Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-08-16
SEGH AT LARGE
Old Antagonists
Hold Reunion
BY MORRIS SIEGEL

PRO FOOTBALL WAS STILL gypsy sport infitrated
by tramp athletes and trying to come out OF the bare
knuckle stage when two braSh guys named GeorgeMar
SHALL Of the Redskins and Halas, Of the Bears-first
crossed paths more than 80 years ago.
In 1882 year before Marshall entered the league
via Boston, Halas Bears won the championship They beat
the Portsmouth (Ohio SpartanS CO. for the title. The
game was played indoors-m Chicago Stadium.
Teams played irregular schedules then 1t depended
what field available and how many fans they could
attract Stapleton N " had been out Of the circuit only
a year. Cincinnati was still member.
Franchises to be had for peanuts for free
others for little $780, Last year the Los Angeles
Rams sold for more than ST million
But this was pretty much the picture when HaaS and
Marshall began doing business with and against one an
other.
YESTERDAY THESE old pro antagonists who have
had bitter feud but who have lost respect for
one another, met again.
1t was at Georgetown Hospital where Marshall has
been bedded down for several weeks with lingering ILL
It all Papa Bear could do to keep from weeping
when he Marshall wan and palid as hospitals color
their patients.
Marshall is nearing e. Haas of course is still doing
business at the old sand-coaching the Bears Mar
SHALL who first entered the hospital for hernia operation
year ago today, has been virtually inactive during the
seizure.
Halas tried to pretend he saw nothing. He faxed
bold greeting Hello Dynamite" he said extending his
hand "Good to see you again."
Marshall smiled weak smile. "Sit down George" he
Darely
National Football League commissioner also was along
"You brought the commish eh?" Marshall asked "You
never change George Still trying to get the edge"
$3.50
THIS GUY OVER HERE" Haas said, pointing at
Marshall between the two Of really did something
for the league back in 49, We got the goal posts moved
to the goal line. That Marshals idea. We allowed
em to pass anywhere behind the line Of scrimmage
Marshall did that too. And also moved the ball in
is yards from the Sidelnes.
II told Marshall it would open up the game That
didn't interest him much the thought that it would
help attract spectators"
Halas paused moment. 1--WE got those rule changes
through by three to-two vote Remember, George?"
"Who voted against themP" asked Rozelle, unwilling
to believe there could have any opposition to the pro-
greSSive alterations.
you'd never guess" Marshall volunteered 1.-TWO damn
good passers Benny Friedman and Curly Lambeau"
Benny Friedman" a visitor said. Who did ne
coach?"
Rozele couldn't remember and neither did HalaS
Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Dodgers" said Marshall
warming up to conversation for the first time IN weeks
A PHOTOGRAPHER was waiting to make picture OF
Marshall Rozelle and Haas "A nice smile, please Mr.
Marshall" he said.
The effort was weak 1--WE might do 100000 worth Of
business out there tonight" Haas said. This brought
better smile from Marshall Halas knew his man.
"Hows your team?" Marshall asked Halas
Good all right, but maybe not good enough
We've got to learn how to defend against passes don't
expect us to knock every down. but just enough
But you're going to be good. Richter and Mitchell to
catch snead Richter will help He was great in the ALI
Star game. wasn't he?"
1t was time to leave when Joe Kuharich came into
the room He greeted his old boss and exchanged few
quiet words.
Got enough in here for rules meeting" some
body suggested yeah and Marshall will have few pro-
posals to make won't you Georgep" Halas asked There
was answer.
On the way out Marshall thanked Halas for flowers
the Bears coach sent recently. Mice Of you" Mar
shall said adding: 1.-THE girl doesn't forget the man who
doesn't forget See you at the game tonight"