1963 to 2023 Resources

Playing for Keeps
by Chris Mortensen

The definitive book about this entire affair.

If you only read one thing, make it this book.

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https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Keeps-Sinking-Hooks-Football/dp/0671729373

Sonny: The Last of the Old Time Mafia Bosses, John “Sonny” Franzese by S.J. Peddie

The extraordinary life and times of a legendary crime boss who refused to squeal—but who finally agreed to talk to an award-winning New York Newsday reporter shortly before his death at age 103

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098PM5CVB

Blood Covenant: The Story of the “Mafia Prince” Who Publicly Quit the Mob and Lived by Michael Franzese

Mob boss Michael Franzese had it all—money, power, prestige. From the time he took a blood oath that bound him body and soul to New York’s Colombo crime family, Franzese became a force to be reckoned with in organized crime.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MJFKPS

I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss by Michael Franzese

I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse, written by a former member of the Colombo crime family, promises an insider’s view of the mob that will change the way you do business forever.

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https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Make-Offer-Cant-Refuse-ebook/dp/B00GW880EM

A High Porch Picnic by Hayden Fry

A “high porch picnic” is a Texas expression for “an exceptionally good time” During Hayden Fry’s glorious career as one of college football’s most unique coaches, that’s a good way to describe his life.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582610339

Necessary Roughness by Mike Trope

The agent to more than two hundred football players exposes the vengeance and ambition, brutality and ruthlessness, of professional football recruitment and contract negotiation

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https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Roughness-Mike-Trope/dp/0809248166

The Fix Is In: The Showbiz Manipulations of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and NASCAR by Brian Tuohy

Author Brian Tuohy provides a full-sourced saga of the corruption that has infected the storied histories of the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and NASCAR.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XNTT5I

King of Cons: Exposing the Dirty, Rotten Secrets of the Washington Elite and Hollywood Celebrities by Aaron Tonken

He was one of the most prominent producers of fundraising events in the country, throwing monumental charity bashes, securing millions of dollars in donations for the sick and needy. The trouble was, some of the people profiting were greedy politicians, and many of the “charity cases” were really only pampered Hollywood stars.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007V917SM

The Dirty College Game: Corruption, Gambling and the Pursuit of Money in NCAA Football and Basketball by Al Figone

Commercial aspects of college football and basketball during the mid- to late 20th century were dominated by a few “get rich quick” schools. Though the NCAA was responsible for controlling such facets of college sports, the organization was unwilling and unable to control the excesses of the few who opposed the majority opinion.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KQDL44T

One Moment Changes Everything: The All-America Tragedy of Don Rogers by Sean D. Harvey

One Moment Changes Everything is the tragic true story of the Rogers family, who was blessed with three talented althletes until a single dose of cocaine killed Don Rogers.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CKXEBPK

Black Market: An Insider’s Journey into the High-Stakes World of College Basketball by Merl Code

From a former college basketball player and Executive at Nike, a “riveting” (Sports Illustrated) insider’s account into the business of college basketball exposes the corrupt and racist systems that exploit young athletes and offers a new way forward

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YK8PKKZ

1986 Rose Bowl Game® Plays

A play-by-play list of each possession of the game.

Includes down and distance, play of possession count, etc.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dxlEcZ-shoOEgKQuYz9mjKuNSMnjcxb2juFbTsrMAu0/edit#gid=1155546066

1985-1986 University of Iowa Football Coaching Staff Salaries

A list of the salaries for the 1985 Iowa Football department.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y3MH2g1-lNVQoHQFSjo_g_YS5grk0Ca0m3ZDD5n9H7c/edit?usp=sharing

Ronnie Harmon Fumble Rate

Ronnie Harmon Pro and College Senior Career Fumble Rate

Includes game-by-game statistics for runs, receptions, turnovers, etc.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ObZYohQGXVDymImv8KSh9JgiZsef70ISKrVfUat3d-4/edit?usp=sharing