Here is a fun video interview with a current UFL owner who was a minority owner in the USFL’s Oakland Invaders:

• http://www.ufl-football.com/livestreaming/2010REG06HRT@LV#ooid=xxZ29wMTqmXc9gtGy-SMWamMlVoGYY7t|txdm1pMToBfadTj-MKvdD66cGjY_bLMx

It touches on some of the same issues the USFL faced in its inception.

David Dixon, the founder and creator of the USFL, passed away this week at the age of 87:

• http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/08/2136893/dixon-father-of-saints-football.html
• http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/dave_dixon_driving_force_behin.html

Back in 2002 I had a chance to talk with him for over an hour in his art gallery in New Orleans.  His hospitality and willingness to talk with a virtual stranger about the USFL will not be forgotten.

USFLMemorabilia.com expresses our deepest condolences to the Dixon family and his friends and those in his business during this time.

If the USFL documentary, “Small Potatoes: Who Killed The USFL” had been given an extra hour on tonight’s show, then which important topics would you like to have seen addressed?  You are welcome to leave your comments provided that they are relevant, use clean language, and are on point.

Here are one man’s suggestions for additional topics which could have been addressed (in no particular order):

• The ownership infighting which led to the new commissioner, Harry Usher, who replaced Chet Simmons
• The combining of teams in 1985 as a result of the 1984 post-season announcement to move to the fall of 1986
• Mentions of owner Taube, Taubman, and Tanenbaum (sp?)
• Some mention of the Marvin Warner situation with Birmingham in 1985
• The 1984 Chicago Blitz/Arizona Wranglers “franchise swap”
• The futures contract to which Lawrence Taylor was signed for the 1988 season with the Generals
• Marcus Dupree as being a sophomore to sign with the USFL
• The concern among NFL owners when Debartolo, Sr. bought the Pittsburgh Maulers while his son owned the 49ers
• The mention of TBS’ initial interest in the USFL’s cable deal
• The mention of the effect that LA Express’ demise had on not getting a legitimate network contract for 1986
• At least one mention of the 1983 draft with Dan Marino being the # 1 pick
• The near-sellout crowd in Jacksonville
• Larry Csonka’s role with the Bulls
• How the logos and jerseys were innovative for its time
• Mentions of the other Hall Of Fame inductees with USFL experience (Marv Levy, etc.)
• How the Stars were poised to take over Baltimore in 1986 since the city was deserted by the Colts
• Mention of Tim Wrightman and other “firsts” in USFL history
• Some mention of George Allen, Lindy Infante, and other significant coaches
• Some mention of the territorial draft
• Some mention of the Breakers being in 3 cities in 3 years

Again, there are probably dozens more unique stories which could have been covered.  At least it finally showed (on a national level) respected NFL Hall of Famers talking about how much fun they had while being in the USFL!

Here Mike Tollin’s response to Donald Trump’s “Small Potatoes” comment about the USFL, during the filming of the USFL documentary which airs this week:  http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/36191/director_mike_tollin_responds_to_donald_trumps_usfl_documentary_anger

Here are the clips from 30for30.espn.com on the upcoming USFL documentary:  http://30for30.espn.com/film/small-potatoes-who-killed-the-usfl.html

The show will air later this month, October 2009.

In the next few weeks a new documentary will be aired on ESPN called “Who Killed The USFL?”  Here is the link to more information:

http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_kits/ESPN_Films/30for30_TCA.htm#E