove healthy for fluence would be better for all for talent are over. Hart, who had game.” looking the honeymoon now is over. No longer opposition to it. I cannot see any he thought 1949 would be his For college players, their nerves and forward to exchanging patronage an- pocketbooks. reason concerned. last of football. Another been drafted by the Detroit Lions will be in bargaining positions, weighing one offer against why all games should not year with Baltimore, when the Red- they James P. Clark, head of the Yesterday's develop m e n t s and Baltimore Colts, said earlier common the price of T-formation quarter- be completed except in the case of didn't think it would, be. bad,, other. With a draft, Eagle syndicate, overshadowed to- skins are at home and the Colts Philadelphia rain.’’ completely on "how rough” club this week that he would demand backs and All-America ends and tackles has dipped. depending are on the road, or vice versa. called it a "great step.” He had morrow’s Redskin-Ram game, plenty of money—"say, $25,000 as was in measure to the Stoneham Favor* Idea. owners tried to get about pay. It was this overhead which due large on Bell’s of an The new it is no comment nixing although the two teams went The reported $25,000 demand a starter.” He may have to settle league, under- Payrolls had skyrocketed to such an extent At least five National peace negotiations. A-AC-NFL championship test this League about their practice chores Leon Hart of Notre Dame has for considerably less for, when he stood,^ has adopted the old Na- was an economic for a club- a in most cases it impossibility clubs and couple of American *’ tional which that year. seriously enough. Coach Ball made to sign with a pro team finally is assigned by Bell, he will League’s by-laws, owner to make money. League clubs are in favor of turn- to lit- will be amended here and there A Cleveland source said no limited the Redskin drill was a lively topic among the have to play for one team and no The ones were the Charley Trippis, Johnny Lujacks, ing on the lights in the event more than but to with new situations which lucky playoff is “contemplated.” He tle loosening up, players. Such a figure seems other. cope and Harry Gilmers. They finished their college darkness interrupts a day game. was the team’s will arise. In settling league mat- Chuck Conerlys said the NFL title game and the pleased by out of the question now that The myriad problems and de- blazes of and while the pro war was at its height. “I’m all for it.” said President ters, 11 of the 13 clubs will have careers in glory A-AC champion-All Stars Hous- spirit. there will be no bidding for tails are just beginning to unfold. was able to a reported $100,000 for four years, Horace Stoneham of the New to agree. Formerly the National Thus Trippi wangle ton exhibition is scheduled for Guard John Steber thought him. Baugh, perhaps, best There is, for example, the ques- and Gilmer long-term York Giants. “I would like to see League voted on a four-flfthe Lujack an $18,000 salary and Conerly next Sunday. He said this would it was “mighty sociable of the summed up the group's feelings tion of whether Collins of the every game finished, particularly basis. contracts. make a NFL-A-AC title test come leagues to get together,’’ but when he said no football play- Bulldogs will retain title to Quar- of Notre Dame, those that end in a tie.” They got in under the wire, but Leon Hart too late in the season. that influx of talent to the Red- er was worth that much money. terback , whom Bell, who was signed to a new of 1949 be out of , president of the 10-year contract when the merger Chandnois and other stars may luck.__ "This isn’t exactly the way I skins probably would “run him Veteran players’ salaries will he lured away from Buffalo sev- Reds, thought such a was will be wanted it to be,” said O. O. right into the engineering not be cut, it was noted, be- eral weeks ago. Then there Is accomplished, Joined move would do away with the by two new executives in admin- Kessing, commissioner of the business.” cause under the reserve clause the problem of the schedule. stalling tactics now in vogue. He be istering league business. They 49ers Battle in Final soon-to-be defunct A-AC. "Now said it was in their contracts they must Under the new setup, all 10 Browns, pointed out that one of the most a for as are Emil R. Fischer of the Green I am going home to welcome news and would help offered contract calling of the original National League important games of the 1949 sea- who will and sit.” the game, while Harry Gilmer much money as they received teams will remain, Joining three Bay Packers, become Tomorrow son was halted after five innihgs didn’t know what to' think. the 1. * president of the National Divi-ion. All-America Game town in previous year by May former All-America clubs—Balti- In Green Bay, smallest on account of darkness. That was and Daniel of the Cleve- more, San Francisco and Cleve- Sherby bigtime football and a pro foot- the late September tilt in which land who will head the land. They have been divided Browns, ball standby, all hands celebrated the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated American Division. into two sections, the National the Packers survival in the the Boston Braves, 8-0, in five Stoneham Is Ace Liaison Man and American. The extent of their powers has merger. innings. The Dodgers won the Baseball *h handed a big, It is believed they will be di- not been made public. Possibly A committee of fans had raised National League pennant by one bright assist today for its part vided as follows: they will be delegated to figure $60,000 to help the Packers over game. in ending, in a spectacular 48 the multi- National division—Washington, how the roving Baltimore Colts money troubles. One of the few dissenters was hours, four-year, million dollar football war Philadelphia, Chicago Bears, New (See MERGER, Page A-13.) The merger came at the half- , general manager of pro Football York Giants, Pittsburgh and way mark in Baltimore’s civic the New York Yankees. between the National drive to raise $250,000 for the League and the All-America Green Bay. More Night Games Sought. division — Baltimore, team. Conference. American “I don’t care for the he De- Ted Collins of the New York idea,” The man of the hour is Cleveland. Chicago Cardinals, said. “When you turn on the San Francisco, Los Angeles Bulldogs—the man who says he Horace A. Stoneham, 45-year- troit, lights in the dusk period between and New York Bulldogs. has lost a million dollars in foot- old president of the New York to CHARLES TOWN and night, strange shadows ball bills—is glad its all over. day Giants. Bell to Map Schedule. it wiiKMva oaciMMt a to it are created. Outfielders find Stoneham, acting as a friend “Bert Bell is the boss,'' Mar- AM difficult to judge fly balls under both was the liaison “and he’ll settle the Lt. W..Until..11.00 of courts, shall said, AM time of 1*. Mw IgHag ...... 11.11 lights at that day.” man I admit the to Continue who brought together Schedule problem. AM Colts it was in the l*. OuMMi .«U* Oddly enough, Commissioner Bert Bell of the oddity in numbers is not com- final to Yankee’s game NFL and J. Arthur Friedland, pletely desirable, but it can’t be Drive Rescue , with Brooklyn that lights were attorney for the rival AAC New helped. I had been in favor all turned on, by an Unprecedented York Yankees, for a conference along of either a 10-team league BNMBtNB Club directive from Commissioner A. MB. TAX Tottering two days before peace was de- or a 16-team league, letting Glenn ly thi Associated Press B. Chandler. The two teams clared late yesterday. McCarthy put a team in Houston. (tX/B BomBmBoNM BALTIMORE. 'Dec. 10.—The played the ninth inning under The Giants’ boss, an intimate But nobody paid any attention Mom Ituttot ItN « Umiim IM Baltimore Colts, one of the three the arcs. friend of Dan Topping—co- •to me.” All-America Conference teams to On the subject of night base- owner of the football and base- Marshall, who says that he the new National-American ball, it appears as if the majors BALTIMORE A loin ball Yankees—asked Bell to knew peace negotiations were go- Football League, still are going will come out in the daytime this HORACE STONEHAM. come to New York to confer ing on “for something like two ahead with their “Nifty in ’50” year only for air. with Friedland, who was given land last Wednesday and both weeks,” thinks the schedule will ! campaign. The St. Louis Browns, Wash- carte blanche by All-America went to Philadelphia yesterday be worked along these lines: was launched last ington Senators, Cincinnati Reds owners to make a settlement. to complete negotiations. Each team except Baltimore will SUNDAY P-n- week to raise funds for next year’s and St. Louis Cards all are in 5:10 Bell responded, met Fried- New* Service.) play 13 league games, meeting operations. It calls for sale of favor of more night games. (chleato Daily 50,000 $5 tickets to an exhibition game. Owners of the club, which won only one conference game in Bert Bell a Man Who Talks Loudly, but Acts Quietly 1949, announced the step was the hidden ball By *h» AisoctatMf Pr*»» than $50,000 annually—to run On and off the record, Bell Bell developed because there wasn’t necessary the new Natlonal-American would expound long and loud attack—the forerunner of to- hand to field an PHILADELPHIA. DeC. 10.— enough money on Football League. The NAFL on the merits of his league. In day's spins and passes. ANKLE IMPROVES—Coach Lawrence (Buck) Shaw season. Bert commissioner of the ;'•* ALBERT’S eleven next Bell, was formed yesterday in the fact it was practically impos- After serving with the 30th Albert’s ankle as the San Francisco are testl Frankie Proclaiming “things going most professional National Football to a word in field hospital in World »►*£ powerful merger of the sible get sideways general for their All-America Conference sell- 49eftl at Cleveland to be nifty in ’50,” they began a the All-America once the NFL commissioner War he returned to Penn to practice in- football league in history, is League and got I, against Cleveland’s Browns. Albert ing the $5 pasteboards. Last night the 1919 team. KTashingtonI championship game ex-grid player and Conference. started on his favorite subject. captain his ankle last week against the New York Yankees, a marathon auction was held over rudy-faoed Bell jure! right it was a great feat for the At the mere suggestion, he Following graduation said Frankie will tomorrow. —AP Wirephoto. a local television station (WAAM) coach who talks loud and blus- the Pennsylvania coach- but Bhaw play graying commissioner. All dur- would quote attendance and joined with purchasers of the greatest tery but works quietly and ing suit, then headed by the REDSKINS ing the life of the AAC he re- financial figures on clubs in tht Associated Pr»si its founding in 1046, want to fin- number of tickets receiving such late John Helsman. He served •y efficiently. fused to recognise its existence. both leagues—most of it off ish up that way. items as a dog (Irish setter), a as backfield coach under Heis- CLEVELAND, Dec. 10.—The Since his scholastic days at To all reports of peace moves the record. And he loved noth- The A-A will merge with the prefabricated garage and a por- man and Lou Young until 1931. LOS ANOILIS pun shot ending tomorrow’s play- (on Phila- to end the costly pro football ing better than to relate his I ‘I older National Football League trait—which hasn’t even been Haverford School in 1930 and 1931 he was baek- off game between the San Fran- BeU—called "Mr. Football” lean as owner of the December 10. painted yet. delphia’s social-minded main war, days fleid coach at Temple Univer- cisco 49ers and the Cleveland by his friends—simply had "no NFL'i Philadelphia Eagles— But the Californians, who tasted The auction lasted from 10 pm. line), the S-foot-8 Bell has done sity. Browns In chilly Municipal Sta- comment" and later the Pittsburgh the champions’ blood with a 56-28 until 8 am., and sponsors said little but eat, sleep and work The Prankford Yellowjackets’ I dium will put a period to the * this think this afternoon for football, it’s been his life for That was his standard Steelers. in the NFL became four-year history of the All-Amer- victory earlier season, they’ll be back franchise answer. In fact “no comment” has not been l0* Conference. it would be nice if the conference another 13 hours. A spokesman most of 40 years. { Football always Bell's in 1933. The name of raSsJ ica Football of became so much a part of Bell’s kind to the Bell, but was to the And, naturally, the Browns, who history would list two champions. said last night’s auction sales Now at 55, he has agreed to dynamic the team changed Huskies tick- a contract at an undis- conversation with newsmen there never was a time when have been champions of the Junior And Coach Buck 8haw’8 $5,676 made a total of 23,000 10-year Eagles. closed better that many suggested ha make he couldn’t move into a con- He retained control of the Frofeggjtonal Football League since (Bee BROWNS-’49ER8, Pg. A-13.) ets already sold. salary—possibly a phonograph record of the versation and take command. Eagles until 1940, when he sold voice.