American Decades

1970

• On January 11, Billy Casper wins the Los Angeles Open golf tournament and becomes the second pro golfer (Arnold Palmer was the first) to earn $1 million in his career. By the end of the season Jack Nicklaus would surpass his earnings total.
• On January 11, in an upset the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl over the Minnesota Vikings, 23-7.
• On January 26, National Football League (NFL) commissioner Pete Rozelle announces a four-year, $142 million contract with the three major television networks to broadcast professional football games.
• On February 16, Joe Frazier wins the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship, knocking out Jimmy Ellis in the fifth round.
• On February 19, Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain receives the first of his two suspensions from baseball, this one for consorting with gamblers. He is suspended again on September 9 for carrying a gun.
• On March...