L.A. Benched / Week 6 : His Teams Have Seen Many Ups and Downs

For 13 years, Jack Beasley reserved the press box elevator for owner Al Davis on days the Raiders played at the Coliseum.

This season, Beasley’s Sundays are spent watching televised football games, thanks to the Raiders’ move back to Oakland.

“I really enjoyed doing Raider games on Sundays,” said Beasley, who still checks press box credentials for USC games at the Coliseum. “I spend my Sundays now relaxing, watching games at home.”

Over the years, Beasley has met many owners, coaches, photographers and writers who have traveled up to the press box. His favorite is Times’ columnist Jim Murray.

“Oh, Jim is just a great guy,” said Beasley, who lives in Alhambra. “He doesn’t go to too many games, but he would come watch the Raiders. He doesn’t come to college games too often, but he made it when the pros played.”

Beasley would like pro football to return to the Coliseum and he hopes that an NFL franchise is here next season.

“I just love the atmosphere of football and helping people,” he said.

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* It was 80 degrees at 1 p.m. Sunday in Los Angeles, 0% chance of precipitation and 0% chance of professional football.

* After three games in the Coliseum a year ago the Raiders averaged 49,089 fans a game; after three home dates in the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, the Raiders are averaging 50,212.

* The Rams had a bye, but their former wide receiver, Henry Ellard, had five catches for 110 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Redskins.

* Thirty-five years ago Sunday the Jack Kemp-led Los Angeles Chargers fell to the Boston Patriots, 35-0, before 18,226 fans in the Coliseum.