The Plight of the Hammond Rollers

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Anyone with a clue (and anyone from the Northwest Indiana region) should know that Hammond does not want an "increased basketball presence" in their central city. Unlike Gary, their casino funds are primarily used to attract "affluent" businesspersons (arts and technology) into downtown Hammond. Also, Denise Pulphus should have kept the fact that she grew-up in the Robert Taylor Homes housing project to herself. It doesn't fly as a human interest story. This is not liberal Boston. This is Da' Region. Folks (even those in Gary) raise an eyebrow when they hear that someone from one of Chicago's infamous projects has an idea for "uplifting" the poor people of Northwest Indiana.


The following is an excerpt from a Gary Post-Tribune on the Rollers, but mainly about the ABA ("..." means I skipped-over some passages):

CBA: ABA 'helter-skelter’ league
April 19, 2006

By Michael Osipoff / Post-Tribune staff writer


Steelheads coach Jaren Jackson has first-hand knowledge of the ABA.

He coached the Philadelphia Fusion in that league last season. That is, he coached the team for about a month, before it folded.

“You look up, and teams are folding left and right,” Jackson said. “That’s the reputation the league has — teams fold and it lacks stability. The history makes you wonder. But at the same time, it provides an opportunity for young players to play.

“I don’t want to knock anybody that wants to start a pro basketball team. The league is still hanging around. But if I had to pick a league, the ABA wouldn’t be on the top of my list; I’d stick with the CBA and the D-League. That’s my experience with the ABA. I’m not a big fan of it, even though I coached in it. I looked at it as an opportunity. But I learned quickly that there are other, better minor leagues out there.”...

...Jackson said ABA rosters are composed primarily of local players. His team played its home games at a high school-turned-middle school a little bit northwest of Philadelphia.

“Moving to a high school is the kiss of death,” Steelheads chief operating officer Jewell Harris Jr. said. “If someone’s going to go to a high school, they might as well watch a high school game.”...

...“Honestly, I’m not going to give it a second thought,” Harris Jr. said. “We’ve been around, and fans will come back, especially after this season. We have a solid core of fans, and they wouldn’t choose an ABA team over a known product that they appreciate in the CBA.

-----------------------

Amen to what Jewell just stated. I wouldn't waste one dime on an ABA ticket (nor would I utilize a freebie)--not even on the curiousity factor.

FYI, Hammond is the same city that (within my lifetime) erected a barricade overnight across 9th avenue to keep people from Gary from entering town (no joke). Garyites were literally crashing into this earthen berm at 40 mph until they caught on. Wow! Talk about ABA franchise holders not doing their homework on the communities they intend to serve.

The barrier (physical and otherwise) still exists, BTW.

[panchess]

..funny you should mention that city, where some of the country's most vicious race riots took place in the 1970's.

To this day, Boston is not particularly friendly to black star athletes.

[ABARedWhiteBlue]

The single most important research done by the ABA prior to awarding the franchise to Hammond:

Did the check clear?????

[BreakersFan]

Although the USBL isn't perfect, life is MUCH better in the USBL than in the ABA! Go Breakers!

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

...they could have Calumet College of St. Joseph's dates. Calumet College doesn't have any money either. I know. I am an Alumnus and had to change my last name to ", Steelheads fan" (and enter the witness protection program) to keep my alma mater from bugging me to death for donations. How about a REFUND for ANY class I took with Dr. Zidel instead?!?

This is an excerpt from a recent article:

PRO BASKETBALL: Hammond ABA team rolls along
May 3, 2006

By Michael Osipoff / Post-Tribune staff writer

The Hammond Rollers have taken a significant step toward beginning play in the ABA next fall.

CEO Denise Pulphus said the Rollers and the city have reached an agreement for the team to call the Hammond Civic Center home.

“It’s a done deal. I will be playing in Hammond,” she said. “The mayor (Tom McDermott Jr.) is willing to take a chance. I’m just waiting on getting 30 available dates for the Civic Center from the city to give to the league office.”

But getting those 30 dates — from which 18 home games, plus two preseason games, would be selected for a schedule that would run from Nov. 10 to March 10 — could be an issue, city officials said.

.............

It's a done deal? Doubt it. Here is another excerpt from the same article:

“We might have prior obligations, so in turn, we’ll see what happens with Denise,” Hammond director of planning and development Peter Novak Jr. said.

Parks and recreation administrator Patrick Moore Sr. — the Civic Center is managed by the parks department — has been the main contact with the Rollers, Novak said. Moore did not return a message left at his office late Tuesday afternoon.

“From what I understand, Pat was agreeable,” Novak said. “My impression was he thought the 20 home games could be accommodated, but he had some concerns about getting the 30 home dates — but it was not out of the question. It’s safe to say that if it’s able to be done, the Civic Center would be the venue for the Hammond Rollers.”

..........

The words "might" and "if" keep popping-up. That doesn't sound like a done deal to me. This team will be playing home games at a high school gym in Homewood-Flossmoor, IL before the end of the season.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Here is an excerpt from a recent Hammond Times article:

CBA is expanding; ABA Hammond Rollers gain steam

BY AL HAMNIK
ahamnik@nwitimes.com
219.933.4154

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Saturday, May 13, 2006 12:30 AM CDT

...For the past month, Chicago native Denise Pulphus has met with Hammond officials in an effort to bring an ABA franchise, the Rollers, to the downtown Civic Center. The likelihood of a second pro basketball team so close to Gary has Harris scratching his head.

"My opinion of the ABA isn't particularly high," he said. "I don't know the woman who's going to be the owner of that franchise or what their plans are, so I don't know whether to consider it competition or not. But on (Hammond's) part, it seems to be poor planning considering the Region already has a minor-league basketball team.

"I think Mayor (Thomas) McDermott (Jr.) ought to take a look at that, if he hasn't already. I think what's needed is not just city planning, but regional planning. He should coordinate with the mayor of Gary (Rudy Clay) to determine whether or not it makes sense because (Hammond) is going to have to invest some money to make it work."

Harris said Steelheads fans at the Gary Genesis Center quickly recognize it's a regional team; that it's not all Gary people in attendance.

"The Gary mayor and I do sit down," said McDermott. "Rudy and I have a good relationship. We've talked on at least three separate occasions about a lot of issues and he's never really raised that (regional) point with me.

"I'm not saying it's not a good point that Mr. Harris brings up. First off, we need to see what eventually happens with the Hammond Rollers because it's not a done deal at this point. But I can tell you one distinguishing feature of the Rollers as compared to the Steelheads is the lack of a monetary commitment from the city."

McDermott said he would never approve of any sports franchise if it required financial support.

.............

Just like I said before, Hammond doesn't want minor league basketball and the ABA at the Civic Center is NOT a done deal (as quoted above). Don't misunderstand me though. Hammond will take Denise Pulphus' money, but she's on her own in NOT the friendliest town around.

Actually, I know how Denise can get financial and political support from Hammond. She only needs to open an art gallery downtown and offer wine tastings every other Friday. I'll bet the mayor will find her plenty of cash then.

[ABARedWhiteBlue]

The latest...

Her dream stronger than any red flag

Al Hamnik
Times Columnist

You don't board a plane with an oil slick under it. And you definitely don't eat at a restaurant that has reserved parking for ambulances.

It's called a "red flag" -- reason enough to move on.

Denise Pulphus, one headstrong lady from the Robert Taylor Homes housing project on Chicago's South Side, is bringing an American Basketball Association franchise to Hammond despite the nearby Gary Steelheads having been on the CBA's death bed much of their six-year existence.

Red flag, BIG time?

An emphatic no, claims Pulphus. This is a lifelong dream come true and nothing will deter her, most of all the Steelheads' string of misfortunes. Most recent is their $57,800 owed in back rent and the extension they just received to pay up by mid-June, or face eviction.

"Every step of the way in this business is a learning experience," Pulphus said. "They're playing at the Genesis Center, which seats between 6,000 and 8,000. You don't need an arena that large for CBA or ABA games. The small venue is the way to go. You're talking about 3,500 fans per game, at most.

"That's a problem right there with Gary. The Genesis Center doesn't care how many you bring in. They're renting out the whole arena to you and that's all that matters to them."

The Hammond Rollers will play at the Civic Center and, quite frankly, that's all we know about Pulphus' background as an entrepreneur. She is quite The Mystery Lady, which suits her just fine.

Who are her corporate sponsors? Where will she get the $120,000 salary cap for her players? Is she the sole owner or are there silent partners? Where is her office? How big is her staff and will those positions be full or part-time? When are player tryouts? Who's the coach? When is the press conference to formally announce the Hammond franchise?

"Not right now," is her standard reply to most candid questions. "Tell 'em to keep on guessing."

Jewell Harris Sr., we know. He's a long-time business and political leader in Gary. There's a face the public can attach to Harris, while Pulphus -- passionate and convincing over the phone -- is just a voice.

"I doubt if they'll ever get to know me," she said. "I'm not trying to hide or be a mystery. I'm just a private individual. I'm sure that (press conference) will be a treat for you guys."

Pulphus claims she's been in business since she opened her first lemonade stand at age 10. But this is pro basketball and it all comes down to filling seats, not glasses, with a winning product.

Oh, Pulphus did confide that she has decided on a coach/general manager but has yet to meet with him to discuss a contract and other duties. She said he's well known and has coaching experience at the prep, college and pro levels.

Can you give us a name, off the record, I asked?

Not right now.

Now, if THAT doesn't inspire confidence in the future of this franchise...:rolleyes:

[nksports]

This will be in another of a long line of ABA teams that fold before the first week of the season. She probably doesn't want to be identified because she's -- H.P. Patterson (or whatever he called himself last) after a sex change operation to elude the FBI.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Sure, why not!?! Pro basketball teams in Northwest Indiana ALWAYS sell over 3,000 tickets per game...NOT!

The following is an excerpt from Mike Hutton's Gary Post-Tribune article, Rollers Roll Out Stevens:

Stevens is aware that the team, with the Steelheads still around, is joining a crowded market.

“There is competition,” he said.

Pulphus, who owns a recording studio in Chicago, is confident that both teams can co-exist. Puplhus is a huge basketball fan who frequents Bulls games. She, along with co-owner Paula Alexander, plan to fund all aspects of the team’s operations.

Pulphus said she decided to come to Hammond because she was familiar with the city and it was a great fit for the team.

“I love it here,” she said. “This (the Civic Center) is a perfect size for family entertainment.”

Her general manager, W.W. Pickens, said the team would like to sell 60,000 tickets in its first year for 18 home games. Tickets won’t cost more than $8, according to Pickens.

Pickens said the Rollers, who have a staff of five right now, will be a year-round operation.

“We’re going to serve the community,” he said, “through basketball.”

Said Albert Higgins, the marketing director for the Rollers: “Our No. 1 goal is to offer wholesome entertainment for the community.”

They even talked of having an exhibition game with the Steelheads, though they haven’t approached them on that matter.

..............

Now cut that stuff out! An exhibition game with the Steelheads? They know that won't happen.

Barry was right though earlier in the article. The team is a good fit for him. He lives in Gary, so if (when?) the team folds then all he has to do is go back home, kick back, and relax.

[preeths]

They would like to average 3,300 per game. How many teams in the history of the ABA have averaged that many?

[nksports]

They would like to average 3,300 per game. How many teams in the history of the ABA have averaged that many?
Maybe the Memphis Tams or the Virginia Squires (without Dr. J). Indiana, Kentucky and Denver did a little better than that. The NY Nets in a down year.

I'm probably dating myself a bit here.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Maybe the Memphis Tams or the Virginia Squires (without Dr. J). Indiana, Kentucky and Denver did a little better than that. The NY Nets in a down year.

I'm probably dating myself a bit here.

Not THAT version of the ABA. THIS version of the ABA.

It's still a matter of doing your homework. If the Rollers did their homework, then they would know that they are not going to sell over 3,000 tickets per game. They will get friends, family, and hardcore minor league basketball fans only...and most of these people will want comp tickets. This new version of the ABA has been around long enough to google the Internet and get an idea of how well their chances of survival are.

Homework would also help the Rollers realize that the Illinois/Indiana state line is like the former Berlin Wall. Never mind that you can stand with one leg in south Chicago and the other leg in Hammond, you are considered "not from around here" and not all that welcomed if you are from the other side of the wall. How many South Chicago athletic programs call a venue in Northwest Indiana home? None that I know of. How many Northwest Indiana programs likewise cross the state line? None. It's all a "state" of mind.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

"Having no Steelheads will definitely mean a big change in our marketing approach because now we have to go into another market," Pulphus said.
.............

Above is a quote from the Times of Northwest Indiana article, 'Door opens' for ABA entry Rollers eager to fill Steelheads void. What other market? Hammond, Gary, and East Chicago, Indiana are ALL the same market. The same reason why sponsors and season tickets holders would not support the Gary Steelheads if they pursued the new CBA/ABA is the same reason why these fans will not support a bonafide ABA franchise. Too flakey.

...and at the end of the day, Hammond can still be quite an unfriendly town (especially to those perceived as coming from the housing projects of Chicago). All of Northwest Indiana is trying to overcome an image problem. The Rollers logo does not help that cause, as described in Al Hamnik's Times article--Lame Logo is Least Concern of Rollers.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The following is an excerpt from a August 9, 2006 Gary Post-Tribune article:

michael osipoff commentary: Officiating dream shattered with bad ABA experiences
Aug. 9, 2006


Two seasons ago, Larry Babcock was eager to officiate in the ABA.

He was going to continue to gain experience as he pursued his dream to be an NBA referee.

He had visions of being part of a rich tradition that included the likes of Julius Erving and Mel Daniels and George Gervin.

He was quickly disabused of such notions.

Add Babcock, a Valparaiso resident and Wheeler High School graduate, to the chorus of voices with little favorable to say about the ABA, the league the Hammond Rollers have joined for the 2006-07 season.

He says he had 16 games around the Midwest on his schedule and wound up officiating but one, as the other games were canceled. There were times he would be traveling on his way to a game and get a call informing him it was off.

He tells of arriving at a game site, where he was supposed to get paid in cash before tipoff. Instead, he would receive a check at halftime — and the check would bounce.

....................

Babcock is the same ref interviewed a few years ago. Back then he bragged on the possibilities of ABA games being telecast on ESPN. What a difference a few years makes.

The plight of the Hammond Rollers will ruin all minor leagues in the eyes of the Northwest Indiana media--ALL minor leagues. Already the media here thinks Northwest Indiana should be a MAJOR league market. It wasn't long ago that the Chicago Bears considered building a stadium in Gary (across from the casino boats) if they couldn't get a new stadium in Chicago. A running joke is that the region thinks small and has become a haven for minor league whatever-you've-got.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

My man Barry is ousted again as coach of a Northwest Indiana pro basketball team? First the Steelheads and now the Rollers. At least with the Steelheads he lasted the entire season. He didn't even make it to the beginning of the season with the Rollers. Let me guess...the Rollers' money was funny, right? Barry is a professional.

http://oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3375294

What does Denise mean that from day one Kenny Battle was the man she wanted to lead them? What was Barry? Chopped liver? Barry's wife Sarita holds a high administrative position with the Gary school system. She could have sent MORE than a few butts to Hammond to support the Rollers. Well, Denise Pulphus can kiss THAT potential fan support goodbye.

[Tha Man]

Yeah and rumor has it that Cedar Rapids, IA is now out until the next season along with Lincoln, NE.

[Minor League Man]

Cedar Rapids is completely off the ABA website now.

[nksports]

Yeah and rumor has it that Cedar Rapids, IA is now out until the next season along with Lincoln, NE.

Looks like the AAPBL did some good after all, scaring away the scams.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I guess this team was TOO easy to predict:

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2006/09/13/sports/pro_sports/e7c8bb1d656f5353862571e800071676.txt

An excerpt from the article above:

Two league sources said Pulphus has no money for payroll and that potential financial backers in the area have stepped away. There is no sponsorship, a blank Web site, no office, no phone. The sources also said Pulphus was considering skipping this season, which begins in early November, and starting up in 2007-08 instead.

.....................

We have enough problems in Northwest Indiana. She should go back to Chicago and leave us bumpkins (errr, hoosiers) alone.

[nksports]

Sorry, but this owner is another dummy who thinks if they put out a few press releases and hold a press conference, the world will come beating down. IT TAKES MONEY.
Don't fall for Uncle Joe's sales pitches. This can't be done with no money down. The poor lady is probably out her franchise fee to uncle joe plus the $275 she had in her checking account. She probably maxed out her Visa and Discover cards as well.

[panchess]

..I am guessing Joe wanted to make a splash by putting up a rival team to the Steelheads. He has said the same things about Anderson, Indiana since the Alley Cats left the league.

Obviously nobody else thought the Hammond Rollers "were their best bet," and the team folded.

[preeths]

Presented without comment:
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3377310

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The article ran in the NWI Times.

I don't know the ex-GM W.V. Pickens, but I DO know the ex-coach Barry Stevens. Barry has no reason to lie.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

bectond,
Hiring people also means paying people. If the ex-coach says he had not heard from the owner in WEEKS (and still hasn't heard from her) since he ran her free agents camp, then you can take that statement to the bank. The ex-GM is also saying pretty much the same thing.

[lightning fan]

Ken you are famous. Is the press release just put out by the Rollers, refutting the posts on OSC, refutting you? If it is, props to you, maybe you woke up the hibernating Rollers owner. Too funny.

[Sam Hill]

Nutjob.

I'm shocked....SHOCKED to find that another ABA owner is in over their head.

What more has to happen? What more has to happen before people stop buying into this joke of a league?

[nksports]

What more has to happen before people stop buying into this joke of a league?

They have to get the stars out of their eyes that they are going to be big league sports moguls. The problem is once reality sets in, they are in too deep -- the bill collectors come, the players and staff all quit because they aren't getting paid, fans (what few of them there are) get PO'd when venues are changed or games are cancelled and the media ridicules them for such a poorly run minor-league sports franchise.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Ken you are famous. Is the press release just put out by the Rollers, refutting the posts on OSC, refutting you? If it is, props to you, maybe you woke up the hibernating Rollers owner. Too funny.

I'm only famous for two or three city blocks along 5th Avenue in Gary. Beyond that, it seems like someone always asks me what aisle the canned peas are in or they ask how long it will be before they can get a table (like someone did about a month ago at Bennigan's). Actually, I feel kinda bad each time when I tell them I don't work there.

Yeah, I got the impression Denise Pulphus was addressing the posts too. Very strange behavior indeed. However, I understand why Denise didn't want to refute the NWI Times article directly. Al Hamnik, the writer of the article in question, is the Dean of ALL sportswriters in the Gary area. Hamnik and his peers would slice Denise to ribbons in print if she attempted to question his integrity.

[ABA Potential Owwner]

The ABA is a Great Leaque it accomadates to team's needs. Close travel schedule due to the large number of teams nation wide, this would only be possible by this being the best minor leaque basketball leaque in America. I will soon own a ABA franchise and this bad mouth smashing coming from "ken the Moron Steelhead Fan" who most likely is so ugly that he has to shave his *** and walk backwards so he looks better ....wait he doesent even have to do that because he most likley is a lifetime loser who will never leave his computer screen alone , so I hope that relationship goes somewhere fast and in the mean time give a real leaque the ABA a break.


Future ABA Owner, saying best luck to the Hammond Rollers

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

...I will soon own a ABA franchise and this bad mouth smashing coming from "ken the Moron Steelhead Fan" who most likely is so ugly that he has to shave his *** and walk backwards so he looks better ....

Wow! You are absolutely correct. The backward walking (moonwalking?) took a lot of practice, but I have mastered it. However I can't drive that way anymore because the cops kept pulling me over, so I usually let others ride me around town.

[rams80]

The ABA is a Great Leaque it accomadates to team's needs. Close travel schedule due to the large number of teams nation wide, this would only be possible by this being the best minor leaque basketball leaque in America. I will soon own a ABA franchise and this bad mouth smashing coming from "ken the Moron Steelhead Fan" who most likely is so ugly that he has to shave his *** and walk backwards so he looks better ....wait he doesent even have to do that because he most likley is a lifetime loser who will never leave his computer screen alone , so I hope that relationship goes somewhere fast and in the mean time give a real leaque the ABA a break.


Future ABA Owner, saying best luck to the Hammond Rollers

First off league, league, LEAGUE!!! not leaque (leak?!)

Second, what does this say about the people the ABA targets for ownership groups when they can't even fracking spell OWNER?!

Third, can I buy pot from you?

[nksports]

He's obviously been smokin stuff from Uncle Joe's special stash. (He might even have been drinking the bong water.) Anyone who says the ABA is a great league needs to be peeing in the cup. With the average life of a franchise measured in weeks, I'm not sure why anyone would even want to try (except for a tax writeoff or to launder drug or mob money).
Certainly no one has ever gotten rich from minor league basketball (except for maybe JN himself from franchise fees).

[Sam Hill]

The ABA is a Great Leaque it accomadates to team's needs.

As long as those needs are "to avoid paying players, or playing all the games, or paying for those pesky things like payroll taxes and workman's comp" and stuff like that.

Close travel schedule due to the large number of teams nation wide, this would only be possible by this being the best minor leaque basketball leaque in America.

No, it's possible if you let any dumbass like yourself into the league and repeat that process many many times over.

I will soon own a ABA franchise and this bad mouth smashing coming from "ken the Moron Steelhead Fan" who most likely is so ugly that he has to shave his *** and walk backwards so he looks better ....wait he doesent even have to do that because he most likley is a lifetime loser who will never leave his computer screen alone , so I hope that relationship goes somewhere fast and in the mean time give a real leaque the ABA a break.

Please, make sure you hire someone to write your press releases for you. And not a family member. What do Ken's looks have to do with anything?

I'd have asked, "Mark McClure is going to own an ABA team now?" but even Mark writes better than this.

[preeths]

The ABA is a Great Leaque it accomadates to team's needs. Close travel schedule due to the large number of teams nation wide, this would only be possible by this being the best minor leaque basketball leaque in America. I will soon own a ABA franchise and this bad mouth smashing coming from "ken the Moron Steelhead Fan" who most likely is so ugly that he has to shave his *** and walk backwards so he looks better ....wait he doesent even have to do that because he most likley is a lifetime loser who will never leave his computer screen alone , so I hope that relationship goes somewhere fast and in the mean time give a real leaque the ABA a break.


Future ABA Owner, saying best luck to the Hammond Rollers

You've done a terrifc job of stating, and then ruining, your case in one fell swoop.

[Pounder]

Somehow, I think one of the regulars wrote that one. Pure comedy gold! I'm kicking myself for not thinking of doing that.

Owwner!?!

:D

[Chuck the Writer]

I wonder if that's our old friend barkley34...

Let me go through the check list.

Spelling errors and typos - check.

Attacking the person instead of the argument - check.

Taking a contrary argument defending Joe Newman - check.

Three checks there.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Late prediction: This team will be playing home games in a small South Chicago gym by December (or did I already make this prediction?). Soon Hammond will no longer tolerate the plight of the Rollers. East Chicago, Indiana won't accept them if Hammond gives them the axe. Gary--well, Gary will never be an option as long as the Steelheads are around.

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/11/02/sports/top_sports/4e618110843eac638625721a0011037c.txt

"I just have a bad feeling," said Pat Moore, Hammond Parks Department administrator. "I kinda thought if you were a professional basketball organization, you'd like to have all your i's dotted and t's crossed prior to the game. But my God, you wait until Wednesday?"

I guess THIS market is ruined for any future minor league hoops.

[Corning Tax Payer]

I read that recent article on the Hammond Rollers myself and dear god can we please stop letting "project chicks" run basketball teams , holy **** , blow her and the team up and call it a day.

[BreakersFan]

Late prediction: This team will be playing home games in a small South Chicago gym by December (or did I already make this prediction?). Soon Hammond will no longer tolerate the plight of the Rollers. East Chicago, Indiana won't accept them if Hammond gives them the axe. Gary--well, Gary will never be an option as long as the Steelheads are around.

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/11/02/sports/top_sports/4e618110843eac638625721a0011037c.txt



I guess THIS market is ruined for any future minor league hoops.

And the beat goes on in the ABA. Another game in front of 33 fans and another market burned for minor basketball.

[Fells]

And the beat goes on in the ABA. Another game in front of 33 fans and another market burned for minor basketball.

Does 33 include players, coaches, and officials? Basically, with the lack of publicity, I figure there will be four actual fans there.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/11/28/columnists/al_hamnik/e7892aca771bf23c862572340010fb46.txt

From the article above:
Newman wants us to know that teams are allowed to keep 100 percent of all revenues while the league pays for organizational meetings, travel, and each team's Web site.

"We give them a very strong business plan to execute," he continued. "But if you put a hammer in Donald Trump's hand, he builds a skyscraper. If you put a hammer in someone else's hand, they hit their thumb."

The first-year Hammond Rollers have been all thumbs and haven't a clue on how to promote and market their franchise. Having three of their first five games canceled or rescheduled doesn't help get the word out. Their last home game at the Civic Center drew less than 100 fans, according to Newman, who was in attendance.

Yeah, that about sums-up the Hammond Rollers. They haven't a clue.

[Sam Hill]

Yeah, but it was 100 fans who enjoyed the fast-paced, affordable family entertainment of the ABA!!! In Joe's world, they're accomplishing something after 6 years!

[sportsguy12]

Presented without comment:
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3377310

She and Uncle Joe can make excuses and say they are in good standing all they want but the truth of the matter is that they have played 3 games of the 5 that were scheduled. That's 60 percent. That's far below the 94 percent that the ABA has supposedly played this year.

The Rollers apparently received a forfeit win over Toledo, which is not reflected in the standings. The Rollers are 2-1, according to abalive.com. The forfeit would make them 3-1.

And a game against Detroit was rescheduled.

I honestly could care less how the ABA runs it's business. If they can find people who will invest in this product then all the more power to them. But I get steamed when they cry foul that every one is bashing them for no reason what so ever. Be accountable.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

...I thought they would try to at least stick it out for a few more games in some South Chicago high school.

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/12/07/columnists/justin_breen/a73aa9c103afa9908625723d0010b13e.txt

The last few lines from the article above:
The Rollers are an insult to what the RailCats have done, and what the Steelheads are trying to do again. It's been embarrassing.

A good local pro sports team can be really cool for the people here. I wish anyone who has the desire and passion to start a franchise in the Region the best of luck.

But unless you're bringing your "A Game," please don't bother.


My feelings exactly with a heavy emphasis on INSULT (to the people of Northwest Indiana also) and a heavier emphasis on bringing your "A Game" or just not bothering.

[Sam Hill]

Told you so.

She's a nutjob and the franchise was a disaster.

Pay the man, Shirley.

[MJHankel]

Seriously she took a wrong turn from the very beginning when she started out by bashing the Steelheads. Even if (at the time) they seemed like they might fold, the had been around for 6 years, and in minor league basketball, that is pretty good.

Also bashing the Steelheads, sure as heck is not going to get you their fans. Given that Gary and Hammond are already rather divided bashing sure is not going to make any Gary fans too happy about crossing city lines into a city that does not find you welcome to see a team whos owner bashes your city ans team. People in NWI are very fickle, don't ever give them any reason to doubt you or not like you, if you do you have lost them pretty much forever.

I was ready to give this idea a chance though it made no since. The team showed every signs of dying before the season started, she should have cashed out as soon as her GM and Coach left. She had "gold fever". Greed makes you do asinine things. (Like buy ABA teams.) You can tell it is not gonna ever pan out but you do it anyway just because you think that you can when with a coin flip calling tails while playing with a two headed coin. It is just moronic.

Well hey, the Steelheads are back so I am fine. Maybe some of this players that got the cold shoulder can catch the Steelheads open tryout camps, save some face, and finish a season.

I don't know but at least I can say bye bye Denise. She was my biggest problem with the Rollers, I think that with a different owner, different marketing, and a better political relationship this team could have maybe (just maybe) survived. ABA teams can work If the owner completely ignores Newman, and tries to make it on their own (cause he is sure as heck not going to help you).

Bye Bye Denise,

Bye Bye Rollers,

Go Steelheads!!!
Go RailCats!!!

[psbf]

Being a single Mom, Denise should have put her money to better use, like dating rather than owning a team, imo.

[MJHankel]

...I thought they would try to at least stick it out for a few more games in some South Chicago high school.

Well you were at least close to being right, though Sterling-Rock Falls is a bit farther west, but hey The Rollers are still alive in Illinois.

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2006/12/08//sports//doc457906d8e2269291078040.txt

[MJHankel]

Joe Newman's responce to Pulphus' claims that the ABA is a scam

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/12/08/sports/region_sports/d32233b7928223e28625723e0008a59f.txt

(from the above link)

"And the fact is, she still has money outstanding, as do Detroit, St. Louis, Fresno, Ventura County, Richmond, Hammond, Waco, Knoxville, Salem Oregon, Benton Harbor, Nashville, Quad Cities, Stockton, Wilmington, Chattanooga, Phoenix.

Ok, he just gave the Hammond Rollers to the owner of Quad Cities. :rolleyes:

"I don't care who you are, thats funny right there."

This should definitely be interesting

[WHAFAN]

Why not have the team wear plaid kilts, and call them the Bay City Rollers??!! S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT !!!!!!!!

[Sam Hill]

Being a single Mom, Denise should have put her money to better use, like dating rather than owning a team, imo.

Because God knows, guys are lining up to date crazy single moms.

[MJHankel]

Being a single Mom, Denise should have put her money to better use, like dating rather than owning a team, imo.

I think that is where the money comes in :rolleyes:

[ABARedWhiteBlue]

Remember when...

Indianapolis, IN. The American Basketball Association (ABA) today announced that there will be an as yet unnamed ABA team in Hammond, Indiana this fall "and we couldn't be more pleased," stated Joe Newman, ABA CEO.

"Several weeks ago, on a snowy night, Denise Pulphus drove to Indianapolis to meet with Ricardo Richardson and me. We talked for several hours discussing the ABA and her passion for basketball - and the desire to fulfill a lifelong dream. It was compelling - and when Denise left - it was with the Hammond market in her briefcase. ABA co-founder Dick Tinkham is from Hammond originally and is very confident that the city will welcome Denise and that the ABA should thrive in the region."

Denise said, "Joe. I was born and raised on the southside of Chicago. I grew up in one of the Chicago housing projects, Robert Taylor Homes on South State Street. I attended Alabama State University for a year and Columbia College for 3 years and am only one semester short of getting my degree in Business Management. I've worked for the Cook County Sheriff's Department for 12 years - and have always loved basketball. While growing up I played basketball many days and nights on the street with rims with no nets and even bent rims. The idea of me owning a professional basketball team - and particuarly one in the ABA - gives me chills. I've saved and saved and saved for this day. And now it's here."

and...

15-Sep-2006
Hammond, IN -- The Hammond Rollers have refuted the posting on www.oursportscentral.com relating to the operations of their team.

According to Denise Pulphus, team owner, "It is true that Barry, W.V. and Tameka resigned. We wish them well. However, none of the other information was accurate. Specifically, with the help of the ABA, we have a complete plan in place to be a successful ABA team. We have sponsorships, a Web site, an office, phones. And we are in good standing with the league. With the decision of Kenny Battle, we have a very experienced GM and coach and will have a competitive team. We will have a great venue and have had nothing but excellent support from Hammond and the entire NW Indiana region."

Joe Newman, ABA CEO added, "Hammond is in good standing with the league and we are very confident that they will be a successful operation and a credit to the ABA."

Reese and Ryan. Britney and K-Fed. Now Joe and Denise.

Who knew??????

:o :p

[Sam Hill]

Who knew?

You mean....besides everybody?