Post by Lithfan on Jan 31, 2016 8:53:14 GMT -5
January 31, 1963
In 1962, the Titans had the top wide receiving duo in the AFL with Don Maynard and Art Powell. During the 62 season, in financial trouble, the Titans acknowledged that they would look to sell Powell's services to the highest bidder at the conclusion of the season. After the 62 season ended, on 1/31/63, Powell, who played his college ball at San Jose State, decided to return to the Bay Area, signing a contract with Oakland.
Titans owner Harry Wismer was livid, claiming the Raiders tampered with Powell while he was under contract to NY during the 1962 season. "The Raiders are aptly named," ranted Wismer. "They ruined Powell's performance in 1962 and stole him in 1963. They have been in collusion for the last 12 months."
Wismer added that Powell "didn't want to put out because he knew he would be with Oakland in 1963."
The league however, rejected the Titans' owners claims. Perhaps citing the fact that Powell led the league in receiving yards in 1962 for the Titans, finishing with 1,130 yards. Hard to argue that he "didn't put out" when he topped the league.
As for Raiders coach and GM Al Davis, he countered that "The signing was done with dignity, and with the league approval."
Source: The Pittsburgh Press
In 1962, the Titans had the top wide receiving duo in the AFL with Don Maynard and Art Powell. During the 62 season, in financial trouble, the Titans acknowledged that they would look to sell Powell's services to the highest bidder at the conclusion of the season. After the 62 season ended, on 1/31/63, Powell, who played his college ball at San Jose State, decided to return to the Bay Area, signing a contract with Oakland.
Titans owner Harry Wismer was livid, claiming the Raiders tampered with Powell while he was under contract to NY during the 1962 season. "The Raiders are aptly named," ranted Wismer. "They ruined Powell's performance in 1962 and stole him in 1963. They have been in collusion for the last 12 months."
Wismer added that Powell "didn't want to put out because he knew he would be with Oakland in 1963."
The league however, rejected the Titans' owners claims. Perhaps citing the fact that Powell led the league in receiving yards in 1962 for the Titans, finishing with 1,130 yards. Hard to argue that he "didn't put out" when he topped the league.
As for Raiders coach and GM Al Davis, he countered that "The signing was done with dignity, and with the league approval."
Source: The Pittsburgh Press
