Evening star., 1951-01-24
|Non-CombatJ Job
Would Free Men
For Front Lines
Deferments Allowed
Athletes in Last War
| Recalled at Hearing
BY the Assoeiofsd Press

BY the Assoeiotsd Press
Professional and amateur ath-
letes today studied Defense
Secretary Marshall's notice that
4F's probably will be drafted in
the present emergency if the ne
cessity demands.
If indicted. Gen. Marshall said.
the men could be used in nom
combat duty. thus relieving more
of the physically fit for the fight
ing front.
The question arose at a session
of the House Armed Services
Committee yesterday when it was
recalled that many athletes who
failed to pass Selective Service
physical examinations were de-
ferred in the last war.
A new bill proposing to draft
18-year-olds and establishing a
universal military service and
training system now is under dis
cussion.
All Walks of Life Affected.
Although it was not specified.
Pentagon officials later made it
plain that If it was decided to
draft the 4Fs, not only athletes
but men from all walks of life
would be affected.
Oficials of major league base
ball and football Immediately gave
full support to the proposal. many
Of them pointing out that the
athletes themselves would prefer
such service.
Actually, unless the mterna-
tional situation requires drastic
lchanges in mobilization require
ments, such sports as major league
baseball and football will feel lit
tie effect under present regula-
Itions.
The present draft applies only
to men from 10 through as years
of age. and exempts veterans of
World War II and married men
with dependents. Rosters of most
Of the professional clubs are
stocked with players who saw serv-
ice in the last war, are 26 or over,
or are married.
Near Bottom Of Barrel.
At the Pentagon, it was said
lpficials have been talking about
the 4Fs for several weeks. The
Selective Service Boards are near
ing the bottom of the barrel fill
ing quotas with those meeting
present physical requirements.
Commissioner Bert Bell Of the
National Football League said to-
day that pro football will continue
until and If there is a directive
to STOP"
Bell. home in Philadelphia after
. week-long NFL meeting at Chi
cago. added:
Naturally, we're in accord with
whatever the Government says.
We want to do what the Govern
ment thinks is best for the coun-
try.
But we want to keep on play
ing ball. Well play with men
out of defense plants and sand
lotters, and we'll practice at
night, until and If there is q
directive to STOP"
Triplett Called.
Edwin j. Anderson, president
Of the Detroit Lions Of the Ma
tional Football League, said:
Actually, the Lions were fully
aware of the Government stand
several weeks ago when Wally
Triplett, a 4-F during World War
II, entered military service. The
outlines adopted by the Govern
ment will provide the pattern
which we in Detroit will certainty
follow"
It was recalled that in January,
1945, before the fall of Germany
and Japan. the Army said profess
sional athletes would no longer
be rejected for physical disability
until their cases had been re-
viewed by the War Department.
Inconsistency Cited.
This announcement commented
on the Inconsistency of rejecting
an athlete for an ailment which
is not sufficiently serious to pre-
vent him from, participating in
professional games and exhibi-
tions."
Representative Elston, Repub-
lican. Of Ohio brought up this
question when Gen. Marshall ap-
peared yesterday to discuss the
new bill.
Elston recalled complaints dur
ing the last war over the rejection
of some athletes and asked Gen.
Marshall If the new bill contem-
plated any relaxation in stand
ards to permit men not physically
qualified to be drafted for non
combat jobs.
i Gen. Marshall said he didn't
think the same situation would
develop again and that such men
would be used in some non-com-
bat capacity If possible.
"How could a fellow play base
ball and yet not be physically fit
(See ATHLETES, Page C-3.)