New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-07-09
PADDOCK FACES
LOSS Of PLACE
Track Star. Charged With Pro-
feSSiOnalSm in Movies

New York, July . tP) - Charged
with professionalizlng himself in a
personal appearance motion pic
ture tour, Charley Paddock today
faced tho imminent prospect of los
ing his place on the 1925 American
Olympic track and field team and
the chance TO seek world sprint hon
ors for the third time in eight years.
The sudden and eleventh hour de-
mand by the Olympic authorities for
a showdown on Paddock's status
came as u climax to selection of the
American team and furnished a sen-
sational prelude TO its departure on
"Wednesday for Amsterdam.
Paddock met one of the severest
tests of his career Saturday when he
staged sensational comeback to
qualify for the team in the 200
meter dash, finishing second 10
Charley Borah, after being shut out
the day before in the 100 meters.
But the blond California veteran,
long a storn-center of athletics,
faces an even more eAaeting test
of eligibility before he can earn the
nnquestioned right to represent
Uncle Sam at Amsterdam.
The court which held Good Time
Charley's' fate in its hands today
Was the registration committee OF
the Amateur Athletic Union, headed
by Daniel j. Ferris, chairman and
National. A, A. L. secretary -treasur-
er, and composed of \. A. L. repre-
sentativos in various parts of the
country 1t was placed there by the
action of both the A. A. L. track and
field committee and the American
Olympic selection committee in chal-
longing Paddock's amateur status.
To Decide To-day
Ferris and his committee. after a
special hearing for Paddock sched-
uled today, must decide whether
Paddock has violated the letter or
spirit OF the amateur code by maxi
ing public appearances and giving
talks in connection with an athletic
film in various theaters; If he is
cleared, blond Charley will sail with
with the team this Wednesday and
run at Amsterdam. If he is ruled
, out and, as a result, professionally
ed. His place will be taken by Ro-
land Locke OF the New York A. c.,
former University of Nebraska star,
who Was fifth in the 200 meter final
Saturday at Cambridge.
If no decision is reached by We'd
nesday, bith Paddock and Locke
will be taken along. Delay in a final
decision is anticipated by Ferris be-
cause the members of his committee
are scattered throughout the coun-
try and difficult to reach, even with
u telegraph poll.
The charges on which Paddock is
now on trial We're brought up as
long ago as last November at the ma
1ional convention of the A. A. L. in
Cincinnati. At that time the Cali
| fornan disclaimed any intention OF
accepting money for his motion pic
ture venture, SO long as there was
any question of professionalism
| himself. The issue dubbed to the
surface again this spring and Pad
i dock was given a clean bill by his
own association, the Southern Pa
ciiic A. \. L.
1t would be a heart breaking blow
to Paddock to be barred from the
team. The Californian has scored
more points for Uncle Sam in his
two previous Olympic trips than any
other American sprinter. He>was
anxious to add to his score and felt
he had achieved his ambition when
he gained a place in the 200-meter
final Saturday, along viii Jackson
Scholz, his old rival. This gave
scholz and Paddock the distinction
of being the only sprinters in his
tory to make three successive Olym-
pic teams over period OF elgnt
years.