The Big Scrum: Reliving the Epic Battle That Saved Football

In the annals of American sports history, the story of how President Theodore Roosevelt saved football holds a special place. At a time when the game was on the brink of being banned due to its violence, Roosevelt stepped in and brokered a compromise that allowed it to continue.

The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football

by John J. Miller

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	229 pages

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The year was 1905, and football was in a state of crisis. The game had become increasingly violent, with injuries and even deaths becoming commonplace. Public outcry was growing, and many colleges and schools were considering banning the sport altogether.

Roosevelt, an avid sportsman himself, was concerned about the safety of the game but also recognized its value as a character-building activity. He invited representatives from Harvard, Yale, and Princeton to the White House to discuss the issue.

At the meeting, Roosevelt made it clear that he did not want to see football banned. However, he also demanded that the game be made safer. He proposed a number of rule changes, including the legalization of the forward pass and the establishment of a penalty for unnecessary roughness.

The representatives from the three schools were initially resistant to Roosevelt's proposals. They argued that the forward pass would make the game too easy to score and that a penalty for unnecessary roughness would be too difficult to enforce.

However, Roosevelt was adamant. He threatened to veto any legislation that would ban football if the schools did not agree to his reforms. In the end, the representatives reluctantly agreed.

The rule changes that Roosevelt implemented had a dramatic impact on the game of football. The forward pass opened up the field and made the game more exciting to watch. The penalty for unnecessary roughness helped to reduce the number of injuries.

Football continued to grow in popularity in the years that followed. It became the national pastime and a symbol of American values. And it all happened thanks to the intervention of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Big Scrum: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

The events leading up to the White House meeting between President Roosevelt and the representatives from Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are chronicled in the book "The Big Scrum" by John Eisenberg.

Eisenberg's book is a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes negotiations that saved football. He draws on a wealth of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and newspaper accounts, to tell the story of how Roosevelt used his bully pulpit to force the game's leaders to make changes.

"The Big Scrum" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of football or the role of Theodore Roosevelt in American history.

Theodore Roosevelt: The Man Who Saved Football

Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City in 1858. He was a sickly child, but he overcame his physical limitations through exercise and outdoor activities.

Roosevelt attended Harvard College and Columbia Law School. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer and politician. He served as governor of New York from 1899 to 1901.

In 1901, Roosevelt became president of the United States. He served two terms, from 1901 to 1909. During his presidency, he promoted conservation, antitrust laws, and the construction of the Panama Canal.

Roosevelt was a lifelong advocate for physical fitness. He believed that sports could help to build character and develop leadership skills.

Roosevelt's intervention in the football crisis of 1905 is a testament to his commitment to the sport and to the values that it represents.

The story of how Theodore Roosevelt saved football is a reminder of the power of one person to make a difference. Roosevelt's leadership and determination helped to ensure that football would continue to be a popular and character-building activity for generations to come.

The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football

by John J. Miller

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	229 pages

FREE