to a sports-related curse placed on the team by Pottsville. The controversy involving territorial rights also led to the founding of the first American Football League after New York Giants owner Tim Mara objected to the leasing of Yankee Stadium and the application for an NFL franchise by C. C. Pyle. When the NFL rejected Pyle's overture, he formed a competing league to showcase the talents of Red Grange and University of Washington All-American George "Wildcat" Wilson. The rival league folded after the 1926 season, and Mara relented, allowing Pyle to operate his team in the NFL and at Yankee Stadium. See also 1920 season championship dispute Staley Swindle (discusses an earlier NFL championship controversy) 1925 NFL season 1925 Chicago Cardinals – Milwaukee Badgers scandal American Football League (1926) New York Yankees (NFL) References Further reading Chicago Cardinals Frankford Yellow Jackets Pottsville Maroons National Football League controversies American football-related curses Nfl Championship Controversy, 1925