[2] Samuel S. Gordon, an African American student and varsity lineman for Wabash College, faced numerous instances of discrimination in his inaugural season with the Little Giants.
[3] In the season opener against Shortridge High School of Indianapolis, Wabash led 12–0 when Gordon was sent in to replace an injured left tackle.
Wabash president William Kane responded by cancelling the game with Rose Poly and threatening to do so against any other team who "drew the color line".
[5] Head coach Ebin Wilson asserted that they would play Gordon in every game for the remainder of the season, citing his great importance to the Wabash team.
Wabash accepted the resignation but insisted that they had the right to play any member of their football team, and would make each of their next opponents agree to this before the game could begin.