Billy Dees

Author Dan Rottenberg  The Price We Paid: An Oral History of Penn’s Struggle to Join the Ivy League, 1950-55 (Shorehouse Books, 2024) Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D9GNLF4R/ref=sw_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1This episode features Billy Dees and Dan Rottenberg discussing Rottenberg's book "The Price We Paid: An Oral History of Penn's Struggle to Join the Ivy League" which focuses on the University of Pennsylvania's transition from big-time football to the Ivy League from 1950 to 1955.  Rottenberg interviewed surviving players and administrators to tell the personal stories of this tumultuous period. The discussion also touches on the impact of the transition on the players who felt forgotten but ultimately recognized the benefits of the university's decision. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing academics and athletics, with the Ivy League philosophy emphasizing academics over sports.The book sheds light on this lesser-known historical event and provides insight into the cha