Former Oakland Raider Gene Upshaw Dies

NEW YORK (AP) - Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who during a quarter century as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. He was 63. Upshaw died Wednesday night at his home in Lake Tahoe, Calif., of pancreatic cancer, which was diagnosed only last Sunday, the NFL Players Association said Thursday. His wife Terri and sons Eugene Jr., Justin and Daniel were by his side. "He was a giant in the NFL," New York Jets owner Woody Johnson said. "Gene continually served in the best interests of the game of football. He played a colossal role in the success the NFL enjoys today, even more than many people realize." His death was first reported by Clear Channel Online that appeared on several radio Web sites. Upshaw's death came only two days after the union announced he would hold a... [read full story]