Evening star., 1952-06-18
By Lewis +. Atchison

Ed Kensler's decision to pass up
a pro football career with the
Redskins for an assistant coach
ing berth at Washington and Lee
University may run into legal
block. The Redskins, who signed
the 215-pound Maryland lineback-
er to a one-year contract last Feb
ruary, today served notice that
they'll go to court to protect their
claim on him.
The announcement of Kensler's
appointment late yesterday as as
sistant coach of football and track
at W8SL, came as a mild surprise
to the Redskins who refused his
request for release recently. His
loss would mean that the club
would get only five, or possibly
six. OF its top 10 draft choices.
kensler was their No. selection.
R. A. Smith, W&L athletic di-
rector who made the announce
ment. told this reporter no papers
were signed, but that Kensler had
a gentleman's agreement with the
school. He said the Maryland
player, a bulwark on defense for
the Terps in their Sugar Bowl
victory over Tennessee, had ap-
preached the Generals for a Job
as far back as the end of the foot
ball season. Kensler was recon-
mended to the schools Athletic
Committee by Head Coach Carl
Wise, Smith said, and when a
vacancy occurred it was offered to
him.
Marshall Calls Action Illegal.
George Marshall, president of
the Redskins. said Kensler's &C
tion was illegal and added he
would take steps to see that the
player honored his Redskins con-
tract. Kensler accepted a bonus
from the Washington club when
he signed a one-year contract,
February 16, but returned the
money when offered the W8zL job.
Herman Ball, chief scout for
the club. said Kensler had indi-
Gated he wanted to play pro foot
ball before he was drafted.
1T would be great loss to us
to lose a draft player that high
on the list" Ball said, "and we
don't expect to give them up when
they come that high"
Ball said Kensler indicated to
Tommy Mont, former Redskins
quarterback and now a member
of the Maryland coaching staff,
that he wanted to play pro foot
ball. He apparently felt the same
when he signed his contract, Ball
said. But he came to the Red
skins Office about a week or 10
days ago and asked for his re-
lease to accept the W3L position.
When Ball refused. he said, Kens-
Ter telephoned Wise at Lexington
to inform him of the pro clubs
decision.
"I'n see you along the way some
place." he told Ball.
Got Tatum's Advice.
Kensler also visited Coach Jim
Tatum Of Maryland for advice
and Tatum said he tried to point
out the benefits of playing pro
football. Tatum thought Kensler
could make more money with the
Redskins and might use the pub
licity from a pro career in help
ing get started in business.
Tatum said Kensler seemed to
think his future with the Red
skins was uncertain, while WASH
ington & Lee offered some secur-
ity. KenSler didn't want to be
released by the Redskins and re-
turn to College Park without a
job. The 24-year-old Marine vet
eran is married and the father of
one child.
Tatum cited a case Of another
Maryland player (Joe Brashears)
who went to training camp with
the Baltimore Colts and was cut
from the squad September 10.
Where could I help him get
coaching job at that late date?"
Tatum asked. ''Kensler would
have to make the Redskins if he
went to camp with them, but he's
got W&L made If he wants to be
a coach"
The Redskins contract reads,
according to Ball. that Kensler
can engage in any activities not
related to football. The pro club
bases it's whole claim to Kensler's
services on that clause and Is
willing to have q court rule on
the contract.