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KC Chiefs: Len Dawson’s Super Bowl IV Worse Than Deflategate

By John Viril

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Tom Brady is not the first Super Bowl QB to overcome controversy. The KC Chiefs own Len Dawson faced gambling accusations before Super Bowl IV.

This incident had disappeared into my memory until announcer Cris Collinsworth wondered if any athlete had overcome more controversy than Tom Brady in Super Bowl 49.

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That’s when I remembered Len Dawson’s story.

In 1970, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback faced down a firestorm before Super Bowl IV. The Huntley-Brinkley newscast reported that Len Dawson had been connected to a federal  gambling inquiry during Super Bowl week.

In the first big dance held in New Orleans, Dawson found himself accused of a federal crime.

The controversy began when news icon David Brinkley reported that Len Dawson’s name and phone number had been found on gambler Donald Dawson (no relation) when he had been arrested. Along with Lenny the Cool’s phone number, Donald Dawson also carried $400,000 in cash.

That was a lot of money in 1970. According to the US inflation calculator.com, that would be $2.44 million today.

Gambling rumors were a far more serious black mark in 1970. State lotteries didn’t exist. Nevada was the only state where gamblers could place legal bets on pro football. Gambling raised the specter of the Mafia and the Chicago Black Sox scandal of 1919.

If true, Len Dawson was facing more than embarrassment. He was facing the end of his career.

After consultation with KC Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, coach Hank Stram, and PR man Jim Schaaf, Dawson walked into a tense press room and read a statement:

"“My name has been mentioned in regard to an investigation conducted by the Justice Department. I have not been contacted by any law enforcement agency or apprised of any reason why my name has been brought up. The only reason I can think of is that I have a casual acquaintance with Mr. Donald Dawson of Detroit, who I understand has been charged in the investigation. Mr. Dawson is not a relative of mine. I have known Mr. Dawson for about 10 years and have talked with him on several occasions. My only conversation with him in recent years concerned my knee injury and the death of my father. On these occasions he called me to offer his sympathy. These calls were among the many I received. Gentlemen, this is all I have to say. I have told you everything I know.”"

Then commissioner Peter Rozelle also addressed the controversy:

"“While the entire matter has been under investigation by our security department for several days, we have no evidence to even consider disciplinary action against any of those publicly named.”"

Along with Dawson, the Huntley-Brinkley show named Jets QB Joe Namath, Rams signal caller Karl Sweetan, Lions quarterback Bill Munson, and Jets TE Pete Lammons.

The media circus grew so intense that KC Chiefs coach Hank Stram hid his quarterback in an unlisted hotel room. The story even drew the attention of President Richard Nixon, who phoned Hank Stram shortly before the game:

"“I know there is nothing to the rumors about Dawson. He shouldn’t be upset by them. Will you please tell him for me.”"

The gambling rumors were the cherry on top of what had been a difficult 1969 season for the KC Chiefs.

The team lost Dawson for six games after week two. Backup Jacky Lee went down with injury. Third-string QB Mike Livingston went 4-1 in five games at the controls. Len Dawson also had to deal with his father’s death.

The gambling investigation later proved to be nothing. Thirteen-point underdog KC Chiefs went on to defeat the Vikings 24-7.

Tom Brady is hardly the first athlete to perform under adversity while leading his team to a Super Bowl win.

Len Dawson faced down far worse problems before Tom Brady was born. Dawson’s controversy involved possible prison time, a lifetime ban, and an FBI investigation.

Tom Brady’s Deflategate was a walk in the park compared to Len Dawson’s Super Bowl IV.

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