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September 9, 1966: H.R. 17675 - Football Mergers Bill - To Amend the Act of September 30, 1961
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September 9, 1966: H.R. 17675 - Football Mergers Bill - To Amend the Act of September 30, 1961
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The original documents are located in Box F12, folder "H.R. 17675 Football Merger Bill
9/13/66" of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
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copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
S
S
8
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. R. 17675
C
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
T
SEPTEMBER 13, 1966
8
Mr. GERALD R. FORD introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
or
A BILL
SI
To amend the Act of September 30, 1961 (75 Stat. 732)
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That the Act of September 30, 1961 (75 Stat. 732), is
4 amended-
TI
5
(1) by inserting a new section 1 as follows:
81
6
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
7 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
8 That the antitrust laws as defined in section 1 of the Act of S
9 October 15, 1914, as amended (38 Stat. 730), or in the
10 Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended (38 Stat. 717),
11 shall not apply: по gribas ban ni bao
I noiteda 169Y VIIB ni ni
X FORD LIBRARY
2
3
1
" (a) to any joint agreement by or among persons
1 within seventy-five miles of the game site of any intercol-
2
engaging in or conducting the organized professional
2 legiate or interscholastic football contest scheduled to be
3
team sports of football, baseball, basketball, or hockey,
3 played on such a date if-
4
by which any league of clubs participating in profes-
4
" (1) such intercollegiate football contest is between
5
sional football, baseball, basketball, or hockey contests
5
institutions of higher learning, both of which confer
6
sells or otherwise transfers all or any part of the rights
6
degrees upon students following completion of sufficient
7
of such league's member clubs in the sponsored telecast-
7
credit hours to equal a four-year course, or
8
ing of the games of football, baseball, basketball, or
8
" (2) in the case of an interscholastic football con-
of
9
hockey, as the case may be, engaged in or conducted by
9
test, such contest is between secondary schools, both
10
such clubs.
10
of which are accredited or certified under the laws of
11
" (b) to any joint agreement by which the mem-
11
the State or States in which they are situated and offer
12
ber clubs of two or more professional football leagues
12
courses continuing through the twelfth grade of the
13
combine their operations in an expanded single league,
13
standard school curriculum, or the equivalent, and
14
where such agreement increases rather than decreases
14
(3) such intercollegiate or interscholastic foot-
15 the number of professional football clubs SO operating."
15
ball contest and such game site were announced through
16
(2) by inserting "(a)" after the words "section
16
publication in a daily newspaper of general circulation
17
1" in line 2 of section 2;
17
prior to March 1 of such year as being regularly sched-
18
(3) by inserting a new section 3 as follows:
18
uled for such day and place."
19
Section 1 of this Act shall not apply to any joint agree-
20 ment described in section 1 (a) of this Act which permits
21 the telecasting of all or a substantial part of any professional
22 football game on any Friday after 6 clock postmeridian
23 or on any Saturday during the period beginning on the sec-
24 ond Friday in September and ending on the second Saturday
25 in December in any year from any telecasting station located
2
8
1
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I
2
of Hediod oitenlodosdotni to isteigel
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3
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8
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ai jastmoo Hadtool (1)? profes-
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TO
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
SEPTEMBER 13, 1966
By Mr. GERALD R. FORD
Stat. 732)
To amend the Act of September 30, 1961 (75
2D SESSION
89TH CONGRESS
A BILL
dguondt boonnoms
H. R. 17675
noitelnatio Invoice to neqsqawën
17
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18
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19
to
any
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22
23 the on the
Friday in September on
35 in December in located
a
,I.
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to
8
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H.R. 17675
A
a
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
-1
8
TO
SEPTEMBER 13, 1966
8
Mr. GERALD R. FORD introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
e
or
II
A BILL
SI
To amend the Act of September 30, 1961 (75 Stat. 732) 81
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That the Act of September 30, 1961 (75 Stat. 732), is
4 amended-
CS
TI
5
(1) by inserting a new section 1 as follows:
81
6
99TS "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
7 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
8 That the antitrust laws as defined in section 1 of the Act of
9 October 15, 1914, as amended (38 Stat. 730), or in the
10 Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended (38 Stat. 717),
11 shall not apply: gribao bits brso
18 GERALD FORD VERABY
botaod VIIB IS9V, ni
2
3
1
" (a) to any joint agreement by or among persons
1 within seventy-five miles of the game site of any intercol-
2
engaging in or conducting the organized professional
2 legiate or interscholastic football contest scheduled to be
3
team sports of football, baseball, basketball, or hockey,
3 played on such a date if-
4
by which any league of clubs participating in profes-
4
" (1) such intercollegiate football contest is between
5
sional football, baseball, basketball, or hockey contests
5
institutions of higher learning, both of which confer
6
sells or otherwise transfers all or any part of the rights
6
degrees upon students following completion of sufficient
7
of such league's member clubs in the sponsored telecast-
7
credit hours to equal a four-year course, or
8
ing of the games of football, baseball, basketball, or
8
" (2) in the case of an interscholastic football con-
odt
anw
HT88
9
hockey, as the case may be, engaged in or conducted by
9
test, such contest is between secondary schools, both
10
such clubs.
10
of which are accredited or certified under the laws of
11
" (b) to any joint agreement by which the mem-
11
the State or States in which they are situated and offer
12
ber clubs of two or more professional football leagues
12
courses continuing through the twelfth grade of the
13
SET combine their operations in an expanded single league,
13
standard school curriculum, or the equivalent, and
14 where such agreement increases rather than decreases
14
" (3) such intercollegiate or interscholastic foot-
15
the number of professional football clubs SO operating."
15
ball contest and such game site were announced through
16 (SET (2) by inserting (a) after the words "section
16
publication in a daily newspaper of general circulation
17
1" in line 2 of section 2;
17
prior to March 1 of such year as being regularly sched-
18
(3) by inserting a new section 3 as follows:
18
uled for such day and place."
19 Section 1 of this Act shall not apply to any joint agree-
20 ment described in section 1 (a) of this Act which permits
21 the telecasting of all or a substantial part of any professional
22 football game on any Friday after 6 o'clock postmeridian
23 or on any Saturday during the period beginning on the sec-
24 ond Friday in September and ending on the second Saturday
25 in December in any year from any telecasting station located
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. R. 17675
I
3
44
10
e
&
as
DI
II
TI
81
A BILL
To amend the Act of September 30, 1961
Mp
Stat. 732)
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ed of Hadtoote TO strigel S
team sports of football, baseball.- dish 8 idons ho beyslq
By Mr. GERALD R. FORD
newsted ei Hedtool datia 11)1" profes-
of such TO games Hupo of awod tibouost
SEPTEMBER 13, 1966
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
3
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19 "Section of this Act shall not apply to any johnt agree-
20 'nient described in section (ii) of this Act which pormits
221 the telecasting of all or arsubstantial part of any professional
22 football game oursing Friday b'elock postmoridian
23 on on any Saturday during the period beginning on the see-
24 ond Friday in September and ending on accoud Saturiay
25 in December in any year from any telecasting station located
-toot
I
8
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5
9
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8
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11
12
13,
OF
16
17
-18
[Frank]
"H.R. 17675"
(CELLER, Emanuel)
football
September 14, 1966
Honorable Emanuel Celler
Chaiman
Committee on the Judiciary
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Re: H.R. 17675
Dear Mr. Chairman,
My bill H.R. 17675, "To amend the Act of September 30, 1961 (75 Stat.
732)," has been referred to your Committee.
May I respectfully request that you ask the interested departments
and agencies for a report on this proposal. I would also deeply
appreciate anything which you may do to schedule action on this
legislation during this session of the Congress.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:rm
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
[Frank]
.H.R. 17675"
(AGRANOFF, Michael H.)
football marger
have
Z
September 16, 1966
Mr. .Michael H. Agranoff
726 John Jay Hall
Columbia University
New York, N. Y. 16027
Dear Mr. Agranoff,
I have your letter of September 13th and appreciate your interest in
my bill relative to football. Enclosed is a copy of the press release
which was issued at the time I introduced the legislation.
You will note that there was nothing in my bill which would cause "a
weekend blackout on the televising of professional football." I would
be in complete agreement with you that such legislation would be ill-
advised.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:mr
Encl.
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
726 John Jay Hall
Columbia University
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
U.S. House of Representatives
Correct hin
New York, N.Y. 10027
13 September 1966
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I have just heard a very disturbing item on the radio, to the effect that you
plan to introduce a bill calling for, among other things, a weekend blackout on
the televising of professional football. Sir, I would like to know by what
right you take it upon yourself to determine the viewing preferences of football
fans. You have no business preventing me or anyone else from watching one of
the most exciting sports in the country on television. There are few enough
good programs on TV, and I see no reason why one of them should be abolished,
and no constitutional justification for your attempt to abolish it.
Let me clear a few things up. High school football is absolutely nothing
compared to college football, and is even less when compared to professional
football. The reasons are obvious to football fans, and legislation cannot
change this. It is my experience that high school games are watched, and will
continue to be watched, by students of the participating schools, their parents,
school officials, and scattered interested townspeople. They do so no matter
what is on television. However, persons interested in top-notch football want
to watch the pros, and will not drag themselves to high school games in any
event. It is admirable and understandable that you wish to make high school
football players feel better, but this is no way to do it. I know of no
evidence that high school games would be better attended if there were a
blackout of professional games, and I further have the strongest doubt that you
have any legal right to propose such a blackout. Anti-trust business to the
contrary, the courts have not yet ruled invalid the current merger of the AFL
and NFL. It is a great thing, favored by all real football fans, and you have
no business trying to break it up. This is a matter for the courts, and I know
of no litigation pending on this matter at the moment.
Getting to something which may affect your judgement a little more; viz., the
ballot box. This bill may get you a few votes from high school principals, who
doubtless have been prodding you for this. It will get you NO votes from the
thousands of sports fans in your district. Even though your Congressional seat
seems as solid as Gibraltar, you would be well-advised to consider this.
High school football will go on, blackout or no blackout. You have no more right
to tell me what type of football to watch than I have to tell you what type of
toothpaste to use.
Indignantly yours,
Michael H. Agranoff
MICHAEL H. AGRANOFF
GERALD
LIBRARY
[Frank]
"H.R. 17675"
(CODY, J. Edward)
footbal telecasting
September 19, 1966
Mrs. J. Edward Cody
10 Melborne Street
Bridgeport 6, Connecticut
Dear Mrs. Cody,
Thank you so very much for your letter of September 15th relative to the
legislation which I have introduced concerning the football leagues
and the televising of football games.
I think the enclosed copy of my news release of September 13th will
clarify what I have in mind and what my proposed legislation will do.
My bill and similar onee have been referred to the House Committee on
the Judiciary for further consideration.
Kindest regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:mr
Encl.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
MRS. J. EDWARD CODY
10 MELBORNE STREET
BRIDGEPORT 6, CONN.
Sept 15. 1966
Hon gerald R. Ford
House Office Bedg
Washing ton, P.C.
FORD LIBRARY
Dear Sir:
I write as a representative
awain chair sports fans who find
of the increasing army of
the professional football peason
all too brief. altho we are
heartily in favor of your bill to
merge the american and national
Football Leagues, we deplore any
limitation on the telecasting of
games on Friday and Saturday
d hope that you will take
into consideration The undoubled
fact that there is very little
overlape in, potential audences of school
and professional football games
many fans of professional
football would not attend a
high school or college game of
they were provided with free tickets
and trans pertation. and many
more are physically unable to do so.
Conversity l believe The people who
attent high school and college game
usually are relatives would and friends seldom
watch of a pro 9 ame. not
The play us who Please do
deprise the pro fans of the few chance
to su any of the relatively to
games They have a chanke see
at present
July your
(mrs) alexane m. Cody.
EIGHTY-NINTH CONGRESS
STAFF DIRECTOR:
BESS E. DICK
EMANUEL CELLER, N.Y., CHAIRMAN
MICHAEL A. FEIGHAN, OHIO
WILLIAM M. MC CULLOCH, OHIO
GENERAL COUNSEL:
FRANK CHELF, KY.
RICHARD H. POFF, VA.
WILLIAM R. FOLEY
EDWIN E. WILLIS, LA.
WILLIAM c. CRAMER, FLA.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S.
COUNSEL:
PETER W. RODINO, JR., N.J.
ARCH A. MOORE, JR., W. VA.
GARNER J. CLINE
BYRON G. ROGERS, COLO.
WILLIAM T. CAHILL, N.J.
HERBERT FUCHS
HAROLD D. DONOHUE, MASS.
CLARK MAC GREGOR, MINN.
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
WILLIAM P. SHATTUCK
JACK BROOKS, TEX.
CHARLES MC c. MATHIAS, JR., MD.
BENJAMIN L. ZELENKO
WILLIAM M. TUCK, VA.
CARLETON J. KING, N.Y.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
LAW REVISION COUNSEL:
ROBERT T. ASHMORE, S.C.
EDWARD HUTCHINSON, MICH.
CHARLES J. ZINN
JOHN DOWDY, TEX.
ROBERT MC CLORY, ILL.
BASIL L. WHITENER, N.C.
HENRY P. SMITH III, N.Y.
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL:
HERMAN TOLL, PA.
DONALD G. BENN
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER, WIS.
MARTIN R. HOFFMANN
JACOB H. GILBERT, N.Y.
JAMES C. CORMAN, CALIF.
WILLIAM L. ST. ONGE, CONN.
GEORGE F. SENNER, JR., ARIZ.
DON EDWARDS, CALIF.
WILLIAM L. HUNGATE, MO.
HERBERT TENZER, N.Y.
JOHN CONYERS, JR., MICH.
GEORGE W. GRIDER, TENN.
ANDREW JACOBS, JR., IND.
September 22, 1966
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Colleague:
This will acknowledge your letter of
September 14, 1966, with reference to your
bill, H. R. 17675, to amend the Act of Septem-
ber 30, 1961 (75 Stat. 732).
This is to advise you that appropriate
departmental reports have been requested on
H. R. 17661, which is similar to your proposal.
Sincerely yours,
Emanuel Celler
Chairman
EC:dm
GEBALO FORD VIBRARY
[Frank]
"H.R. 17675"
(ZINN, Beranard F.)
footWall
September 26, 1966
Mr. Bernard F. Zinn
250 Martin Street
Birmingham, Michigan
Dear Mr. Zinn,
Thank you for your letter of September 22nd in support of hte legis-
lation which I have introduced concerning football leagues and
televising of games. Enclosed is a copy of the press release which
was issued at the time I introduced the legislation.
My bill and similar ones have been referred to the House Committee on
the Judiciary for further consideration.
Kindest regards.
Sincerely,
Cerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:r
OFFICE OF
BERNARD FREDERICK ZINN
Attorney and Counselor
250 MARTIN STREET
birmingham, MICHIGAN
September 22, 1966
The Honorable Gerald Ford
U. S. House of Representatives
Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
Football Mangon
Dear Congressman Ford:
I understand you have recently introduced in the House a
companion bill to Senate Bill S. 3817.
In my judgment legislation as proposed would be in the best
interest of the public. Any assistance you can render to procure favorable
and prompt action by the House to the end that the legislation becomes law
will be very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
BERNARD F. ZINN
BFZ:C
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
[Frank]
"H.R. 17675"
(REED, Wm. R.)
professional football
September 29, 1966
Mr. William R. Reed
Commissioner
Big Ten Intercollegiate Conference
Sheraton-Chicago Hotel
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Dear Bill,
THank you so very much for your helpful and constructive letter of
September 26th concerning legislation relative to professional football.
There is some indication that the House Committee on the Judiciary may
act on the legislation this session, although as you know Chairman
Celler is not enthusiastic about it.
I am, therefore, taking the liberty of sending your letter to my good
friend Rep. Chark MacGregor, who serves on the Committee on the Judiciary,
so that he can have your proposed amendments for consideration if the
committee does take up the bill.
Warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:mr
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
[Frank]
"H.R. 17675"
(MACGREGOR, Clark)
S. 3817 re football
September 29, 1966
Rep. Clark MacGregor
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Clark,
Enclosed is the letter I just received from an old friend of mine,
Bill Reed now Big Ten Commissioner, who has some suggestions for
amendmogt S. 3817 relative to professional football.
If the legislation should be considered by the Committee on the Judiciary,
I will appreciate having you give such consideration to the amendments
suggested by Bill Reed as you think they deserve.
Warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF;mr
Encl.
GERALD FORD VERARY
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
MICHIGAN
BIG
EN
MICHIGAN STATE MINNESOTA
INTERCOLLEGIATE CONFERENCE
OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF ATHLETICS
SHERATON-CHICAGO HOTEL
NORTHWESTERN
OHIO
STATE
PURDUE
WISCONSIN
September 26, 1966
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60611
WILLIAM R. REED
AREA CODE 312
COMMISSIONER
TELEPHONE 644-0906
Hon. Gerald Ford, M.C.
House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
Dear Jerry:
Tom Hamilton's letter to you of September 21 reminds me of my
intention to write you on the same subject.
It is my impression that the professional football interests are
subjecting the Congress to a real blitz on behalf of legislation
to remove anti-trust bars to their planned merger. Although, as
Tom indicates, the colleges are in general apprehensive of pro-
fessional sports' inroads upon the interscholastic and inter-
collegiate program through their television and player draft
practices, the essence of S.3817 and its House counterparts
including yours is not objectionable to the colleges. Indeed,
we would have to concede that regulatization of signing practices
which can be expected from consolidation of the professional
football leagues would relieve us of one of our most disruptive
experiences of recent years.
At the same time we are concerned that it is being represented
these measures at least tacitly bear the endorsement of the
schools and colleges. This is not the case because we believe
strongly that any grants of statutory privilege to professional
sports should be accompanied by an accounting of their responsi-
bility to avoid practices detrimental to school and college
athletics.
It is true that the current bills extend to high schools the same
form of television protection accorded colleges under the 1961
Act which authorized professional sports clubs to "package"
their TV programs. This, however, merely corrects what was in
effect a legislative oversight in the 1961 Act. It does not go
the the core of our concern.
We are concerned by the practices of professional football teams
in scheduling, independently of the league packages, Friday night
and Saturday telecasts which can do exactly the same damage to
concurrent high school and college games as "package" telecasts.
We foresee the merger of the football leagues as introducing new
pressures to schedule and televise on these days to avoid conflicts
among themselves.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Hon. Gerald Ford
September 26, 1966
For this reason we have sought to extend the 1961 Act to provide
protection both from the "package" telecasts and from independently
arranged telecasts on the part of those who otherwise are privileged
under the 1961 Act. It is our argument that any legislation which
extends the privileges of anti-trust exemption to professional
sports is an appropriate vehicle for statutory restraint upon
those so privileged, if their practices are or may be seriously
deleterious to the school-college program.
I believe the high schools have a further concern, that the dates
in the 1961 Act (from the second Friday in September) do not
effectively cover their playing season. In many parts of the country
this season begins before September 1 and is accordingly affected
by the telecasts of the exhibition games of professional football
which are in the main if not exclusively not a part of league
"packages".
To sum up, we do not oppose S.3817 or its counterparts in their
purposes. We do think these measures should be amended to give
the schools and colleges protection where it is due, and should
not be enacted without such amendment. And we most certainly
do not want the Congress to consider these measures in a belief
that in their present form they adequately provide attention to
and protection for vital interests of the schools and colleges.
I am enclosing the text of an amendment to S.3817 which was pro-
posed on behalf of the colleges (the language fits in the second
line of the proposed new Section 3 in the HR counterparts). I
hope you can support its incorporation in S.3817 and its counter-
parts if and when these measures are considered by the House
Judiciaty Committee or one is brought to the floor.
I join Tom in recording sincere appreciation of your attention
to the role of sports as a vital element of the nation's welfare,
as well as for your outstanding leadership in the Congress.
With best wishes,
Yours cordially,
Bill
William R. Reed
WRR/h
CC: Mr. Thomas J. Hamilton
enc.
FORD LIBRARY GERALD
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO S. 3817
On page 2, line 22, delete the words "which permits"
and substitute therefor the words "if such agreement
permits, or if any party to such agreement shall arrange
or permit during the term thereof"
GERALO, FORD VIBRARY
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
house of Representatives, U.S.
Washington, D.C.
September 29, 1966
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
H. R. 17675
Dear Colleague:
I am pleased to advise you that the above
bill, which you introduced, has been referred to
subcommittee, as indicated on the enclosed copy.
Sincerely yours,
Emanuel Getter
Emanuel Celler
Chairman
Enc.
EC:dm
GERALD FORD VERARY
House of Representatives
Date - 9-28-66 Counsel assigned - Mr. Harkins
Respectfully referred to Subcommittes No.
Committee on the Judiciary
8
S
Ben E. Dick
(a)
I
Staff Director
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8
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H.R. 17675
C
a
7
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
T
TO
Undicated
SEPTEMBER 13, 1966
8
Mr. GERALD R. FORD introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
e
or
A BILL
SI
To amend the Act of September 30, 1961 (75 Stat. 732)
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That the Act of September 30, 1961 (75 Stat. 732), is
4 amended-
5
(1) by inserting a new section 1 as follows:
81
6
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
7 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
8 That the antitrust laws as defined in section 1 of the Act of S
9 October 15, 1914, as amended (38 Stat. 730), or in the
10 Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended (38 Stat. 717)
11 shall not apply: по gribite bits brro
AS FORD VIBRARY
I
2
3
1
" (a) to any joint agreement by or among persons
1 within seventy-five miles of the game site of any intercol-
2
engaging in or conducting the organized professional
2 legiate or interscholastic football contest scheduled to be
3
team sports of football, baseball, basketball, or hockey,
3 played on such a date if-
4
by which any league of clubs participating in profes-
4
" (1) such intercollegiate football contest is between
5
sional football, baseball, basketball, or hockey contests
5
institutions of higher learning, both of which confer
6
sells or otherwise transfers all or any part of the rights
6
degrees upon students following completion of sufficient
7
of such league's member clubs in the sponsored telecast-
7
credit hours to equal a four-year course, or
8
ing of the games of football, baseball, basketball, or
8
" (2) in the case of an interscholastic football con-
odt
berrefer
9
hockey, as the case may be, engaged in or conducted by
9
test, such contest is between secondary schools, both
10
such clubs.
иотава
10
of which are accredited or certified under the laws of
11
" (b) to any joint agreement by which the mem-
11
the State or States in which they are situated and offer
12
ber clubs of two or more professional football leagues
12
courses continuing through the twelfth grade of the
13
SET combine their operations in an expanded single league,
13
standard school curriculum, or the equivalent, and
14
where such agreement increases rather than decreases
14
" (3) such intercollegiate or interscholastic foot-
15 the number of professional football clubs SO operating."
15
ball contest and such game site were announced through
16 (2) by inserting "(a)" after the words "section
16
publication in a daily newspaper of general circulation
17
1" in line 2 of section 2;
17
prior to March 1 of such year as being regularly sched-
18
(3) by inserting a new section 3 as follows:
18
uled for such day and place."
19
"Section 1 of this Act shall not apply to any joint agree-
20 ment described in section 1 (a) of this Act which permits
21 the telecasting of all or a substantial part of any professional
22 football game on any Friday after 6 clock postmeridian
23 or on any Saturday during the period beginning on the sec-
24 ond Friday in September and ending on the second Saturday
25 in December in any year from any telecasting station located
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. R. 17675
I
s
00
4
no
a
10
00
TI
81
A BILL
To amend the Act of September 30,1961 (75
Iw
Stat. 732).
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-looratai VIII to etie enting edi to solim uidtiw
ed of belubodos Hedtool TO einight
tenm of football, baseball. li otch in böyelq
By Mr. GERALD R. FORD
neewted ai tectnoo Indiool otsigalloototal done (1) 6 profes-
theisifture 10 noitelquos gaiwolloù attrobryta (20brgefghts
le TO 0 is Impo of envod diberoast
SEPTEMBER 13, 1966
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
doidw lot diod guimsol Tadgido lo
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of which
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of
the telecasting of fessional
23 postmeridian
Faturday theoperiod beginning
telecasting
24 ond Friday in September and ending on the
1
2
3
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to
9
7
8
9
10
11
12
18
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
house of Representatives, U.S.
Washington, D.C.
September 29, 1966
IN RE: S. 3817 and H.R. 17675
Professional Football Merger
You are hereby invited to testify on the above-
numbered bill. If you wish to appear, please advise
counsel for the Subcommittee. In the event you cannot
appear, you may wish to submit a statement for the
record.
Sincerely yours,
Emanuel Letter
EMANUEL CELLER
Chairman
Date of hearing Thursday, October 13, 1966
Time 10:00 a.m.
Room 2141 Rayburn
Counsel Kenneth R. Harkins
Tel. No. 4853
Sent to: Hon. Gerald R. Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
LIBRARY
[Frank]
H.R. 17675
(VIVIAN, James C.)
football merger
October 5, 1966
Mr. James C. Vivian
30221 Cedar Hollow
Birmingham, Michigan
Dear Mr. Vivian:
Thank you for your telegram of October 5th asking me to support
S.3817 - Football merger.
I agree with you on this legislation, in fact, I indroduced a
similar bill in the House.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford. M.C.
GRF:ak
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
CLASS OF SERVICE
WESTERN UNION
SYMBOLS
This is a fast message
DL = Day Letter
unless its deferred char-
NL=Night Letter
acter is indicated by the
W. P. MARSHALL
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
TELEGRAM
R. W. McFALL
LT=
International
proper symbol.
PRESIDENT
Letter Telegram
®
The filing time shown in the date line on domestic telegrams is LOCAL TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is LOCAL TIME at point of destination
BUC096 (32)DEA278
DE LLH146 DL PD 13 EXTRA WUX DEARBORN MICH 5 211P EST
1966 OCT 5 PM 3 48
HON GERALD R FORD, MINORITY LEADER HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE OFFICE BLDG WASHDC
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CANNOT SURVICE WITHOUT LEGISLATION ALLOWING
THE TWO LEAGUES TO BECOME ONE. WE URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THE PRESENT
BILL 5.3817 NOW BEFORE THE HOUSE, WHICH WILL ALLOW THE MERGER
OF THE NATIONAL AND AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUES TO BECOME A REALITY
JAMES C VIVIAN 30221 CEDAR HOLLOW BIRMINGHAM MICHIGAN PETER
H MARELIA 1638 MINMORE DEARBORN HEIGHTS MICHIGAN
(30).
we have agreeducal
similar
by.
in Name
LIBRARY
SF1201 (R2-65)
A- 76631
(30).
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encose (25)DEYS&S
[Frank]
"H.R. 17675"
(MARELIA, Peter H.)
football merger
October 5, 1966
Mr. Peter H. Marelia
1638 Minmore
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Dear Mr. Marelia:
I have received your telegram of October 5th in support
of S.3817 - Football leagues, merger.
I thought you might be interested to know that I have
introduced similar legislation in the House.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
Gerald R.Ford.M.C.
GRF:ak
CLARK MACGREGOR
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
THIRD DISTRICT, MINNESOTA
DISTRICT OFFICE:
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
120 U.S. COURTHOUSE
113 CANNON OFFICE BUILDING
Congress of the United States
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
PHONE: 225-2871
PHONE: 334-2173
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:
house of Representatives
DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE:
DAVID N. KROGSENG
MISS MARYELLEN SMITH
Washington, D.C. 20515
October 5, 1966
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
Suite H-230
U.S. Capitol
Washington, D. C.
Dear Gerry:
Thank you for sending me a copy of Bill Reed's letter
to you on the professional sports bill.
As an author of similar legislation and as a member of
the Committee you may be assured I will give his views prime
consideration. As you know, the Judiciary Committee is scheduled
to hear this bill October 13th.
Best regards.
Sincerely,
Clark
FORD is LIBRARY 07V839
Clark MacGregor, M.C.
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