The Post-Standard from Syracuse, New York • Page 9

All-America Explains Decision to Sign With Browns Want to Play With Best 9 -Davis Saturday, December 23, 1961 9 1 SANTA CLARA, Calif. M--. Ernie Davis, the Syracuse All- America halfback, said Friday he considered both the present and the future before agreeing to a professional football contract with the Cleveland Browns. The National Football League team announced Thursday night that agreement had been reached with the 21'3'pound winner of the Heisman Trophy as the nation's outstanding college football player in 1961. The contract calls for $65,000 salary over three years plus a $15,000 bonus for'signing.

Davis -is drilling here with the East squad for the East-West Shrine charity game in San Francisco Dec. 30. "The Buffalo team in the American Football League offered me more money," Davis said, "but it wasn't enough to offset the other things involved." Among the other things, Davis said, was consideration of off- season jobs and his future as a football player. The player, a business econom- ics major at Syracuse, said "I hope to learn a business during the off-season and seep into a good job after eight or 10 years in the National Football League. "A player has pride" he said "and wants to play with the best.

I don't mean to knock the other league. Maybe in a couple of years it will be different." 9 LEXINGTON, Ky, (AP)-Ken- high. tucky and Kansas State ge away if the price became too to the finals of the University of Kentucky Invitational Basketball opening round victories as Kentucky's Larry Pursiful set a tour- Tournament Friday night with CLEVELAND (AP)--The Davis agreed Thursday night to of the Cleveland Browns said Fri- play with Cleveland of the Nation- day the club was prepared to let al Football League, choosing the Browns over Buffalo of the rival American Football League. Modell disclosed Davis will get $65,000 in salary over the three-year All-America halfback Ernie Davis "We didn't want to get into an auction with Buffalo," said period, plus a $15,000 'bonus. Arthur B.

"We estab- Spurned $130,000 lished our price ($80.000 for three! Actually, Davis turned down tucky'sLarry Pursiful set a tour- years gtuck to and were higher offer--reported namc-nt fteld goal record. Kentucky defeated Tennessee ready to walk away if it wasn't'to be a three-year package worth ANOTHER BROWN FOR BROWNS--John Brown, Syracuse University tackJe, signs a contract with the Cleveland Browns while his attorney, Alan M. Brickman, watches at right. Standing behind is Fred Heisler, Browns' line coach. acceptable." 96-69 and Kansas State, paced by; jMike Worbleski, defeated Xavior; Ohio 75-67.

Pursiful scored 34 noinis for the Wildcats with his 17 field goals breaking a tournament record set by Jerry West of West Virginia in 1959 with 16. West still holds the tournament scoring record with 37 points. Kentucky pulled steadily away from Tennessee after the first 10 minutes of play. With Pursiful hil- play in the older. Preparing to join two other Cleveland Browns in 1962.

"boys from Syracuse," tackle John, known as "Big Daddy" John Brown, yesterday, signed alto his teammates, was drafted a one-year contract to play for ago, on the third round, IIinUX when he still had a year of eligibility remaining. The 6-2 native of Camden, N.J., weighs igame as sophomore Cotton Nash jWildcats led 35-29 at intermission. Kentucky built up a 20-point j.i sv 11 With Bill Red Less than 24 hours after the announcement that Davis had agreed to sign an $80,000 contract The Cleveland Browns have been decidedly active. and quite successful, in signing the players they covet for First to line up with them was Gary Collins, Mary- land's fine end -who needs no introduction to fans who saw him play against the I Orange at College Park last fall. Collins not only seems ready to step in and help the Brown's offense, but also he'll be groomed to do the punting, where Sam pounds.

John has been a a Kentucky surge teammate of Ernie Davis, Tennessee's Orb Bowling kept, cuse University's All-America Tennessee close in the first half halfback and was rated a stand- ith his hook shots. Bowling JrithTthe' Cleveland Browns the out at tackle on the 1959 pace the Vols 2i points, team that gained the national; Nash scored 15 points and collegiate championship. Scotty Baesler 10 for Kentucky, the Heisman Award winner this, Kentucky meets Kansas State NEW YORK (AP) Capture of Ernie Davis, Syracuse's Heisman Trophy winner, and Merlin Olsen, Utah State's All-America tackle, provided the coup de grace for the National Football League Friday in its talent- signing war with the new American League. more established league. "I feel our greatest selling point with'Davis was the NFL," said Modell, "He's a great football player, but he's also a high-class person and so are his advisors." Modell said he was confident for a long time that the 22-year- old Davis, the most prized colle- Davis said the Calgary Starn- peders of the Canadian League me they'd give rne as much money as anybody if I wjmted to play in Canada.

I didn't lead them on, I told them I wanted to play in this country." Davis was drafted by the Washington Redskins of the NFL, the first Negro they ever drafted. Thft Redskins traded rights tc negotiate to Cleveland. "I never said I wouldn't play with Washington" Davis said. "I would have played with Davii, added, "I'll sign the contract with the Browns on Tuesday or Wednesday. As a youngster I always wsnted to play with the Browns or the New York Giants.

But a couple of years ago I realized it really didn't matter which team I played with." Although he is a friend of Jim Brown, former Syracuse All- America and current Cleveland star, Davis said the friendship "didn't figure in it." He added: "I had four important meetings last week. Two all-day sessions with each club, Cleveland and BID Reddy Baker has been specializing. Ernie Davis? The Syracuse All-America himself, talking about the proposed deal when it was still in the rumor stage, asked the question: "How can the Browns give up an established halfback like Bobby Mitchell to take a chance on.me?" The Browns have done it, and there's no reason to believe that they'll regret it. Mitchell, for all his speed, had been "'typed' 1 art-outside Davis, plaeey has the speed to'go outside but also the power to hit the line successfully, and thus he should make Big Jim Brown. more effective.

In fact, Big Jim can go outside "Well, but up to now he has been used principally to keep the. (defensive power thrusts. With Big John Brown signed yesterday, also by Cleveland, "there'll be a-real Syracuse "colony" gathering- at the training camp in Hiram, next summer. Wig John has surprising 1 speed for a big man, and, in the Liberty Bowl game particularly, he showed to fine advantage on offense, where the Browns plan to use him. Another end, Ron Meyers of Vlllanova, caused a furore by signing, also with the Browns, prior to his college team's appearance in the Sun Bowl.

Under NCAA rules, Meyers be-. comes ineligible for the bowl game, but Meyers himself lakes the blame. "The scout told me to wait until after the bowl game, but I was so excited about playing with the Browns that I insisted on signing right away," he is quoted. The scout who signed Meyers, by the way, is another Brown. -That's Mike son, who has been working in the family "store" since his release from military service.

Big loser in the battle for Davis' signature is Ralph Wilson and his Buffalo Bills, but it is typical of Wilson that he has been a gracious loser. The Bills' owner offered considerably more than the Browns' terms, but he-said yesterday: "Ernie's decision was to sign with Cleveland. We respect it. Mr. DcFilippo (Ernie's lawyer) played it fair in the negotiations.

He didn't barter back and forth," Then, looking on the bright side, Wilson added: "Maybe one way of looking at it is that we've got a lot more money to spend on signing other players." The loss of Davis is the first time in three drafts that the Bills have failed to land their top draft choice- Diehards among the slim turnout, announced at 187, for the. Syracuse-Pittsburgh basketball game Thursday night, deserve credit for loyalty, but they jrot an" unexpected reward. Coach Marc Guley doesn't have much high-claw material at his command. Ineligibility of three who had been counted on.for varsity duty, plus the inroads of graduation, left him with slim nucleus of The reward for fans came In the performance of the Orangemen. They hustled, they gave it all they had, they showed far.

more teamwork than many more talented Orange arrays have with any consistency lately. They lost, as expected, but they showed the desire to improve, and if they keep that spirit, in the face of losses, they'll surprise some teams that will, take them Hfhtly. "If you can't beat 'em, join "em" is a slogan that the Syracuse Stars have taken to their heart. The Stars, who have played eight games at the State Fair Coliseum and won six of them, had a rude defeat early in the season, They couldn't cope with the steed of the Ottawa PA rtM thir.g They signed the standouts of the Kerwins, and have had fine hockey going for them ever since. Tonight the Stars play the Clinton Stars at the Coliseum, and, both teams are well stocked with fine material, this and the Sunday game between these clubs should be well worth watch ing, The Coliseum, idle for years, has reawakened with the installation of a classy surface, and for the next week, with public skating every afternoon and night when there isn't a game on it should be one of th busiest places in Central New York.

year, agreed to terms with the Brawns Thursday, Alan- M. Brickman, John's attorney who- represented him at the signing, said that no announcement would be made on terms, but that the player received a bonus in addition to the salary contract. Big John also was drafted "by San Diego of the American Football League in 1960, but like Davis, he prefers; he says, to "play with the best. 1 John and Davis "Will play in the Hula Bowl game in Honolulu; Jan. 6.

First Syracusan to-sign with the Browns was Jim Brown, nqxv the National Football League's top fullback, and. leader in rushing for all five yaf his years in the league. With John joining the squad, there's bound to be a bit of confusion because the team is coached by Paul Brown, for whom the team itself is named. Fred Heisler, Cleveland line coach who -came here to sign "Big Daddy," said that-it is planned lo use the big on offense, and that Coach -Paul is planning to reshuffle his offensive line for the 1962 season; John will be used either at offensive guard or offensive tackle, according to Heisler. From Cleveland, -where the signing also was announced, Coach Paul said that- "John is one of the best line prospects to come up in many years." John was injured much of.

the I960 season, and -was hampered by leg and shoulder injuries early in 1961, but he finished strongly, playing well in both the Notre Dame and the Miami games. for the championship Saturday night and Tennessee plays Xavier for third place. Wroblewski scored 31 points, 21 in the second half, as Kansas State turned back a determined Musketeer 'rally. Xavier had erased a nine-point Kansas State lead midway in the second' half to go ahead 51-50 with College Basketball Oswego State 87, Queens 73. Kansas State 75, Xavier 67.

Texas AM 62, Auburn 50. Villa Madonna 89, Cumberland (Ky.) 85. St. Peter's (N.J.) 95, Jacksonville 84. Detroit 81, Regis 58.

Pitt 67, Fordham 66. Lafayette 69, Columbia 54. Mass. 68, Colby 60. Memphis State 96, Richmond 77.

Davidson 68, Alabama 63. 96, Tennessee 69. Southern California 76, Wyoming 54. Arizona 77, State 50. Bfigham Young 69, Pacific 67, Utah 102, Arizona State 89.

91, UCLA 65. Texas. A A 60, Auburn M. Stanford St. Louis 61.

Idaho State 67, Portland 54. Oregon 84, Fresno State 72. Horortrtn 91. Southern California 76, Wyoming $4. Brifhum Young 89, Pacific (Calif.) S7.

Tennessee At 96, Tt. Utah 102; Arizona State 89. Memphig State 96, Richmond 77. 9:57 remaining. The 6-fbot-8 Wroblewski took over then', dominating the boards and pouring in the majority of the Kansas State points.

With the score tied62-62, Wroblewski fired inei ght straight points, two of them three point trips, to send the Wildcats ahead 70-62 with 2:16 Kentucky hit 39. of from the; field Tor" qent. Tenriessee on '22' of 50 for 44 per cent Oswego Drubs Queens, 87-73 BROOKLYN Oswego State kept its perfect intact, trouncing the Queens College forces, 87-73 in a basketball game here Friday night. Craig Sallin, formerly of the Syracuse Parochial-League, paced the LaJkers with 19 points. High-scoring Pete Schieffer added 16 and Tony Conigliaro 15.

Jump shooting specialist Jeff Maloney of Queens bucketed 30 points for game honors, The Lakers, now 6-0, meet Danbury College of Danbury, Conn 6-foot-5 265-pound Olsen cast his lot with the Los Angeles Rams. They tlie sixth and seventh of the AFL's eight top draft choices snatched up by the older league.The only one of these choices not already lost is Saiidy Stephens, Minnesota quarterback, who can't be touched until after the Rose Bowl game. AFL Won Only Hadl Stephens is the No. 1 pick ol the New York Titans in the AFL, the second choice of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. The American League, has won out in only one of the tug-of-wars involving the No.

1 college picks of the' 'two- circuits. John Hadl flashy Kansas quarterback who had been drafted by Detroit of the NFL, signed with the -AFL's San Diego Chargers. Besides Davis and Olsen, the AKL 1 draft choices -plucked by the NFL include Bob Ferguson two-time All-America fullback Panthers Shade Rams by 61-66 NEW YORK (AP)--Pitt nipped Fordham Friday night 67-66 on a. basket by Cal Sheffield with 20 seconds left to play. The goal came after Sheffield had stolen the ball and provided a stirring climax to a second half comeback by the Panthers.

Down 33-27 at the half, the Panthers returned to the of fire. They took the lead after 14:26 only to lose it again and then went out in front to stay on Sheffield'ss leal. Fordham's Frank Andrews, who Saturday night, in their only out- was fouled while with from Ohio State, signed by Pittsburgh; Roman Gabriel, North a i a State quarterback, picked up by the Los Angeles Rams; "Ronald Bull, Baylor halfback, lassoed by the Chicago Bears; Gary Collins, Maryland end, committed to Cleveland and Ray Jacobs, Howard Payne tackle, signed by Dallas. Jacobs is a double signee whose status is not fully settled. He signed with Houston of the AFL and Dallas of the NFL.

1 -signings, the National League has succeeded in grabbing eight of its No. 1 draft choices while losing only Loss of the. publicized Davis dealt the American League its most stunning blow. The Buffalo Bills, one of the most solidly -entrenched of the AFL teams, sought Davis tooth and nail, and opened up. their purses in a vain effort to get a star who would be a big box office draw in upstate New Prestige Decided 'The Bills reportedly offered Davis $135,000 with long range fringe Ernie decided to go with the Browns "at a financial sacrifice." an a i said, cause of the NFL's greater security and prestige.

Davis was the original pick of the Washington Redskins, who traded rights to him to Cleveland. A number of leading professional candidates--top draft choices giate grid star in the country, We discussed everything would choose Cleveland. But the Jin connection with the contracts 36-year-old Browns' board the ground up, I agreed to man admitted having "some three-year contract plu an op- cern at times hion." Hectic Experience Davis would not give contract "It's been hectic the past few figures, but Cleveland executive weeks. I slept real tight for the Arthur Modell said he would re- first time in a long, while cive a 515,000 bonus for signing night." Iplus a three-year salary totaling Merely to get the chance to bid for the Heisman Trophy winner from Syracuse, the Browns took a calculated risk in a trade with Washington, which had the draft rights to Davis. Cleveland traded its first round draftee Leroy Jackson of Western Illinois University--plus star halfback Bobby Mitchell to the Redskins.

Was it worth it? 'Yes, we think Davis is worth the price," Modell said. "The salary and bonus are not inflationary in line with his talents. We are highly flattered that he turned down Buffalo's offer." of-state contest. Wideners Sue For 'Illegal 1 Federal Taxes LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)-Noted horseman P.

A. B. Widener II and his former wife. Louise Widener, filed a suit in Federal Court Friday seeking to recover $155,568 in federal income taxes they contend were "erroneously and collected. Widener, former Kentucky state sheriff of Palm Beach County, and Louise Widener challenged the federal government's method in allowing depreciation on horses held for breeding and for racing.

The years in question are 195456 when the lived in Fayette County, Ky. one second remaining, missed a chance to tie it up. He got the first of his two shots, but missed the second. Pittsburgh's Frank Jinks, who had six in the first half and 14 in the second half was high scorer with 20 points. Sheffield had 16 and Tom Maloney 11.

Bob Melvin led Fordham with 19. Debusschere Leads Detroit to 81-58 Win CAP) --Dave Debusschere sc'ored 20 points in a second half surge in leading Detroit to an 81-58 basketball victory over Regis College Friday night, The Titan star led all scorers with 28 points and controlled both backboards with 19 rebounds, Gary Demarlie was top scorer for Regis with 18 points. and All-America selectees remained in the pool, untouchable until they have completed bowl asignments. These include such players as Stephens, Minnesota quarterback; Lance Al worth, Arkansas back; Jerry Hillebrand Colorado end and Wendell Harris and Earl Gros, backfield men for Louisiana State. How Pro Grief War Is Going NEW YORK CAP)--Here's ihe status ot the t3io foptball battle lor the No, 1 college draft choices: AMERICAN LEAGUE Boston Gary Maryland end.

lost lo Cleveland (NFL). Buffalo Ernie' Davis. Svracuse losl to Cleveland fNFLK Dallas Ronnie Baylor lost to Chlcaeo fNFL). Wanted No Speculation Why did the Browns--- in a switch from past policy--disclose the price? "We wanted to end all speculation," Modell replied "Everyone would be saying we gave him a quarter of a million dollars, a couple of 'houses and a job as vice president in a "If a too high for Davis, it would have wrecked the whole morale -'structure of the team. No player is that important." Jim Brown, Cleveland's fullback who reportedly drew $31,000 in 1961, exerted a "strong motivation" on Davis' decision, according to Modell.

Brown also was an All-America at Syracuse. Davis followed him. at that university, at Brown's suggestion, and wiped out most of Jim's rushing and scoring records. "Ernie respects Jim quite a bit," Modell "In fact, he worships him." Jim Helped on His Own Brown made a strong pitch for the NFL and the Browns in a meeting with Davis, earlier this month. "Brown did it all on his own," Modell said.

"We didn't ask him to talk to Ernie." Modell said he. will formally Denver Merlin Olsen, Utah Slate Brume! Russia's Athlete of Year Open Tonight Bnmel, the Soviet's 7-foot high jumper, was named Russia's male athlete of year Friday by the'ihagft- fcinfi Moscow Sports which criducted a nationwide poll. Anna Dmitriyevs, many-time Russian tennis queen, was named the woman athlete of the year, Coifs Sign Yohn BALTIMORE jmore Colts of the jball taague announced Friday tSte signing of linebacker John Vohft, free agent 24, nf Palmyra, and tackle, lost to Los Aneeles (NFL). Houston Ray Jacobs. Howard Favne tackle, sinned by both Dallas (NFL).

Nrw York Sandy SfcDhens. Minnesota auartcrbnck. ulnys in Rose Bowl. Roman Gabriel- North Carolina Slate quarterback; lost to Los Angeles (NFL). San Dlczo Bob Fereuson.

Ohio State fullback, lost to PittsburRh (NFL). John Brown. Syracuse tackle, lost to Cleveland CNPLJ. NATIONAL LEAGUE Baltimore Wendell Harris. Louisiana State back, nlavlne in the Orange Bowl- Ronald Bull, Baylor hU- bflck Cleveland 'Gary Collins.

Maryland end (choice traded from Dallas), clsned. A so sighed Ernie Davis. Syracuse halfback (traded from Washington) and John Brown. Syracuse tackle. Lcroy Jackson.

Western. Illinois halfback, not filmed. Dallas--No. choice traded to Cleveland. lost, to San Ditto (AFL), Green Bay Earl Gros.

Louisiana State back, in OranKe Bow). Carolina state quarterback (traded from Minnesota), fcnd Merlin Olscn, Utah Slate Los Angeles Roman Gabriel, North both Minnesota No, 1 choice traded to New York--Jerry HiUrbrfcnrt Los Angles, end, playing In Orsnce No. 1 choice traded to St. Louis. PilsDurah Sob Fentuson, Ohio Stale fullback, signed.

St. Loute Fate Echols, Northwrslem Irvln Goode. Kentucky sign the 215-pounder in California next week. Davis, a second lieutenant in the.ROTC, must fulfill six months of military service after the 1962 season. "We want to give him a vocational aptitude test and then we'll see about off season employment," Modell said, "we haven't offered him any big, fancy job.

1 Modell admitted that Davis will be under intense pressure. 'Tm personally going to handle the boy off the field," the young owner said. "I'm going to try to condition him to say the right things to the press and others who will be badgering him. "I made a moral commitment lo Davis' attorneys to see that he isr't thrown to the wolves," Modell said. "That's my job.

Coach Paul Brown will handle him as playec." SAN DIEGO. Calif. (API--Well- seasoned Sid Gillman is generally a cautious coach in forecasting the outcome of a game. So it was rather a surprise Friday lo hear the pilot of the San Diego Chargers say: I would make this prediction: Come Sunday, these gentlemen (the Chargers) are going to be the champions of the American Football League." Ready to dispute this, of course, are the Houston Oilers, who won the AFL championship. In the Eastern-Western Division playoff from the San Diego club in Houston a year ago.

The Oilers were due in Friday night and Coach Wally Lemm planned a light workout Saturday, In a quote relayed here, Lemm, who took over the Oilers early this season and guided them to nine straight victories, said: "I'm sure our game the Chargers will be very Referring to the 41-0 shellacking San Diego absorbed from the Boston Patriots last week, Lemm added: I wasn't especially surprised that the Chargers lost to Boston. It is hard to keep a team up after they have won the title. "The Chargers, I am sure, can do 100 per cent better." The so-called experts have installed Houston as a 3-point favorite. Ski Report NBA Standmas EASTERN DIVISION W. Boston 24 4 Philadelphia 80 12 SYRACUSE 13 18 New York 9 Pet.

.857 .25 .419 WESTERN DIVISION W. t. Pet. Los Angeles 2(5 9 .743 ALBANY. (B-- Skiing conditions reported Friday to the state, commerce department: Big Tupper (Tuppcr Lake) -Fair: powder, 4-6 packed "base.

Fawn Ridge (Lake Placid)-Good: 6 powder, 2 packed base. Greek Peak (Virgil)-- Fair to good: 2-10 powder. Maple Ridge (Old Forge)-Good: 1 powder, 7 base. Marcy Hotel (Lake 4 powder, 4 base. McCauley Mount a i (Old Forge)-- Good: 1 powder, 6 base Mirror Lake Inn (Lake Placid) Excellent: 3 powder, 3 packed Moon Valley (Malone)-- Good to excellent; 8 powder, 17 frczcn base.

Mount Pisgah (Saranac Lake) Fair: 1 powder, 4 packed base. Oak Mountain (Speculator)-Good: Powder surface, 10 packed Detroit St. Louts Chicago .11 6 17 20 22 .414 Scotts Cobble (Lake Placid)-Fair to good: 2 powder, 4 base. Snow Ridge (Turin)-- I powder, 3-12 base. Snowy Acres Fair: 2-3 packed base, Res nils Lftst Night No games scheduled.

Sonf Mountain to good: 3 powder, 4-20. machine- 2l4 nufle. Whlteface Mountain (Wilmlnjr- ton)--(T-bar slope only) 1 packed, 6-20 base. center (tmdfcrf from San Francisco Lance Alwoflh, Blayine in sugar Wsrfilntton Ernie Duvis, Bvracuse traded to Wiliiamsporf Signs Andy Seminick Again PHILADELPHIA AP) Andy Seminick has been signed for his second year as manager of Wil- Hamsport, in the Class A Eastefn Baseball League, it was announced tiday. WiHiamsport is a farm club in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system.

Seminick, who played 16 years in the National League, 13 with the Phillies, began his managerial career in 1939 with the Phillies' Games Tonight New York 41 Boston (WSYR- TV, 2:30 p.m.), Cincinnati vs. Detroit at St. Louis. Los Angeleg tt St. Louis.

GETS TRIAL AS COLt BALTIMORE The Baltimore Colts of the National Football League announced Friday the signing of John Yohn, a free agent for a test as a linebacker. al Ifflfr Matins pas three seasons'at WELCOMED TO THE PIPEIW-Coach McLen- of the Cleveland (fight) greets ex-Nat Dick player after winning ar court mionclion against his use by the Pipers 'Bunk; Retorts Cornell Of Harp to Army Report NEW YORK (AP)-Tom Harp, coach at Cornell University, will be the new head football coach the alhtetic board denied the saying: "Harp is only onft of somfi 40 men being considered. have only begun sifting the at Army, The World Telegram 'candidates." and Sim said Friday, Harp, Si served as assistant and atidedjthrmigh idtiO, leaving to not assifnment al Cornell. for the Army A Cornell spokesman called the coach and chief scout Irwm report "pure fclmira ft.Y. team in ihe that Harp had York-Pennsylvania He' pwymoted to Des Moiries of post.

TTurse-l League in i960 and Harp has f.wr» moved to WilHftTnspwl lasl year. 6n hi? faeninf team hart wiffem? lift jrfhrfsd'WiMtarct trtfi CfftcJl. foTfjH-y. His lo ton! place, I Al West fotjhad ffie mow yeaf to ffffi. the Dale Hall, who succeeded Eari (fted) Blaifc ifi Jd, was dismissed This month I.