According to George Ross of the Tribune, the ruling board of the privately-owned Ladd Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, host of the Jets/Raiders exhibition game on the 23rd, had been planning to “quietly integrate” the facility by providing “special sideline sections” for the seating of Black spectators, but reversed the decision when they heard of the protests of some of the Raiders players.

The players in question were Art Powell, Bo Roberson, Clem Daniels, and Fred Williamson.

This from Ladd Stadium manager Ray Schuessler: “We don't want four boys from Oakland telling us how to run our stadium.”

Schuessler added that “it isn't the seating that's the problem, (it's that there) are no restrooms for Negroes in the stadium.”

Two other Black members of the Raiders, tackle Proverb Jacobs and halfback Gene White added their voices to the protest, saying they would not play in the game, either.

Raiders head coach Al Davis supported his players, saying, “These are my football players and they are also my friends. I have told them it is their decision. It is their life and it is a much bigger thing than a football game.”

AFL assistant commissioner Milt Woodard said the team was contractually obligated to play the game despite the protest.

Waived

Cotton Clark, halfback
Darnell Haney, defensive end
Joe Novsek, defensive lineman
Willie Simpson, fullback

Placed on reserve list

Bill Leeka, linebacker

Signed

Mike Mercer, kicker
Clancy Osborne, linebacker