[1] On January 8, 1955 quarterback Freeman signed his first pro contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the WIFU.
It is speculated that the contract signing resulted in Freeman dropping in the NFL draft held in late January 1955.
The Blue Bombers initiated legal action which resulted in a temporary injunction which prevented Freeman from participating in the Browns camp pending a hearing.
The Cleveland Browns argued that they had no prior knowledge of the Winnipeg contract and that Freeman was ordered to remain in the U.S. by the military.
The Blue Bombers offered Freeman the opportunity to quarterback the team for the 1955 season under the terms of the original contract.