Jimmy Fallon "thanks" the Arena Football League

Jimmy Fallon's Joke on the AFL's Demise

Exclusive Interview with AFL Legend, Clint Dolezel

Review and Preview Show

Liked the New York Dragons Review and Preview Show? If interested, you can check out my first Albany Firebirds version at www.FirebirdsNest.com!

Albany Firebirds reach out to New York Dragons fans...

Without the AFL in 2009, what can Dragons fans do to get their football fix? Well, after talking with Vice President of Marketing for the Firebirds, Jonathan Scherzer, there may be some hope!

Basically what we need is a scale of interest from Dragons fans: is something like a bus trip for Firebirds games out of Long Island viable for you? Dragons fans would get discounted ticket prices and possibly other incentives for these trips, and it would be an official transportation source from the Firebirds, to stranded AFL fans. 

If you are interested or think this is a good idea, spread the word and e-mail either me (ben@f4blog.com) or Jonathan Scherzer at: jonica@albanyriverrats.com.

Let us know!

Cowboys Article on the league's return...

At this stage of the spring the talk would be of the Dallas
Desperados and the Arena Football League. But the AFL took a year off to fix its
financial model. Shy Anderson, who runs the Desperados, said the league will be
back in 2010. The Desperados should play downtown at the American Airlines
Center but don't rule out a possible move to the new stadium in Arlington or to
a new 8,000 to 9,000 seat arena in Allen.

The league has made some
changes in order to come back.

Some of the highlights:

1) The AFL will retain all of its teams.

2) A Chief Operating Officer will run the league instead of the
individual owners.

3) Rosters will be reduced from 24 to 20.

4)
The minimum salary will be slightly reduced as well.

5) Every player in
the league becomes a free agent starting in mid-May. Teams can begin signing
players June 1.

6) Ironman Football is back. Over the last two years,
the league got away from using two-way players. Now, because of the reduced
rosters, two-way players such as the Desperados Will Pettis will get to play
both ways again, full-time.

7) The union and the board will sign off on
the new deal today and the league should begin play in either February or March.

8) ESPN is interested in broadcasting the games again.

9)
Anderson said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was a strong influence in getting the
league to change its financial model.

I'll reply to his bullet points in order.

1. This is obviously a positive, although it may not hold true closer to the season. While we may lose a couple, we also have two more on the way - including a possible VooDoo return.

2. This is kind of socialist, but the teams simple could not survive by themselves so this may not be a bad thing.

2. This is the way things use to be, and it worked then. This will lower team salaries and put less financial strain on the franchises. If you think about it, this could save a few teams a quarter-million dollars.

3. Goes with 2, teams will save more money.

4. Why separate the free agency period's start and the signing period? Seems pointless. The great thing is that players will become free agents in almost exactly two months - that isn't too far away!

5. I remember when I was uncertain as to how we would survive without ironman football, now I am unsure how some facets of the game will survive with it. The league got some sick defensive linemen over the past few years that may not be able to protect a QB. Some GREAT corner backs and defensive players may not be able to catch a pass (this could be a problem for New York Dragons fans, some of our best defensive talent probably couldn't play offense). Other than that I am glad to have it back!

6. Looks to be on schedule at least.

7. I loved the ESPN AFL broadcasts. Just relaxing late on a Monday night and watching the AFL until my eyes couldn't stay open anymore was a great part of my week. It also made following some other teams far easier.

8. I have a hard time believing that, but if it is true then that is great news!

AFL TO RETURN IN 2010! (Plus two new teams)...

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP)—The Arena Football League and its players reached a collective bargaining agreement that could clear the way for play to resume in 2010.

Jim Renacci, the vice chairman of the AFL executive committee, told The Associated Press the agreement was to be announced Monday.

“That was an integral part of getting us back for 2010,” Renacci said Saturday at a sports law conference at the Harvard Law School, adding an announcement on resuming play could come in the next 30 days. “We really need to if we’re going to get back into the boat for 2010.”

Renacci said the new labor agreement is just one step toward getting back on the field next year. The league also plans to restructure into a single entity ownership model and work out a deal with ESPN, which invested in the league and owned broadcast and internet rights.

A spokesman from the NFLPA, which represents the indoor league’s players, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Renacci, a partner and managing board member of the Columbus Destroyers, said the agreement with the players was the first major hurdle for the 22-year-old league.

The AFL’s possible return bucks a trend of cutbacks in sports as leagues and teams try to adjust to the deepening recession. College programs are cutting expenses, pro leagues have been laying off workers and even blue-chip teams like the New York Yankees are finding it harder to sell once-coveted tickets.

“These are trying economic times,” rocker Jon Bon Jovi, co-owner of the ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul, said in December, when the league’s owners voted not to play in ’09. “The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come.”

Arena football features eight-on-eight play on a 50-yard, indoor field. The AFL’s 25-team minor league, af2, was not affected by the shutdown.

Renacci said the league plans to resume play with 18 teams—the original 16 plus two in cities he would not identify.

“We’ve had a couple of teams that want to join,” he said.

IFL Opening in Two Days

The Indoor Football League, home of MANY former-AFL players, kicks off on Friday. To find all of the players who have gone to the IFL from the AFL, go to tracker.f4blog.com. For many, this will be a place to see your favorite players in action. For others, it is the last resort for spring football with the AFL in suspension.

Either way, it should be fun to follow some of the guys we knew and loved to watch!

For the full schedule, click here.

Slaughter Live Up to their Name

CIFL.com

The Slaughter (1-0) dominated on both sides of the ball in the season debut for both teams; a performance that included six offensive touchdowns and four defensive scores in an 84-24 victory.

Russ Michna threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns in his CIFL debut. His scoring tosses included a 40-yarder to Donovan Morgan, a 28-yard scoring strike to Dontrell Jackson, a four-yarder to Morgan and a nine-yard aerial to Jason Baksas.

DeJuan Alfonzo scored four times for Chicago, including two on offense, one on defense and one on special teams. The Indiana State product pounded in from three yards out at the end of the first and added his second score on a fumble recovery in the endzone with 12:56 left in the first half.

He also scored on a one-yard run with 9:17 left in the opening half and added his fourth score by recovering a blocked field goal attempt by the Bonecrushers.

Chicago Slaughter (CIFL) to Open Tomorrow

The Chicago Slaughter of the CIFL will be hosting their first game of 2009 tomorrow night. Why you may ask is this so significant?

Well, more so than any other team in any indoor or outdoor league, the Slaughter truly capitalized on the AFL's suspended season. Since the suspension, they signed former Rush players such as starting QB Russ Michna, star LB/Ironman DeJuan Alfonzo, 2008 ADT Defensive Player of the Year Dennison Robinson, former Rookie of the Year Donovan Morgan, and former All-Rookie and second team All-Defensive player Khreem Smith. 

Here on F4Blog we will be following the Slaughter's 2009 season very closely, as they offer an exciting replication of the AFL's Chicago Rush.

Exclusive New York Dragons Workout Coverage

Preview of the New York Dragons Upcoming Workout

Coverage of the New York Dragons Open Workout coming soon!

Two separate programs will be coming this week about the New York Dragons' open af2 workout which will be held Saturday morning. The team asked me to tag along and make a couple of videos for it.

There will be a preview show explaining what it is, including an interview with the Dragons COO Tim Kelly preceding a full program reviewing the actual workout - showing footage, interviews, etc. 

Check back this week for the preview and Saturday night for the full show!

-Ben

D'Orazio to the CFL? How about his O-Lineman?

Phil Bogle, star AFL lineman, has made his way over to Canada after the man he was trying to protect (Matt D'Orazio) signed with the Stampeders last week. Bogle has played in both the NFL, NFL Europe, and AFL - playing well in all leagues. He won an Arena Bowl with the Philadelphia Soul last year.

CFL Gets Another Star

Matt D'Orazio has signed with the Canadian Football Leagues' Calgary Stampeders. This would probably be considered the biggest player move so far - and the second big AFL name to go up north (Kenny Higgins). 

"D'Oraz" was the league's MVP last season and led the Philadelphia Soul to their first ever Arena Bowl win after taking over for Tony Graziani. It was D'Orazio's second Arena Bowl victory after he won with the Chicago Rush in 2006.

FREE AT LAST...

Players free to sign with the af2* and other indoor leagues:

To Whom it may concern: 
This confirms the agreement of the Arena Football League and it's Teams (collectively, the "AFL"), and the Arena Football League Players Association ("AFLPA") that regardless if a player is under contract with an AFL Team, all players shall be immediately and completely free, without any penalty or restriction of kind, through March 1, 2009, to negotiate and sign a contract to be employed as a player or other employee in professional football (whether indoor or outdoor) in any league other than the AFL (including without limitation, af2, CFL, NFL, UGFL), including with respect to any contract covering a period of employment extending after March 1, 2009.

Should you have any further questions regarding the right of AFL players to freely sign a contract in any other professional football league, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Sincerly, 
Richard Berthelson and Edward R. Policy. 

*Sources say the af2 owners have not approved this, therefore this change really only frees contract bound players to other indoor leagues. 

*Another source says the league will actually help players that are being blocked from the af2 by either speaking with the team or giving them a letter.

Unfortunate Result

Well, the game didn't end like we would have wanted (if you were on Warner's side of things). It was a great game, and it sparked talks of Kurt possibly going to the Hall of Fame. While he may have lost this one, his story is one of the best the NFL has to offer - and hopefully it will be inshrined in Canton.

Warner's future is uncertain - he says he needs a short break from football to see where his mind is at. Reports say he is looking for a two year deal if he does in fact want to sign with a team.

Still a great season, and I hope Kurt finds it in himself to try for one more shot!

-Ben

Kurt Warner Special

Doug Plank to the Jets

Doug Plank, former Arena Football coach of the year has signed on with the New York Jets to become their Defensive Back's Coach for 2009. 

Plank, a former NFL player, should be some nice AFL representation - especially for New York Dragons fans. 

For more transactions and moves, visit the transactions page at tracker.f4blog.com.

F4Blog Mentioned in the Daily News!

In an article about the effects of the suspension on the players, media, and fans of the New York Dragons, I was quoted and F4Blog.com was mentioned!

Pick it up in a store or read the article here:
LINK TO STORY

Dolezel to the af2

The af2 got it's first big name Tuesday as Clint Dolezel made his way over to Florida to serve as the Firecat's Offensive Coordinator. Sources are conflicted in their opinions as to how easy both leagues are making it for AFL players to transfer over to the af2. Newer information suggests that it was not going to be as difficult as it was made to seem, but that players under AFL contract will have a tough time making the transition.

Dolezel, one of the best players in Arena history - should bring some enormous talent and name recongition to the Firecats after working as both the quarterback and offensive coordinator for the Dallas Desperados over the past few years.

F4Blog Now

As you may have noticed, there has been a lull in content over the past week. News is quiet of late – and only a few players have switched leagues thus far (none as notable as Cumbie). 

From now through the season off, F4Blog will have a Suspension Tracker on the top right side of the page. There, you can see which players have made there moves and where. Click on the box below it to see the full transactions (or go to tracker.f4blog.com)

Until the general spring seasons do start (mid-February), you’ll be seeing mostly text updates instead of videos. The videos will return (in FULL force) come those spring seasons. Expect the F4Blog Performance and Stats Show to feature player interviews, full coverage of former AFL players, fan coverage (pulse of the community), and more interactive programming.

 That’s update for now – thanks for watching!

Suspension Update

Well according to player sources - the league is not allowing players (or making it easy) to go to the af2. Instead many are being forced toward other indoor/outdoor leagues (IFL, CIFL, UNGL, CFL, etc).

My take: This is absolutely idiotic of those left to make decisions for the Arena League. By blocking AFL players from entering the deuce, they are in a sense blocking those players from remaining in the Arena product. Instead, they are dispersing talent into other leagues and in my opinion pouring salt in their own wound. 

Interesting thing of note:

-Sonny Cumbie has just signed on to be Head Coach of the Stampede Express of the IFL in 2009. This should be the first of many popular AFL players to find themselves working with other 

indoor leagues - as a player or coach.

Launch of the Firebirds Nest!

You may have noticed it has been a little quiet around here the last few days. This is because I have been building the now lauchned, firebirdsnest.com.

In 2009 as well as F4Blog, I will be following the Albany Firebirds as I did the New York Dragons. The Review and Preview Show will find its way over to the Firebirds Nest and although there won't be much content until closer to the af2 season, the viewers of F4Blog will be seeing it first!

Check it out: www.firebirdsnest.com!

Off the Mic: "Not So Happy New Years"

2008 could not have been a worse year. Not only did our economy tank, but it took our league with it.

Personally, it has been nearly impossible to let this go - December has been a massive beatdown on all of us. I finally got my break with the league as the Dragons wanted me on board in 2009, but no such season will exist. But hey, there is still the Broncos right? Well as if things were bad enough, the Broncos absolutely tanked in December, blowing a three game lead over the Chargers with three games to go. The final dagger was last Sunday where the Chargers laid a beatdown and I sat there in disbelief. "There's still baseball coming up!" Well, I am a Washington Nationals fan (worst team in baseball).

Accompanied by a family death, not even Christmas could save this terrible month, and thankfully it is over. What is on the horizon for 09? What do we have to look forward to?

For me, it is a challenge. Following the Firebirds and the af2 with the same ambition and vigor that I had following the Dragons is almost an unreal vision, but I will certainly have to live up to my own expectations if I want to make 2009 work for me. This website will always have its content, but I need a steady following to keep myself going. Getting through this suspended season will be tough on all of us - I can't even imagine what it will be like March 3rd when I am sitting at home, NOT watching the Dragons play the Rattlers. It's incredible how engrossed both me and the rest of the league fan base can get into this football product, only to have it ripped away in a matter of weeks.

Saying, "Well 2009 HAS to be better than 2008" just isn't going to cut it. We need to make this year better. Together as an AFL community, we can withstand the suspension and make it to that amazing day when we WILL have the dispersal draft and WILL have the free agency signing period. Of course, 2010 is looking far away now. Hopefully in 365 days I will be sitting here at my computer on New Years day making a video about the Dragons' newest free agent signings.

Until then, stay strong - and MAKE 2009 better than 2008.