ABA = AFL

[dshaw62197]

This is my first post to this board, so go easy. 8)

I think the ABA should rename itself to the AFL - America's Funniest League. Sam's comments are hysterical. I started following the ABA about six-seven months ago, when it started all of its expansion hoopla. I am a big fan of the original ABA, so I was eager to see what this new league could do. Boy was I in for a shock...

For the first month or two after the season began, I only followed the ABA through its website. What a surreal place... it seemed like teams were coming and going, games weren't getting played... and yet the site made no mention of anything out of the ordinary. Thankfully I discovered this site and have been able to follow the league's true "progress."

For some fun and giggles, I took the liberty of copying the "League Statements" that can be found on the website under league rules. I've offered my interpretation of each below:

LEAGUE STATEMENTS

* "Every ABA game should be a fan-pleasing entertainment experience."
(Provided the game is actually played that day.)

* "League play will emphasize pure basketball skills, while eliminating rough style of play."
(There can't be any roughing if the opposing team fails to show up.)

* "Officials should set a new and refreshing example by enforcing the rules of the game."
(Unlike other pro sports leagues where officials let the crowd vote on the results.)

* "Players are expected to sign autographs and interact with fans after each ballgame"
(Since only 10 fans attend each game, this shouldn't be a problem.)

* "Players are expected to demonstrate professional conduct at all times."
(See statements 1 and 2 above.)

* "ABA basketball can be a fun and exciting experience for the fans. We offer a great athletic, fast-paced game at affordable prices."
(Note the word "can" -- indicates that this statement, like much of the league itself, is highly theoretical.)

[Houston Caldwell]

Come to Nashville and be my guest at a Nashville Rhythm game and you will actually enjoy a basketball game that meets the expectations of those statements.
This would also be true in Little Rock, Utah, Long Beach, Kansas City, and the town halfway between Boston and Providence where the Frenzy play.
This might also be true in Greenwood, Mississippi, where they have a fine team, but it's hard to get news out of there.
Unfortunately, the ABA has, as you have mentioned, many ownership groups reminiscent of the Keystone Kops.

[dshaw62197]

Houston, I suppose I should have mentioned that not all franchises in the ABA are a shambles. The ones you listed are indeed in better health than the rest of the league. However, I live in the Baltimore area, so I have to wait until next year to see an actual ABA. Unless the Baltimore franchise follows the footsteps of its original ABA predecessor, the Hustlers/Claws... and we all know how they turned out, don't we? :cry:

[Pounder]

Sounds like we could make a drinking game out of the catch phrases repeated in every ABA-related press release.