Evening star., 1960-01-20
WIN, LOSE OR
GNAV By FRANCIS STANN
Physically, q Specimen

ONE OF THE RECENT distinguished visitors to our
town. Billy Cannon, was most impressive figure physi-
,cally One had been led to believe he of size
everybody knows how gb those college football brochures
can lie.
But the Cannonbal from Louisiana State University
widely hailed the best collegan in the country
big his Bayou admirers claimed Something like 6foot2
depite being bandyegge and 20 pounds Not too many
pro backs that big and few any, the 100
in 9y6.
But wonder what the kids got upstairs" NUT
tered ex-pro star he appraised the twotme ALL
America who in three years at LSU scored "a touch
downs and 154 points. How kid go to college for
four years and be dumb enough to sign two pro
tracts?"
1t good question, perhaps, but it went un-
answered by Cannon during his visit He accepted the
loot offered by the Touchdown Club mouthed the
bromidic thanks, and went his way.
AS THE STORY goes Cannon first signed-or agreed
to sign-with the Los Angeles Rams of the National
League. Billy even quoted remarking about his
luck Something like I'm glad Los Angeles drafted me-
I've always wanted to play for the Rams"
In the next scene (several days later, Cannon is
announced as having signed with the Houston Oilers
of the new American Football League Howcum? They
made me an offer couldn't refuse don't consider any
understanding with the Rams binding"
1t is manifestly unfair, of course, to single out
Cannon the only athlete magnate or woud-be tycoon
hustlng the quick buck. The Tiger from LSU only
joining the act Somebody called this the gimme era"
IN sports He could be right Rarely does day go by
without stories Of Investigations lawsuits expansion dis
trct attorneys and Senators Keating and Kefauver.
But to return to Cannons critic who shall be called
William Dudley -.
I'm THE FIRST PLACE, if the kid did sign paper
with the Rams he's liable to wind up in court In the
second place what could Houston offer that better
than he could get from the Rams? Five hundred bucks?
A thousand? Even couple thousand?
What does money difference mean anyway? Any
body with common sense knows that if you make good
hOl md fn oRn r1pPo Tho nOnH
year than in the first. And in the third year
than the second. And the Rams have got football al
ready"
1t was suggested that rabid and wealthy Texans
care there any other kndO painted bright and rosy
picture of the future for Cannon One of those We'll
take-care you when you're through" portraits
Mr.. Dudley shifted audibly. did you hear of
Charlie Justce?" he inquired facetiously.
AS THE CANNON of his day, which wasn't so long
ago. Choo-Choo Justice the pride of North Carolina
At one point he might have for governor, it
seemed
AS betts the policy of the Dxieland band which
George Preston Marshall heads up the Redskins acquired
rights to the eminent Souherner but it took Choo
spell to arrive. They promised him lot of things
pass up pro football and remain in their midst" quoh
Dudley, who wound up teammate of Justices after
serving terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit
Lions.
Charlie bought it, guess it hard not to buy
It, And think the folks in North Carolina meant it
when they talked about taking care of Charlie But
people forget quickly. Justice up with nothing
In the bank, and when he finally joined the Redskins
to stay he didn't have it any more.
L DON'T KNOW about other kinds Of backs, but
running back can't stay out Of football just know
that mes got to be going downhl when he reaches
10" Then, reminiscenty, Bill smiled.
/ remember an argument had with Mr. Marshall
and Dick McCann day in the Redskins office Those
TWO were talking championship How you win the
championship asked Nobody wins without that good
running back I'm the best you've got, and I know I'm
over the hump"
Looking back over the Redskins record 1t becomes
OBVIOUS tnat Bullet Bill knew whereof he spoke The
Redskins didn't win, and Dudley indeed had had Il