Brockleigh
Posts: 418
Joined: 10/25/2005 Status: offline
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New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Arena Football League's board of directors has decided to suspend the 2009 season while the league works on developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model. "Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the league, the game, and, most importantly, the fans," said acting commissioner Ed Policy. "Owners, however, recognize that, especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate, the AFL, as a business enterprise, needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan- friendly sport." The board made the move to cancel the season, which is subject to the agreement of the players' association, in a conference call on Sunday. "We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan- friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere," said Jon Bon Jovi, co- owner of the Philadelphia Soul, who bested the San Jose Sabercats in ArenaBowl XXII in July. "These are trying economic times. 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." The board had originally voted on Wednesday not to cancel the upcoming season. The league, which was founded in 1987, has faced trouble in the offseason as longtime commissioner David Baker resigned in July and no replacement has been named. Also, the New Orleans VooDoo franchise was disbanded in October despite being near the top of the league in attendance for the past two seasons.
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It's time to kick ass and chew bubblegum... and I'm all outta gum.
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