While it is possible that others were paid to play before 1892, the AAA expense sheet provides the first irrefutable evidence of an out-and-out cash payment. Its roots stemmed from two sports, soccer and rugby, which had enjoyed long-time popularity in many nations of the world The Pittsburgh Press on October 30, 1892 reported that Heffelfinger and Knowlton "Snake" Ames of the Chicago team had been offered $250 to play for the PAC against the Allegheny Athletic Association in the upcoming November 12 games