The "New York Times" reported at the time that the Lincoln Tigers had won only 1 one game in the previous 4 years while the Wilson Mules were on a multi-year 33 game winning streak. Lincoln began the season with 33 players, but 1 was shot to death, 8 left the school due to racial tension, 4 were age ineligible, and at game time 2 others were injured. Depending on the account, Lincoln coach Dave Loera started the game with 13-16 healthy players, but with the injuries during the game only 9 available players remained. Thus, he consulted with the Lincoln principal who was also in attendance and together they told the officials that as a matter of health and safety they needed to stop. Coach Cuccia disputed that saying Loera (who was a Wilson alumnus and former assistant coach to Cuccia) actually had 24-26 players, depending on the account. He characterized the walkout as disgraceful, stating, ""It takes only 11 to play. I had promised my first string that they would play the whole first half because they deserved it. I don't like the idea of quitting. You don't teach kids that. Quitting isn't part of this country's philosophy... In football or in life, its something you just don't do"". In an interview a year later, Cuccia commented that he was trying to give his players a chance to set records so colleges would notice them.