Delaware County Daily Times from Chester, Pennsylvania • Page 16

DELAWARE COUNTY (PA.) DAILY TIMES Friday, December 27, 1968 Rams Ax George 4 My Says Owner LOS ANGELES (AP) The firing of Los Angeles Rams' head Coach George Allen left most Ram followers puzzled and shocked today, but some play- ers say they weren't totally surprised. Allen, 46, was fired Thursday by Dan Reeves, president and general manager of the Nation- al Football League club. Reeves said a personality conflict led to his decision. "It was probably more my fault than his," said Reeves. HAPPY TIMES existed three years ago when Los Angeles Earns' owner Dan Reeves (right) announced hiring George Allen as head coach.

Thursday, Reeves announced he had fired Allen because of a personality conflict. (AP Wirephoto) COLTS PLAY IT STRAIGHT Gimmicks Out: Shula CLARK GRAEBNER SMITH, LUTZ TAKE DOUBLES ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) Harry Hopman's big gamble failed and the Davis Cup, the symbol of world tennis supremacy, is headed back to the Unit- id States for only the fourth time in the last 18 years. Allen called a news confer nee for today. in three years with the Rams after the Western Division team had suffered seven straight los ng seasons, Allen turned Los Angeles into a winner with sea of 8-6, 11-1-2 and 10-3-1. The first public hostility be- ween the quiet Allen and leeves carrie after the Nov.

17 game with the San Franisco 49ers. The teams tied 20-20. After the! Allen said the conditions were the worst! e'd ever seen. Reeves called he comments unnecessary and ll-advised. "But we heard rumors in raining camp;" said Roman Gabriel, the No.

1 quarterback the Rams under Allen. "We heard rumors that Jeorge Allen would be fired if ve didn't, win it all this year," Gabriel said. "And those rumors popped up more often as he season progressed. "Before our last ball game vith the Baltimore Colts, Coach Allen said he wouldn't be back next year," said offensive guard and co-captain Joe Scribelli. NEW YORK (UPI) Joe Na (three times Allen seems to always havejmath, preparing to meet the'ceived by commanded the respect of his players.

In 1963, while a. coach with the Chicago Bears, the team there presented him the championship game ball, lonor normally reserved players. It's hard to realize.that a man -who's been a winner like ARTHUR ASHE STAN SMITH BOB LUTZ U.S. Captures Davis climaxed an eight-month Ameri- i III UHVj IttU k. 4 i Stan Smith and Bob itcan campaign by crushing Aits- pair of collegians from the Ray Ruffels and 17- versity of Southern California who perform together like precision dancers on a chorus line, year-old Alexander in the deciding doubles match 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

PLAYER OF YEAR AFL Names Namath an biggest challenge of his colorful Alworth of career, today was named who drew five votes. the number George Sauer of the Jets, runnerup Lance)John Hadl of the Chargers and the San Diego jGeorge Webster of the Houston BALTIMORE (AP) Proper execution of proven plays will outweigh surprise gimmickry in Sunday's National Football League championship game, says Coach Don Shula of the Baltimore Colts. "Teams don't get this far without doing some things right," Shula said of his and their opponents, the Cleveland Browns. "You don't throw out the things you can do anc use gimmick stuff. "If anything new is done, it he two teams.

It was Baltimore's only loss in 15 games. 'The defenses of. the two George Allen could be fired," Gabriel said. "He gave more to his players than any other coach I've ever played for. "If he goes to another team, and he wants me to play for him," Gabriel said, "I might make it known I'd like to be traded.

I've also' thought about sitting out a year or even retiring." Allen came to the Rams the successor to Harland Svare, who had a 4-10 record in 1965. Reeves' fought a court battle American Football League's Player of the Year for 1968 by United Press International. A. panel of 30 sports writers representing each of the league cities gave the New York Jets' quarterback 14 votes, almost Bob Griese Dolphins, Len of the Dawson Miami of the Oilers. Namath, who ranked third among AFL quarterbacks in Kansas City Chiefs and Ed statistics this year, provided the leadership that carried the Jets Rutkowski of the Buffalo Bills drew two votes each while those mentioned on one ballot were Gerry Philbin, Don Maynard teams are quite similar," Shula "We're happy for the oppor-jsaid.

"The Browns don't blitz ifill'tT nrl i i I i irtli 11- it- ni will be a wrinkle here and there on offense or defense. But there won't be any wholesale changes." A breakdown of Baltimore basics helped contribute to Cleveland's 30-20 victory in a regular season game between tunity to play Cleveland again," imuch, but use it as Shula said. "We hope to play a' ot better than--we -did in. the iirst game, and execute better." Leroy Kelly of Cleveland, the NLF's ground-gaining champ, gained 130 yards in the regular season game and scored two touchdowns. Asked if Kelly was Baltimore's chief concern for Sunday's contest in Cleveland, Shula agreed and then elaborated: "Leroy Kelly, the Browns' de- mixer.

Cleveland's front four apparently, does the rushing job adequately without help from the blitz, since the Browns' secondary led the league with 32 interceptions. Shula had high praise for with' Chicago owner George Halas for Allen, then gave his new coach a five-year, $40,000 a yeai a contract. Allen's deals earned him the Cleveland Houston, linebackers Bob Matheson Jim JERRY WOLMAN HINTS JOE REALLY MAY GO name of The Trader and in 1966 the Rams were 8-6, their bes record in eight years. The following season Los Angeles was U-l-2, won the Coastal Division title and, after a 28-7 loss to Green Bay for Western Division crown, thrashed Dale with Lindsey, delaying andjCleveland 30-6 in the Playoff crediting themJBowl. pass This year the Rams were hit near the line of scrimmage andjby injury and illness but wound fense, the Browns' offense, back to aid the deep up 10-3-1, -losing their last two games--to Chicago 17-16 and to 273.

Baltimore-28-24. team. In Thursday's practice, the Colts rehearsed their defensive alignments for the Browns, in- backs. The Browns gave up eluding ways to disguise thejmore's league-leading total blitz. '144.

points in 14 regular season Allen, a native of Detro't, games, as compared with Balti-iplayed football at Marquette inj of 1944. He began his pro coaching with the Rams in 19571 PHILADELPHIA (AP) There seems to be a change in the relationship Philadelphia Eagles' owner Wolman and coach Joe Kuharich. 1 a announced here Thursday that it may not be decided until as late as. next April 1 as to Kuha'rich's status with the- National Football League Club. He.

is currently'working on a year-to-year contract as coach and has 11 more seasons to go on a 15-year as general manger. Woman has previously backed his man all the a a announcement is the first indication that he might not be satislied with th coach who in five years has produced four losing seasons. The during the 1968 campaign posted a 212 mark including an 11- game losing streak. Wolman did, however, say that Kuharich and his current coaching staff will represent the club at next month's NFL player draft. There was soeculation George Allen, recently disposed of as coach of the Los Hams, might be in lin; for.

the Eagle job, But all Wolman was that he thought Allen was a fine coach. Wolman also said he lias not yet acquired a buyer for his club, but noted he has until May to do so if he; can't straighten out. his troubled financial affairs. Under a plan filed with a a in Baltimore, Wolman has until Jan. 31 to find a buyer.

The sale, however, would not be completed unless he is unable to meet the 'Mr-? deadline for paying off some $35 million to creditors. to the Eastern Division title, the first crown in their history. New York entertains the Oakland Raiders Sunday at for Shea the Stadium American League Championship, with the winner going on the Suo-3r Bowl. It's an The rout required only 67-minutes, giving the United States a 3-0 lead in the best-of-5 match series and a chance to score the first 5-0 sweep in 20 years. The doubles victory took tension and importance away from the final two singles.

starting Saturday (10:45 p.m., EST, Friday). Clark Graebner of New York meets Ruffels in the IliSt- match followed by a joust betNyeen Arthur Ashe of Richmond, and Champion Bill Bowrey. -7 A three-hour, five-set victory by Graebner over Bowrey and Ashe triumph over Ruffels. in. four sets put the Americans up.

for today's doubles ciuieher. Hopman's gamble was in inserting teen-ager Alexander into the doubles although" he and Ruffles played together only; eight days except for: the obscure tournament several weeks ago. Alexander became the young- jest player in history''to compete in the Challenge Round-and his nervousness and -'insecurity were apparent as he'lost vital understatement ser vices to give the--Americans he first two sets and'wilted under the constant pounding of the more experienced- Ameri- say it's a great honor," said the 6-2, 195-pound Namath when informed of the award. "I hope you understand I'm not trying to come across as the humble guy. But they (the.

people) should be aware that an honor ike this-and it really is a remendous one--is a team "One guy can't do anything. I don't remember anybody jn osing team getting to be named MVP. So it has to be a team thing." Namath, who came to the Jets via Beaver Falls, and the University of Alabama for a reported $400,000 bonus, com pleted 187 of 380 pass attempts during the regular campaign for a 49.2 per cent average. His aerials were good for yards and 15 touchdowns as the Jets rang up an 11-3 record. Sauer, who like Namath was selected to team, was the his UPI All-Star quarterback's favorite target with 66 recep tions, second in the league onlj to Alworth.

Maynard, a seconc team all-star, was receptions with 57. cans. "Alexander and Ruffels were bit tentative," Donald Dell, the U.S. captain said. "We had a big edge on teamwork.

I thought it would be riluch clo's-. er match." He said he thought'this lack of coordination was fact' that they a scratch put together officiallyf.only te.w hours before 'But I am not Hopman," Dell said. "I would have dpneVt-he- same thing under the circiunstanceSi I think Hopman felt it was all he: could do." The doubles match, played.be- fore a meager crowd of 5,000 in bright, sunny weather, was such' a mismatch that it soon became' dull. Smith, blond 6-foot-4 giant from Pasadena, and Lutz, a stocky, bouncy youngster of 21 who effects the popular sideburns, never lost a a second service" during the three-set fifth in match and only once-had jt break point against them. NFL All-Stars MORRALL, SAYERS, KELLY IN BACKFJELD FIRST TEAM Pos.

Player TE FL SE RB RB John Mackey '-'Clifton McNe'H Paul Warfield Ralph Neely Robert Brown Gene Hickerson Howard Mucld Mick Tingelhoff Earl Men-rail Leroy Kelly Gale Sayers OFFENSE Team Baltimore San Francisco Cleveland Dallas Philadelphia Cleveland San Francisco Minnesota Baltimore Cleveland Chicago DEFENSE Age .26 28 25 24 26 32 26 28 34 26 25 HI. 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-0 Wt. 224 185 I8S 265 280 148 254 237 206 205 198 Yrs. Pro 6 5 5 4 5 11 5 7 13 5 4 Bob Brown Picked on All-Player, All-Pro Deacon Jones Carl Eller Bob -Lilly Merlin Olsen MLB Dick Butkus LB Chuck Howley LB Dave Robinson HB Lem Barney HB Cornell Green Larry Wilson RickVolk Los Angeles Minnesota Dallas Los Angeles Chicago Dallas Green Bay Detroit Dallas St. Louis Baltimore 29 25 29 27 25 32 27 22 28 30 23 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-3 260 265 260 276 245 225 240 185 208 190 195 8 5 8 7 4 10 6 2 7 9 2 By MURRAY OLDERMAN Special to Daily Times NEW YORK (NEA)-IT IS the team the players want, abive all, to make.

It gave Jerry Kramer his greatest disappointment rf 1967. But to Jim Ringo, a full decade ago, it brought elation and tears for having made it. It is the All-Players All-Pro team chosen for Newspaper Enterprise Association by the 640 players of the National Football League. Kramer, who plays with the Green Bay Packers, and Ringo, who used to, have been honored with selection in 'the past. They have the trophies to prove it.

Kramer's letdown was in not making the All-Pro team again last year. Ringo's sentimental cry came from the realization that the other players in pro football his peers had chosen him as the best at his position, center, when the Packers were a last place team. That's the value of going to the players the men who dig in with their cleats as the source material for the finest in football. In this, the 14th annual poll of NFL players, their achievements on the field are perpetuated as members of the 1968 All-Players All-Pro team. And on Sunday, Dec.

23, from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, the Columbia Broadcasting System, i cooperation with NEA, will present a full hour special show displaying this All-Pro team. Produced by NFL Films and narrated by Charlton Heston, it will follow immediately after the playing of the NFL championship game that These are the 22 men who will be revealed in their moments of greatness during the '68 season: OFFENSE TIGHT END John Mackey, Baltimore The class of the NFL almost unanimously, and at his peak in his sixth pro season. This is his third straight aji-pro year. Split effd, Paul Warfield, Cleveland Tremendous comeback after several years in limbo since being named to the all-pro team his rookie season in 1964..

Great scoring threat. Flanker, Clifton McNeil, San Francisco All Sticks needed was the chance, and he got it when Browns traded hi-n to 49ers. Promptly led the NFL in pass receiving tliis fall. Tackle, Robert Brown, Philadelphia Another comeback guy, since he missed most of last year with a knee operation. Pride spurred him to fine season on a dismal losing team.

Tackle, Ralph Neely, Dallas There's never been any doubt about this guy. He can handle any defensive end, and at the age of 24 he'll be arou.d for years as a topflighter. Guard, Gene Hickerson, Cleveland Somebody's doing the blocking up front for invincible Leroy Kelly, and it's generally this 11-year veteran also an all-pro repeater. Guard, Howard Mudd, San Francisco The players first pin-pointed this iittle known blocker as a premier product a year ago. And he's done iPos.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE DEFENSE Player and Team Pos. Player and jTE Jackie Smith, St. Louis Carroll Dale, Gr, Bay iFL Roy Jefferson, Pitts. Bob Vogel, Bait. Ernie McMillan, Louis Gale Glllingham, Gr.

Bay Tom Mack, Los Ang. Bob DeMarco, St. Louis Don Meredith, Dallas RB Bill Brown, Minnesota RB Don Perkins, Dallas Doug Atkins, N. Orleans E. George Andrie, Dallas Alex Karras, Detroit Waiter'Johnson, Cleve.

MLB Tommy Nobis, Atlanta LB Mike Curtis, Bait. LB Dave Wilcox, San Fran. HB Bob Jeter, Gr. Bay HB Jim Johnson, San Fran. Ed Meador, Los Ang.

Willie Wood, Gr. Bay I nothing since to undermine their estimation. Center, Mick Titlgelhoff, Mimrso a T-. He broadbeamed blitzes to and he's fast becoming a perennial choice at his position. Quarterback, TViprrall, Baltimore The guy of the year, who made "super more than a phrase.

They never even missed John Unitas. Running back, Gale Sayers, Chicago You'd think a guv who played only eight" games and part of another 'Would be out of it. But Gale ran fat See 17.