The Big Scrum
Author | : John J. Miller |
Publisher | : Harper Perennial |
Total Pages | : 0 |
Release | : 2012-04-17 |
ISBN-10 | : 0061744522 |
ISBN-13 | : 9780061744525 |
Rating | : 4/5 (525 Downloads) |
Download or read book The Big Scrum written by John J. Miller and published by Harper Perennial. This book was released on 2012-04-17 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Football's first golden age was characterized by incredible violence and life-threatening danger, and the new sport's popularity grew even as the casualties rose. After dozens of players were killed in brutal incidents that rattled the national consciousness, a proto-progressive movement attempted to abolish the game. At that critical moment, President Roosevelt, an outspoken advocate of "the strenuous life" and a longtime fan of the game, fought to preserve football's rugged essence. In 1905, Roosevelt summoned key football coaches to the White House for a historic meeting. The result was the establishment of the NCAA and a series of rule changes, including the advent of the forward pass, which not only saved the sport but transformed football into what it is today: the quintessential American game.