• The team lost, 35-7, to the Chargers in an exhibition game in San Diego

• The Chargers dominated the first half on both sides of the ball, getting out to a 26-0 lead and holding the Raiders offensive to zero net yards

• The big plays came from Paul Lowe, who scored on a 73-yard punt return, and rookie halfback Keith Lincoln, who scored on a 63-yard screen pass from Jack Kemp

• The only Raiders score came in the third quarter, a 15-yard Tom Flores to Doug Asad pass, after assistant coach Tommy Kalmanir had taken over playcalling from the press box

• The game was extremely physical with several Raiders needing medical assistance

• Center Jim Otto and defensive back John Harris each suffered pinched nerves in the neck

• Linebacker Al Bansavage suffered a hand injury that was suspected to be a fracture

• Backup center Harrison Rece injured his knee

• And in the most egregious event, Chargers defensive lineman Ernie Ladd removed guard John Dittrich’s helmet and smacked him with it, cutting open Dittrich’s forehead

• It took six stitches to close the wound, but Ladd remained in the game and was only assessed a defensive holding penalty

• The team signed their 19th-round draft pick, halfback Charley Fuller, after his release from the 49ers a week ago

• The team waived defensive end Jim Toon and fullback Oneal Cuttery

< Aug 26, 1961 Back to Calendar Aug 29, 1961 >