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Reiser and Mexican League cash raid foreshadowed pro sports shifts
The piece recalls Pistol Pete Reiser fleeing to Mexico after a $20,000 cash offer in a hotel room, illustrating upfront payments in leagues. It links to 1970s World Football League moves, the Miami Dolphins, and Canadian signs, arguing upfront money as key to legitimacy yet risking franchise finances and local operations like Southern California Sun's plans at Cal State Fullerton and Anaheim Stadium.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pete Reiser
México
Pete
Reiser
New York
United States
Brooklyn
Csonka
Kiick
Warfield
Canada
Larry
Jim
Paul
Toronto Northmen
World Football League
Miami Dolphins
National Football League
Miami
Dolphin
Joe Robbie
Don Shula
WFL
Toronto
NFL
Toronto Forces
Southern California Sun
WBA
Johnny Bench
Pete Rose
Yale
Sean Morton Downey Jr
Association
Larry Csonka
Jim Kiick
Paul Warfield