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“Septenber 14, 1945.

Mre Harold Keith, ae

Direetor of Publicity,

Intercollegiate Athletics, : 7s oh ee ec 53 se EO Se
‘The University of Oklahoma, sh | ; fe in a BC
Norman, en. , |

Dear Haroléy

_-I-whll-ve glad to help you and Brave on-any article that you try to

land. I-rather agree with you that the basketball goon subject is a

bit trite and I warn that it is a little early for a basketball article,
but I am always happy to help you in any ondesvor you undertake. You

have my blessing.

2 ody ennals- Se toe Aha WA faut Wiskte wheei'tie had dex-ippienthé-te
Opposing team 7 feet tall. Harold, the rule that is now before the
Schbe Gnleek Ane gwehhWh Ming Ate -eomiiiike ot the bali Sahin Gena
flight by a goaletender is a discriminatory rule. Any rule that doesn't
work both ways is a poor rule. The offensive player ean tip the ball
inte the basket while it is still on the rim or he can jump up and dunk
his whole arm 4nd the ball into the basket, even touching tne inside
rim with his arm as he dunks it in, and the goal counts. Yet we have
got some asinine administrators of basketball who make these crazy
rules and expect people to accept thom. A rule like this wouldn't
stand in a court of law five minutes. I% would be thrown out of court
because it is discriminatory. I am sure you can see this without
elaborating further on it. The defense must have the sane right as

both sides and every pleyer on both teams an equal opportunity.

But I can tell you frankly why it meets such strenuous opposition.
All boys like the drive-in, lay-up. The goal is close to the floor
lixe that speedy drive-ic. Now understand, please, Harold,
a ee ee te We have
the lower hurdle for high school boys, a lighter shot, a lighter discus
fo: secant Why shouldn't we have e lower basket for high
sehool boys, say the 10 foot basket? ‘There are not enough mezszenine-
Oe ee ee es eee ee
college and in independent besketball playing days - thet is when you
get the Fortenberrys and other altitudinous players.

ae
alll

Some people will mention the 11 feot basket but there are players
now in the gume who can touch an 11 foot basket and knock the ball away.
Therefore, the 12 foot basket will forever remove the possibility of
: ee eee eee
or above it. ;

_ It might interest you to kmow that with all the argument on the back-