He was also a baseball executive and a part owner of the Providence Steam Roller of the National Football League.
His career with the Providence Journal ended with his involvement with the Steam Roller and in managing boxers.
During halftime against a game between the Steam Roller and the Providence Pros, Coppen who was getting a hot dog, heard a remark that the opposing team was "getting steam-rolled".
[4] Upon these news reports, some of the founding members of the Colonial League resigned, fearing banishment by the National Baseball Commission.
[5][6] At the April 1915 league meeting, Coppen was re-elected as president and Bannwart was elected secretary.