Receiver Terrell Owens can’t get back in to the NFL. And now he’s out of the IFL.
The Allen Wranglers have announced that Owens has been released.
It’s hardly an amicable split. The statement takes multiple shots at Owens for not having the right level of commitment.
“Our
fans are amongst the best in the league and it is impossible to
maintain a player when even our fans notice and comment on a player’s
lack of effort both on and off the field,” owner Jon Frankel said. “We
need to do what is best for this team, our fans and this community.”
Team president and co-owner Tommy Benizio chimed in, too. With gloves fully off.
“It
is difficult to look other players on this team in the eyes and tell
them that being a team player is important . . . that giving it your all
on the field every night is our expectation, when another member of
this team is not operating by these standards,” Benizio said. ”The
proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back for Mr. Owens was his
no-show to a scheduled appearance at a local children’s hospital with
other Wrangler players and coaches. It is not the desire of the Allen
Wranglers’ organization to disappoint fans by having our most notable
player miss a scheduled appearance.”
Owens
signed a much-hyped deal with the Wranglers, giving him a piece of the
team. But it paid Owens only for home games. His participation in road
games hinged on the willingness of the other team to sweeten the pot.
For the season, Owens appeared in eight games, catching 35 passes for 420 yards and 10 touchdowns.
And
so likely ends the football career of Terrell Owens. Unless he can
successfully find a way to blame this on the media. Or at least to blame
someone other than himself.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Cincinnati Commandos Suffer First Home Loss Ever
For
the first time in their three years of existence, the Cincinnati
Commandos suffers back-to-back losses as the Erie Explosion came into
the historic Cincinnati Gardens to post the 62-18 victory Saturday. It
is also the first home loss ever for the Commandos.
The loss drops Cincinnati to 7-2 on the season, while Erie moves to 6-2. Erie also claims the head-to-head point total battle, which is key in the playoff tiebreak scenarios.
Erie raced out to a 38-0 lead through most of the first half before Cincinnati was able to take advantage of one of few Explosion miscues. With Erie trying to run out the clock, they fumbled the snap which was recovered by James Spikes.
Kyenes Mincy caught a touchdown pass from Tyler Sheehan to pull Cincinnati to 38-6, and the Commandos were as close as they would be.
Sheehan finished the game 20-of-47 for 160 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. Receiver Phillip Barnett led the Commandos with 10 catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns, while Mincy added seven receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown.
Cincinnati, in order to have a shot at the first round bye, needs a win next week against Marion, and then have those Blue Racers beat Erie in the season finale. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. June 2 at the Gardens.
The loss drops Cincinnati to 7-2 on the season, while Erie moves to 6-2. Erie also claims the head-to-head point total battle, which is key in the playoff tiebreak scenarios.
Erie raced out to a 38-0 lead through most of the first half before Cincinnati was able to take advantage of one of few Explosion miscues. With Erie trying to run out the clock, they fumbled the snap which was recovered by James Spikes.
Kyenes Mincy caught a touchdown pass from Tyler Sheehan to pull Cincinnati to 38-6, and the Commandos were as close as they would be.
Sheehan finished the game 20-of-47 for 160 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. Receiver Phillip Barnett led the Commandos with 10 catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns, while Mincy added seven receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown.
Cincinnati, in order to have a shot at the first round bye, needs a win next week against Marion, and then have those Blue Racers beat Erie in the season finale. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. June 2 at the Gardens.
Friday, May 25, 2012
AFL Weekend Promotions
I
don't know if this will be a weekly column or not. It just depends if I
am notified far enough in advance by the teams. So let me know what you
think and I will try to stay on top of it.. Here we go:
Cleveland Gladiators: Pregame Block Party with hotdogs, burgers, beverages, music, cornhole, and more.
Kansas City Command: CA$H NIGHT. One lucky fan in attendance will win $5,000!
Orlando Predators: Community Partnership Night. Recognizing team partners Give Kids the World and Libby's Legacy.
Philadelphia Soul: Post-game concert by Hip-Hop/R&B Artist Fat Joe. The concert will be free to fans that purchase a ticket to the Soul’s game that day and season ticketholders. VIP Meet-and-Greet passes are available to purchase for an additional cost.
Milwaukee Mustangs: The first 1,000 kids ages 15 and under will receive an AFL 25th anniversary mini football.
New Orleans Voodoo: Military Appreciation Night
Tampa Bay Storm: Military Appreciation Night
Cleveland Gladiators: Pregame Block Party with hotdogs, burgers, beverages, music, cornhole, and more.
Kansas City Command: CA$H NIGHT. One lucky fan in attendance will win $5,000!
Orlando Predators: Community Partnership Night. Recognizing team partners Give Kids the World and Libby's Legacy.
Philadelphia Soul: Post-game concert by Hip-Hop/R&B Artist Fat Joe. The concert will be free to fans that purchase a ticket to the Soul’s game that day and season ticketholders. VIP Meet-and-Greet passes are available to purchase for an additional cost.
Milwaukee Mustangs: The first 1,000 kids ages 15 and under will receive an AFL 25th anniversary mini football.
New Orleans Voodoo: Military Appreciation Night
Tampa Bay Storm: Military Appreciation Night
Sharks and Preds Set for National Showcase
The
ArenaBowl XXIV Champion Jacksonville Sharks have faced the Orlando
Predators more often than any other opponent. The two teams will meet
for the first time in 2012 on Friday night, squaring off at Amway Center
in Orlando in a game that will air live on NFL Network as part of
“Net10 Arena Football Friday.” Kickoff for Friday night’s game is set
for 8:00 p.m.
This will be the seventh overall meeting between the two squads in a little more than two calendar years. In the Sharks’ previous two seasons in the Arena Football league, Jacksonville and Orlando played twice in each regular season and met in the first round of the playoffs in both 2010 and 2011. Jacksonville holds a 3-1 edge in the regular-season series, while the teams have split their two postseason matchups.
Friday’s contest marks the first of three consecutive divisional games for the Sharks. Entering this week of action, Jacksonville sits at 4-5, just a game and a half behind first-place Georgia (6-4) and a half-game behind the 5-5 Tampa Bay Storm. With the Sharks set to play the Storm (June 2) and Force (June 9) after this week’s game, this upcoming stretch could prove pivotal in the South Division.
Jacksonville will do its best to build on last weekend’s dominating defensive performance in the team’s 55-19 home win over the Iowa Barnstormers. In that game, the Sharks set a new franchise record for fewest points allowed in a game and became the first AFL team to hold an opponent under 20 points since May of 2010. The Shark defense generated constant pressure on Barnstormer quarterback Chris Dieker, recording three sacks and four turnovers.
The many defensive highlights from last week’s game included Micheaux Robinson’s two first-half interceptions and a third-quarter play in which Scooter Berry sacked Dieker from the blind side and forced a fumble that was recovered and returned for a touchdown by nose guard Jeff Littlejohn.
A rookie from West Virginia, Berry has emerged as one of the Sharks’ top pass rushers, racking up a sack in four of the last six games. Overall, Berry leads the team with five sacks in 2012. The Shark front four should get a boost this week from Jabari Fletcher, who recently joined the team after being acquired in a trade with the Arizona Rattlers.
On offense, quarterback Bernard Morris is set to make his third consecutive start after replacing an injured Omar Jacobs in Week 9 against New Orleans. Last Saturday against Iowa, Morris enjoyed his most efficient game of the 2012 season, as he had four touchdown passes, no turnovers and just six incompletions.
Morris was helped on one of those four touchdowns by Terrance Smith, who out-jumped two Barnstormer defenders to catch a pass that deflected high off the rebound net for a touchdown in the first quarter. Smith continues to produce as he has all season, as he now leads the team with 20 touchdown receptions and 25 touchdowns overall. Moreover, Smith has been consistent throughout the season, crossing the goal line at least two times in eight of the team’s nine games.
Smith and the Shark offense will need to be on point this week as they match up against a Predator team that ranks second in the league in scoring defense (50.2 points per game).
This will be the seventh overall meeting between the two squads in a little more than two calendar years. In the Sharks’ previous two seasons in the Arena Football league, Jacksonville and Orlando played twice in each regular season and met in the first round of the playoffs in both 2010 and 2011. Jacksonville holds a 3-1 edge in the regular-season series, while the teams have split their two postseason matchups.
Friday’s contest marks the first of three consecutive divisional games for the Sharks. Entering this week of action, Jacksonville sits at 4-5, just a game and a half behind first-place Georgia (6-4) and a half-game behind the 5-5 Tampa Bay Storm. With the Sharks set to play the Storm (June 2) and Force (June 9) after this week’s game, this upcoming stretch could prove pivotal in the South Division.
Jacksonville will do its best to build on last weekend’s dominating defensive performance in the team’s 55-19 home win over the Iowa Barnstormers. In that game, the Sharks set a new franchise record for fewest points allowed in a game and became the first AFL team to hold an opponent under 20 points since May of 2010. The Shark defense generated constant pressure on Barnstormer quarterback Chris Dieker, recording three sacks and four turnovers.
The many defensive highlights from last week’s game included Micheaux Robinson’s two first-half interceptions and a third-quarter play in which Scooter Berry sacked Dieker from the blind side and forced a fumble that was recovered and returned for a touchdown by nose guard Jeff Littlejohn.
A rookie from West Virginia, Berry has emerged as one of the Sharks’ top pass rushers, racking up a sack in four of the last six games. Overall, Berry leads the team with five sacks in 2012. The Shark front four should get a boost this week from Jabari Fletcher, who recently joined the team after being acquired in a trade with the Arizona Rattlers.
On offense, quarterback Bernard Morris is set to make his third consecutive start after replacing an injured Omar Jacobs in Week 9 against New Orleans. Last Saturday against Iowa, Morris enjoyed his most efficient game of the 2012 season, as he had four touchdown passes, no turnovers and just six incompletions.
Morris was helped on one of those four touchdowns by Terrance Smith, who out-jumped two Barnstormer defenders to catch a pass that deflected high off the rebound net for a touchdown in the first quarter. Smith continues to produce as he has all season, as he now leads the team with 20 touchdown receptions and 25 touchdowns overall. Moreover, Smith has been consistent throughout the season, crossing the goal line at least two times in eight of the team’s nine games.
Smith and the Shark offense will need to be on point this week as they match up against a Predator team that ranks second in the league in scoring defense (50.2 points per game).
Thursday, May 24, 2012
LFL ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ORLANDO FANTASY FRANCHISE
The
office of LFL Commissioner Mitchell Mortaza announced today the
temporary suspension of the Orlando Fantasy for the 2013 season. The
Orlando Fantasy, coming off the franchise’s most successful season
on-the-field, finishing at 3-1, struggled off-the-field with numerous
conduct issues which led to the dismissal of Head Coach Doug Miller and
his staff as well as several player banishments to be announced.
“Orlando continues to be potentially an incredible city for LFL football. However the lack of an arena or stadium that fits within our financial and production model coupled with a lack of confidence in the current coaching and leadership, led to this decision. We are committed to bringing the Orlando Fantasy back once we have the right home and a better team culture,” said Mitchell Mortaza, Commissioner, Lingerie Football League, LLC.
“Orlando continues to be potentially an incredible city for LFL football. However the lack of an arena or stadium that fits within our financial and production model coupled with a lack of confidence in the current coaching and leadership, led to this decision. We are committed to bringing the Orlando Fantasy back once we have the right home and a better team culture,” said Mitchell Mortaza, Commissioner, Lingerie Football League, LLC.
Cincinnati Commandos Join Fight against Breast Cancer
The
Cincinnati Commandos, in conjunction with SportsCo Apparel, Pure
Romance and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, are helping in the fight
against Breast Cancer.
During Saturday's game with the Erie Explosion, part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Komen Foundation, while the Commandos will be wearing special uniforms - designed by SportsCo Apparel. The game used uniforms will be auctioned off following the completion of the contest.
Coming off its first loss since 2010, the Commandos still hold their playoff fate in their own hands. A victory over the Explosion clinches the top seed in the UIFL's North playoffs. In the first meeting, Cincinnati dominated the first half en route to the 55-34 win.
The Cincinnati Commandos are the longest-tenured professional indoor football team in the city of Cincinnati. All seven home games are played at the historic Cincinnati Gardens.
During Saturday's game with the Erie Explosion, part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Komen Foundation, while the Commandos will be wearing special uniforms - designed by SportsCo Apparel. The game used uniforms will be auctioned off following the completion of the contest.
Coming off its first loss since 2010, the Commandos still hold their playoff fate in their own hands. A victory over the Explosion clinches the top seed in the UIFL's North playoffs. In the first meeting, Cincinnati dominated the first half en route to the 55-34 win.
The Cincinnati Commandos are the longest-tenured professional indoor football team in the city of Cincinnati. All seven home games are played at the historic Cincinnati Gardens.
Predators Announce Community Partnership Night Recognizing Libby's Legacy & Give Kids the World
The
Orlando Predators will host the team's 3rd Annual Community Partnership
Night this Friday when the team takes on the Jacksonville Sharks on NFL
Network. The purpose of Community Partnership Night is to spotlight the
community partnerships that the Orlando Predators and the Arena
Football League develop throughout each year, and this year the team
will recognize Give Kids the World and Libby's Legacy.
As part of this effort, an Arena Football League signature ball with an added pink stripe will be in use for Friday night's game, to remind viewers around the nation of the critical need to wipe out breast cancer, and of the importance of regular self-examinations and mammograms for women. Players' helmets will feature a pink ribbon helmet sticker, and other forms of pink apparel will be worn on the field as well.
This is the second time in three years that the Orlando Predators have hosted Community Partnership Night during a nationally televised game, allowing the Arena Football League the opportunity to share its message of community involvement.
Robin Maynard, the Founder and Chairman of Libby's Legacy will be in attendance to participate in the coin toss, along with cancer survivors who have had their lives touched by Libby's Legacy. Also on hand will be 10-year-old Oscar and his family from the Give Kids the World Village, as well as Mitch Goldberg, Vice President of Operations at Give Kids the World. Oscar and Mitch will be joined by Orlando Predators Community Ambassador Dan Newlin for a special presentation prior to kickoff.
The Predators will also spotlight the volunteer activities in the community of individual players throughout the game to highlight their program of community based marketing.
The Mission of Libby's Legacy is to provide comprehensive breast health care to the underserved Central Florida community through education, mammograms, follow-up diagnostics and Hope Coaches on the journey from diagnosis to treatment. Libby's Legacy also helps stage IV breast cancer patients by granting wishes in order to create cherished memories with loved ones through the LIVE BIG program.
Give Kids the World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of children from around the world with life-threatening illnesses by allowing them to experience a memorable, joyful and cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, while staying at the magical Give Kids The World Village.
The crowd for Friday night's game is expected to be one of the largest of the season with rival Jacksonville in town. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to support the evening's efforts. Kick- off is at 8:07 pm.
As part of this effort, an Arena Football League signature ball with an added pink stripe will be in use for Friday night's game, to remind viewers around the nation of the critical need to wipe out breast cancer, and of the importance of regular self-examinations and mammograms for women. Players' helmets will feature a pink ribbon helmet sticker, and other forms of pink apparel will be worn on the field as well.
This is the second time in three years that the Orlando Predators have hosted Community Partnership Night during a nationally televised game, allowing the Arena Football League the opportunity to share its message of community involvement.
Robin Maynard, the Founder and Chairman of Libby's Legacy will be in attendance to participate in the coin toss, along with cancer survivors who have had their lives touched by Libby's Legacy. Also on hand will be 10-year-old Oscar and his family from the Give Kids the World Village, as well as Mitch Goldberg, Vice President of Operations at Give Kids the World. Oscar and Mitch will be joined by Orlando Predators Community Ambassador Dan Newlin for a special presentation prior to kickoff.
The Predators will also spotlight the volunteer activities in the community of individual players throughout the game to highlight their program of community based marketing.
The Mission of Libby's Legacy is to provide comprehensive breast health care to the underserved Central Florida community through education, mammograms, follow-up diagnostics and Hope Coaches on the journey from diagnosis to treatment. Libby's Legacy also helps stage IV breast cancer patients by granting wishes in order to create cherished memories with loved ones through the LIVE BIG program.
Give Kids the World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of children from around the world with life-threatening illnesses by allowing them to experience a memorable, joyful and cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, while staying at the magical Give Kids The World Village.
The crowd for Friday night's game is expected to be one of the largest of the season with rival Jacksonville in town. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to support the evening's efforts. Kick- off is at 8:07 pm.
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