Is Springfield on the Verge of Folding?

[OutRAGEous]

I predicted when they announced as a CIFL team that they would not make the season. Through poor coaching choices as well as players, they are off to an 0-3 start, but more importantly, they have not paid their players in three weeks. It is also rumored that vendors have not been paid as well.
Is this the beginning of the end?

The biggest problem for the team may have been the semi-pro mentality that they brought to the table. Though they mean well, they just were ill prepared to compete on a truly professional level.

[exit322]

Where's the evidence of these allegations? Then we'll talk.

[OutRAGEous]

This game can go on and on. Either they are current on their obligations or not. It's pretty simple. If players and/or coaches are owed money, then they are not current which I believe is the case. It is my understanding that the same is true with one of their merchandise vendors, as well.

[exit322]

Then they need to be going to the press to let everyone know of the problem. Lord knows the Springfield paper has been more than willing to throw out bad news about the team.

[ChampionOfSteel]

Where's the evidence of these allegations? Then we'll talk.

I agree. That would definitely be the case in the NIFL/APFL and suitable to bring up, but not in the CIFL. The CIFL has growing pains in their game system only (my opinion and I could be wrong but I doubt it). I think all of the CIFL owners have relatively deep pockets.

The CIFL doesn't have much farther to go to beat the UIF/NIFL game system as far as game system entertainment value is concerned.

Did I mentioned I went to a CIFL game on April 21st? I care about the CIFL.

[coffin]

Please don't say this stuff doesn't happen in the CIFL. Unfortunately it does. I heard, from a very reliable source, that the Springfield players were behind two weeks pay and were ready to walk. That was also before last week's game in Kalamazoo. I don't see it as a stretch that they could now be behind 3 games pay.

[exit322]

Chris would probably know better than I.

[ChampionOfSteel]

Please don't say this stuff doesn't happen in the CIFL. Unfortunately it does. I heard, from a very reliable source, that the Springfield players were behind two weeks pay and were ready to walk. That was also before last week's game in Kalamazoo. I don't see it as a stretch that they could now be behind 3 games pay.

Springfield's remaining opponents:

May 5 Marion Mayhem
May 12 Steubenville Stampede
May 19 Muskegon Thunder
May 25 Muskegon Thunder
June 3 Chicago Slaughter
June 9 Miami Valley Silverbacks
June 16 Marion Mayhem
June 24 Chicago Slaughter

I want to personally thank the people in charge of the second season who got their way in league meetings as far as being overexuberant with their expansion dreams, one person owning two teams, etc. Nothing like pissin' away a good thing.

What are the contingency plans for redoing the schedule? I noticed my Mayhem and Silverbacks have games remaining against the Stallions.

For those teams hosting Springfield will the schedule be modified with a different opponent? Will away games against Springfield be scored as forfeits?

What's the plan?

I hope the Silverbacks and Mayhem get accepted into the UIF for next year. I hope the barn walls in Marion are wide enough for the 8 man game.

I would have no problem whatsoever purchasing season tickets for UIF action. Reputation means everything. Go 'backs! Go Mayhem!

[exit322]

Same thing as they did last year in Battle Creek, if this is in fact true. League bare-bones runs the team for the rest of the year to get the games played, and we go from there.

The UIF would be a good move, yes, but it's likely far too expensive for either the Troy or Marion markets. That said, if profitability isn't a concern (and I don't know), then assuming LEX/OVG stay in the UIF, they probably need to look into that.

[coffin]

Now CoS, I didn't say they were walking out and were done. I've been in plenty of situations in the past few years where players weren't getting paid. We all say "screw it, if I don't get paid I'm done," and we finished every one of the last four seasons. I don't know what the make up of the guys are in the Sprinfield locker room, but if they still played this past week, I wouldn't be surprised if they finished the season and just chose not to come back next season. I draw that from personal experiences.

Of course, I haven't spoken with anyone yet this week from out that way. The payroll situation could have been fixed, but I'm doubting it. I'll find out tonight.

[Jamie]

What are the contingency plans for redoing the schedule? I noticed my Mayhem and Silverbacks have games remaining against the Stallions.

I hope they are making contingency plans for all sorts of possibilities... just like the Pentagon... but I would not expect the CIFL administrators to come out and say, "Our team in XXX city is on the verge of collapsing. Here is our contingency plan." That will really help sell tickets in XXX...

[exit322]

No, there won't be any public announcement of a contingency plan. Of course not, and there shouldn't be just for the reason Jamie pointed.

The worrying point - since the media doesn't get much information from the league about the teams and games happening (or at least, they aren't putting nearly as much of it out there as they did in 2006), it's easier to report on negative stuff if players come complaining. There's no positive information to throw out there, anyways.

The biggest difference between Springfield and Battle Creek that could cripple things in Springfield if the league takes over? The media in Springfield is more than willing to trash the team. Battle Creek rarely even did their own newspaper reports on the Crunch, relying on copying/pasting league reports to the paper (no problem with that; just saying that's the difference here). If there's a problem, the Journal-Star will probably find it and report on it.

And poof, there goes indoor football in Springfield, Illinois, until someone with plenty of money (and a willingness to lose money for a year or better, but with a really good plan to make it work, like in Marion) comes along.

[ChampionOfSteel]

I hope they are making contingency plans for all sorts of possibilities... just like the Pentagon... but I would not expect the CIFL administrators to come out and say, "Our team in XXX city is on the verge of collapsing. Here is our contingency plan." That will really help sell tickets in XXX...

I must admit that was a stupid post I made. I guess I basically "hate" the folks in charge of the CIFL for this year (not last year) and I'm in "speaking my mind" mode.

Nice Pentagon analogy!

[rams80]

No, there won't be any public announcement of a contingency plan. Of course not, and there shouldn't be just for the reason Jamie pointed.

The worrying point - since the media doesn't get much information from the league about the teams and games happening (or at least, they aren't putting nearly as much of it out there as they did in 2006), it's easier to report on negative stuff if players come complaining. There's no positive information to throw out there, anyways.

The biggest difference between Springfield and Battle Creek that could cripple things in Springfield if the league takes over? The media in Springfield is more than willing to trash the team. Battle Creek rarely even did their own newspaper reports on the Crunch, relying on copying/pasting league reports to the paper (no problem with that; just saying that's the difference here). If there's a problem, the Journal-Star will probably find it and report on it.

And poof, there goes indoor football in Springfield, Illinois, until someone with plenty of money (and a willingness to lose money for a year or better, but with a really good plan to make it work, like in Marion) comes along.

Springfield Paper's the State Journal-Register. Journal Star's the rag up in Peoria.

[exit322]

You are right, I got them mixed up.

That said, I'd say both have an equal affinity towards the sport. My bad.

[rams80]

You are right, I got them mixed up.

That said, I'd say both have an equal affinity towards the sport. My bad.

The editor did a write-up about the local outdoor semi-pro team. Pointed out one of the players also plays for Danville. I wonder if it occured to him that it would be easier for the players if Peoria still had an indoor team.

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/050207/KIR_BD3IESB3.073.php

'Course those rumors about "the Empire" seem to have some truth as well...

[exit322]

It would be a lot easier for the players if Peoria still had a team.

I think they'll have one sooner than later.

[exit322]

http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/113684.asp

This article makes it clear to me that they'll play out this year, but I'd go as far as to say that 2008 is probably a stretch at this point.

[indoorfootballfan]

I know for a fact that this team is officially bank-rolled for the rest of the 2007 season and have full expectations to return in 2008.

End of story outRAGEous

[exit322]

The one event I'd like to see to make me sure of that is all the players being paid for all the games they've played, not just the last one. If they're fully bankrolled and committed to doing it right, then the $20K or so shouldn't be a big deal.

[exit322]

From what I've heard, Steubenville/Summit County are probably more favored to go away than Springfield, though Steubenville might have a savior (and they need one) to come in.

Do Rumble players even get paid anymore? I've heard both ways.

[indoorfootballfan]

Springfield is not going anywhere. To say they are is nothing but a rumor.

[exit322]

Good to hear. Let's see how the rest of the year goes. How was attendance for the Marion game? I haven't been able to find it.

[Fez]

The stampede need new ownership immediately...

Stampede may be done

By MIKE MATHISON, Sports editor



STEUBENVILLE — The Steubenville Stampede may be done.

What started out as a promising season may end short of completion.

Owner Ramone Davenport is in financial difficulty and is actively shopping the organization to a new owner or new investors.

“It’s kind of hard to run an operation when there’s no support,” Davenport said. “I know in other cities, there is a need for indoor football and it draws well.

“In comparison to other cities, I need to see if it’s just Steubenville or the league (Continental Indoor Football League) in general.

“Coming in I knew it was an uphill battle, but, I didn’t know it would be that difficult. I’m an ego-driven person and I think I can do everything. I got into a situation where some things happened last year and I thought I could overcome them where people would see a new owner, a new team, a new league and people would flock to it if done correctly.

“The intentions and the effort is there. In actuality, I’m not getting the support for whatever the reason. Only the fans know the truth of why they are not coming out and supporting it.

“It’s hard for me to stay in business if I’m only getting 100 fans per game. If I’m only getting x-amount of people each game, I can’t stay in business that long.”

The players have not been paid in almost a month.

The Stampede, who started 4-0, are now 4-2 and the morale is as terrible as the fan support. It appeared there were more people in the stands at Vaccaro Field to watch Catholic Central and Toronto battle than in the stands at St. John Arena to watch Steubenville and New England battle.

“That’s what’s killing us,” said Stampede head coach Demetrius Ross. “It’s not the on-the-field stuff that’s killing us, it’s the off-the-field stuff that we can’t control like lack of support, lack of financial stability, bad ownership. It’s just pulling this team apart.

“How can I ask my guys to go out here and give me the effort that it’s going to take to win us a championship and to be successful on the field when we can’t practice. We don’t have trainers. We can’t practice because guys are scared of getting hurt and guys can’t get to practice because they haven’t been paid in four weeks and they have no money to put in the gas tank.

“I’ve got local guys that can’t eat. I’m begging restaurants to allow my players to eat. I don’t know what more I can ask from them. They’re giving me everything they got under the circumstances.

“And, this community, along with the ownership, is just killing this team. And, it’s a shame because we are a good team. We are truly a good team.

“And, we’ve been hit with adversity off the field and, finally, it’s caught up to us on the field.

“It’s not us. It’s nothing that we’re doing.”

Davenport admits the players have not been paid.

“There is some back pay that needs to be paid,” he said. “Just based on five home games we’ve had, we haven’t hit 1,500 people in five home games combined. That’s probably a record right there.

“It is rough for me right now to stay afloat. I’ve spoken with other investors within the city and hopefully somebody steps up and wants to invest in this thing to keep this thing in Steubenville.

“Right now is extremely difficult for myself. You can be a millionaire and come into a situation with a lack of sponsorship dollars from the start, and not getting fan support on top of that, how can you survive like that? I am stuck in a situation where I don’t know what to do other than get the guys paid up the best I can.

“I do not have the answer why people aren’t coming. I don’t foresee it getting any better.

“My pride is telling me let’s get through the year, moving the team or possibly selling it to local ownership. I may look at it that fans aren’t coming because they want local ownership. I don’t know.

“I take full responsibility for it. I don’t like to give excuses why, it can be a number of things. The bottom line is, it’s happening and I have to get through it the best way that I can.

“I am actively trying to get the players paid up.

“People not been paid. But, look what I’m working with. I’m not even getting 500 fans a game and why? That’s the golden question. No one can really give me the answer that I’m looking for or what can be done better. People are pointing fingers at me, which is cool, I can deal with that. But, at the same time, help the situation out.

“This has been a strain on me mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s a strain on my family to hold onto something that may be possibly out of my league. Even with the things I possibly might do, people still may not come.

“If I spend $10,000 in advertising, what if that’s not the answer.”

This is not the same team that began the season. They are the same players, but not the same team.

“It’s not the same team. It’s not the same team, morale is down,” said Ross. “How do you build morale? How do you boost morale? You do you have guys that get up and are afraid to go out here and play hard because, if they get hurt, we got to tell them, ‘you’re on your own, our insurance is not going to cover everything because we decided to go the cheapest route because we have no money.”

“Workman’s comp already is initially paid to get it started,” said the owner. “We pay that in six-month premiums and we haven’t been around for six months. People don’t know how workman’s comp is actually set up.”

“It’s just crazy. It’s just crazy what we’re asking these players to come out here and do,” said Ross. “I feel bad about asking them to play another game under these circumstances. We need community support. We need community stability in order for this team to succeed.”

So, will there be a game at 7 p.m. Saturday against Springfield at St. John Arena?

“It’s hard for me to answer that, I haven’t spoken with the coach,” said Davenport. “I can’t really guarantee that, I can only hope. I can’t also step up and say these guys have to play. These guys are grown men, like myself.

“I’m looking at definitely more investors and looking toward the league to come in and give some guidance and assistance on what to do to make it through the year.”

Davenport also owns the Summit County Rumble.

“I bought both teams late,” he said. “I bought Steubenville in January. I bought Wayne County in July, but we moved in January. I have not had a full year to advertise and have sponsorship dollars. The Akron market is not a burnt market.

“Honestly, Steubenville is going to be difficult after what happened last year and what is going on right now. It’s going to be difficult for anyone coming in and be hard for them to do indoor football.

“That person has to have deep, deep, deep pockets. It’s going to take a lot of money to resurrect it where people actually are coming out.

“I think the interest is gone.”

“I signed up for the good and the bad,” said Ross. “I signed up with every intention of having help — help by the community if I did my part by putting a successful great team out there with great character and great ability.

“Because everyone told me, ‘you’re going to get the support if you win.’ Well, we were 4-0 and we still only had maybe 600 or 700 people here and most of them were giveaways.

“It’s hard to get up for things like this and keep morale up on my players when every time they come out of the tunnel and want to celebrate and look up and there’s nobody there to enjoy it.

“It’s tough. It’s real hard and it is frustrating. But, you know, it comes with the territory. So, am I taking it? I don’t have no choice. We’re going to do the best that we can under these circumstances.

“But, I don’t know if I can ask them to play another game under those same conditions.”

(Mathison can be contacted at mmathison@heraldstaronline.com)

[exit322]

That's in line with what I've heard.

Let this be a lesson...don't listen to league management in any league. If you can't afford to lose the money, don't start a team. It's too expensive, and requires a lot of hard work to get anything out of it.

And don't blame the fans - it makes your franchise worthless when all anyone sees is "well, I could buy this, but the customer base won't spend any money, so I won't."

[ChampionOfSteel]

The stampede need new ownership immediately...

Stampede may be done

By MIKE MATHISON, Sports editor

STEUBENVILLE — The Steubenville Stampede may be done.

What started out as a promising season may end short of completion.

Owner Ramone Davenport is in financial difficulty and is actively shopping the organization to a new owner or new investors.

“It’s kind of hard to run an operation when there’s no support,” Davenport said. “I know in other cities, there is a need for indoor football and it draws well.

“In comparison to other cities, I need to see if it’s just Steubenville or the league (Continental Indoor Football League) in general.

It's the league. Your games aren't competitive. Blowouts are the rule, not the exception.

“Coming in I knew it was an uphill battle, but, I didn’t know it would be that difficult. I’m an ego-driven person and I think I can do everything. I got into a situation where some things happened last year and I thought I could overcome them where people would see a new owner, a new team, a new league and people would flock to it if done correctly.

The games were lopsided. Therefore people lost faith in the current game system/talent parity. If fans aren't having fun, they won't come back.

“The intentions and the effort is there. In actuality, I’m not getting the support for whatever the reason. Only the fans know the truth of why they are not coming out and supporting it.

What? I speak Spanish?! My voice doesn't count? Dude, I warned you guys not to expand until your game system was perfected. You had something peculiar from last year that did not get address -- lopsided scores.

“It’s hard for me to stay in business if I’m only getting 100 fans per game. If I’m only getting x-amount of people each game, I can’t stay in business that long.”

And your point is? What are you saying?

The players have not been paid in almost a month.

The Stampede, who started 4-0, are now 4-2 and the morale is as terrible as the fan support. It appeared there were more people in the stands at Vaccaro Field to watch Catholic Central and Toronto battle than in the stands at St. John Arena to watch Steubenville and New England battle.

“That’s what’s killing us,” said Stampede head coach Demetrius Ross. “It’s not the on-the-field stuff that’s killing us, it’s the off-the-field stuff that we can’t control like lack of support, lack of financial stability, bad ownership. It’s just pulling this team apart.

No coach, it's on the field. It's the lopsided game scores and that is on the field.

“How can I ask my guys to go out here and give me the effort that it’s going to take to win us a championship and to be successful on the field when we can’t practice. We don’t have trainers. We can’t practice because guys are scared of getting hurt and guys can’t get to practice because they haven’t been paid in four weeks and they have no money to put in the gas tank.

“I’ve got local guys that can’t eat. I’m begging restaurants to allow my players to eat. I don’t know what more I can ask from them. They’re giving me everything they got under the circumstances.

A problem definition is in order before you seek a solution.

“And, this community, along with the ownership, is just killing this team.

Bull. I've gone to CIFL games. It's your game system and talent parity that is killing you. Don't expect folks to flock out to the arena for a lopsided game.

And, it’s a shame because we are a good team. We are truly a good team.

No one wanted to see the LA Lakers in the 80s and 90s continue to win big either. Fans got bored with the lack of parity back then too.

“And, we’ve been hit with adversity off the field and, finally, it’s caught up to us on the field.

“It’s not us. It’s nothing that we’re doing.”

Davenport admits the players have not been paid.

“There is some back pay that needs to be paid,” he said. “Just based on five home games we’ve had, we haven’t hit 1,500 people in five home games combined. That’s probably a record right there.

“It is rough for me right now to stay afloat. I’ve spoken with other investors within the city and hopefully somebody steps up and wants to invest in this thing to keep this thing in Steubenville.

Are we going to change the game system/talent parity? If not, how in pray-tell do you expect to sell the idea to another wealthy person to takeover?

“Right now is extremely difficult for myself. You can be a millionaire and come into a situation with a lack of sponsorship dollars from the start, and not getting fan support on top of that, how can you survive like that? I am stuck in a situation where I don’t know what to do other than get the guys paid up the best I can.

Your heart is in the right place.

“I do not have the answer why people aren’t coming.

You have got to be kidding me?!

I don’t foresee it getting any better.

That's true. Don't expect a different result under the same circumstances.

“My pride is telling me let’s get through the year, moving the team or possibly selling it to local ownership. I may look at it that fans aren’t coming because they want local ownership. I don’t know.

1) Your product currently is not entertaining -- lopsided scores.

2) Your league people speak to the general public without restraint and with crassness and people perhaps saw words coming out of Steubenville and tagged the entire league as bush league? Just my guess.

3) Your league expanded to fast and as a result you don't have the wealthy regional interest to spit-and-polish the game system/talent parity, etc. in new towns with the same number of
teams (6 teams in the league each year) to get the ultimate goal -- great entertainment for the fans.

“I take full responsibility for it. I don’t like to give excuses why, it can be a number of things. The bottom line is, it’s happening and I have to get through it the best way that I can.

“I am actively trying to get the players paid up.

“People not been paid. But, look what I’m working with. I’m not even getting 500 fans a game and why? That’s the golden question. No one can really give me the answer that I’m looking for or what can be done better. People are pointing fingers at me, which is cool, I can deal with that. But, at the same time, help the situation out.

No one can really give you an answer? Dude, nothing can make the situation better if you game system/parity issue isn't fixed and you are looking elsewhere. Spraying a full toilet with Rose Garden aroma only turns it into a garden with poop in it.

“This has been a strain on me mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s a strain on my family to hold onto something that may be possibly out of my league. Even with the things I possibly might do, people still may not come.

You're right. Problem definition is in order.

“If I spend $10,000 in advertising, what if that’s not the answer.”

You didn't have the education for this from the get-go. Your heart is there, but you got roped into something you didn't have any business being in right now. But, you can always try again in the future ....

This is not the same team that began the season. They are the same players, but not the same team.

“It’s not the same team. It’s not the same team, morale is down,” said Ross. “How do you build morale? How do you boost morale? You do you have guys that get up and are afraid to go out here and play hard because, if they get hurt, we got to tell them, ‘you’re on your own, our insurance is not going to cover everything because we decided to go the cheapest route because we have no money.”

I would not take the risk as a player. This has nothing to do with you personally.

“Workman’s comp already is initially paid to get it started,” said the owner. “We pay that in six-month premiums and we haven’t been around for six months. People don’t know how workman’s comp is actually set up.”

“It’s just crazy. It’s just crazy what we’re asking these players to come out here and do,” said Ross. “I feel bad about asking them to play another game under these circumstances. We need community support. We need community stability in order for this team to succeed.”

So, will there be a game at 7 p.m. Saturday against Springfield at St. John Arena?

“It’s hard for me to answer that, I haven’t spoken with the coach,” said Davenport. “I can’t really guarantee that, I can only hope. I can’t also step up and say these guys have to play. These guys are grown men, like myself.

Heart is in the right place, but your education is insufficient and you got screwed.

“I’m looking at definitely more investors and looking toward the league to come in and give some guidance and assistance on what to do to make it through the year.”

Tough sell.

Davenport also owns the Summit County Rumble.

Shame on the league's home office in having someone with your personal net worth take on a second team. I would have folded the Summit County team and redo the schedule before the league opener.

“I bought both teams late,” he said. “I bought Steubenville in January. I bought Wayne County in July, but we moved in January. I have not had a full year to advertise and have sponsorship dollars.

Again, you have no business owning two teams. You aren't Trump.


-out of space-

[cardsrule22]

I was told that the owner left town with his tail between his legs after D low discovered there was quite a bit of money unaccounted for. Multiple bills were still not paid and he owes the players pay for two weeks. I heard also that he went to practice before leaving town and two guys beat him up pretty badly and he ended up in the emurgency room. This was backed up by two players.

[Jamie]

Are you talking about Springfield or Steubenville?

[exit322]

That'd be Springfield.

Ramone hasn't left town yet, as far as I know, but it will be with his tail between his legs.

Let this be a lesson: You can't make money in indoor football if you don't ever spend a dime on anything. It's not possible. Indoor football isn't Wal-Mart where everyone congregates to it when it's built.

[jwalters]

Goodness 10k on advertising is nothing. That is less than $2,000 per home game. You really need no less than 4 or 5,000 to market and advertise per home game. That way you can inform people of the product and give them a show. What is wrong with these people? Did Springfield market at all?

[sportsguy12]

the markets are too small and the expansion of the league came too fast. They should have added 2 teams and not 10. These owners don't realize THEY AREN'T GOING TO BREAK EVEN OR MAKE MONEY. So what happens is ... they have misconceptions about making money. So they don't have money to start then when it runs dry, it's a bloodbath.

Now they're in a pickle because they have to play games or refund ticket money. But they can't because they can't play their players.

[cardsrule22]

Goodness 10k on advertising is nothing. That is less than $2,000 per home game. You really need no less than 4 or 5,000 to market and advertise per home game. That way you can inform people of the product and give them a show. What is wrong with these people? Did Springfield market at all?


They run tv and radio commercials all the time and I dont think that was the problem. There is alot of money that is un-acounted for and that is the reason for the problems. D low and Chris have stepped in to take control of the team witch is a good move. The players were paid from the moment they took over. They are trying to get the team back on its feet without cheating or lying to everybody like the guy that was running it. That Getys guy got out of town quickly. There was a story in last Fridays newspaper about it.

[exit322]

I'd say the city saw right through Gettys. Better ownership is now the public face of that team, and I think that'll help the Stallions right quick. I know though attendance was still fairly low this past weekend, considering the week that they had, the ownership was pleased there is something to build on.

And build on it, I think, they will.

[OutRAGEous]

The "New" Owners of the Stallions who were supposed to "Step Up" and pay the players did so, but only for one game, the one since they took over the team. What kind of garbage is that? They were involved from the beginning and they owe the players for 3 other games.

Again, this is just another example of an under-financed team of wannabees. They have no clue what it takes to run a professional sports team and are in the process of destroying a market.

If they paid their bills like they were supposed to, they would not make the season and I still have my doubts, even with them burning the players for the first three games worth of pay.

[rams80]

The "New" Owners of the Stallions who were supposed to "Step Up" and pay the players did so, but only for one game, the one since they took over the team. What kind of garbage is that? They were involved from the beginning and they owe the players for 3 other games.

Again, this is just another example of an under-financed team of wannabees. They have no clue what it takes to run a professional sports team and are in the process of destroying a market.

If they paid their bills like they were supposed to, they would not make the season and I still have my doubts, even with them burning the players for the first three games worth of pay.

First off, let me say that Springfield is not much of a market anyway, so destroying it doesn't fall into my "end of the world" file.

Second, though, what is your agenda against this team? Are you one of the players? It seems like every post you make is directed against Springfield.

[cardsrule22]

The "New" Owners of the Stallions who were supposed to "Step Up" and pay the players did so, but only for one game, the one since they took over the team. What kind of garbage is that? They were involved from the beginning and they owe the players for 3 other games.

Again, this is just another example of an under-financed team of wannabees. They have no clue what it takes to run a professional sports team and are in the process of destroying a market.

If they paid their bills like they were supposed to, they would not make the season and I still have my doubts, even with them burning the players for the first three games worth of pay.

Just read your post and called one of the players on the team. He said that one of the things that Getys pulled was he never leagally made the other investors owners of the team. When they found out they took the necessary action to leagally become owners. Getys said he would pay the players for the two weeks that he owed them money. D low and Chris were not liable for paying the players until the Kalamizoo game. They paid them the first practice after that game and have a financial commitment to cover costs for the rest of the season.

If you have a problem with D low why dont you tell it to his face instead of posting under a bogus title?

The GM also quit after the mess went down last week. He is owed thousands of dollars from Getys.

Word also came out that Getys sold part of the team to a guy from Philadelphia and never told anybody. That part owner flew in to town last week after everything happened to help get things get turned around. It was news to D low and Chris and the guy had the returned check to prove it. So he was screwing people not even close to Springfield also.

They have also hired a new director of business operations and another office person to help in the process.

The players are excited about how things are going now and every single one of them has committed to the guys. In fact they said even if things got really tight they would never walk away because they believe they can turn it around.

If you have a problem with the way the team is ran now you can always email your concerns to D low. I am sure he would love to hear from you. He is a great guy and he is loaded. Money should not be an issue anymore.

[ChampionOfSteel]

.
.
.
“I’ve got local guys that can’t eat. I’m begging restaurants to allow my players to eat. I don’t know what more I can ask from them. They’re giving me everything they got under the circumstances.
.
.
.


This is why World League/NFL Europa didn't/doesn't have a team in Somalia. The players would be climbing over the boards and into the crowd asking for a bite of everyone's hotdog/popcorn.

[ChampionOfSteel]

I was told that the owner left town with his tail between his legs after D low discovered there was quite a bit of money unaccounted for. Multiple bills were still not paid and he owes the players pay for two weeks. I heard also that he went to practice before leaving town and two guys beat him up pretty badly and he ended up in the emurgency room. This was backed up by two players.

Can anyone else confirm this?

[OutRAGEous]

Just read your post and called one of the players on the team. He said that one of the things that Gettys pulled was he never leagally made the other investors owners of the team. When they found out they took the necessary action to leagally become owners. Getys said he would pay the players for the two weeks that he owed them money. D low and Chris were not liable for paying the players until the Kalamizoo game. They paid them the first practice after that game and have a financial commitment to cover costs for the rest of the season.

This is nothing but a matter of semantics. D Lo Brown joined the ownership group before the beginning of training camp. If it was never made official, then, that is HIS fault, NOT the players. If he has all the money that it is reported that he has, then he should do the morally right thing and PAY THE PLAYERS what he owes them.

If there is an issue with the other owner, that should be between D Lo, Chris and Gettys. Why should the players who have been operating in good faith miss 3 weeks worth of pay because of poor business practices by ALL the owners.

IF D LO IS A STAND-UP GUY, HE WILL PAY THE PLAYERS AND COACHES WHAT THEY ARE OWED!

[exit322]

That's one of the interesting parts about it - legally, if they pay Gettys' bills, they might not be able to collect on whatever he took.

[OutRAGEous]

Pay what you owe! It isn't the player's fault that you made a bad choice for a partner. The players always get left holding the bag because they play for the passion of the game and the owners use that very passion against them.

If these owners are really the guys they want to portray to be and if they have the money they say they have, which I question, then pay the players their back salaries.

If their partner stiffed them, then go after the partner. By not stepping up and paying the players their back salary, they are no different than the other owner who left. They knew the players weren't being paid, it had been brought up to them on several ocassions.

So, it is time to stop defending the owners and have them step up and do what they signed on to do, pay the bills of the team.

But, that is not the only thing wrong with the team. They are poorly coached, poorly populated with professional players and the team is generally poorly run because all those involved come from the semi-pro mentality. It has been that way since day one.

[exit322]

Oh, I'm starting to question the "how much money these people have," too.

[exit322]

APPARENTLY - the word out of Steubenville is that they're going to be hosting SUMMIT COUNTY this weekend; that Springfield is done. Trying to find out more.

[rowbo]

Wow. I can't believe how much drama is going on. Thanks again for the heads up and keeping others up to speed.

I'm just amazed at the ownership and what they've done. How they've just "screwed" people. League officials really need to get it together and get it done, if they ever want their league continuing.

[Eric Spitaleri]

I dont know where the word out of Steubenville came from, but the word from the CIFL is that Springfield will be in town Saturday night.

[exit322]

I dont know where the word out of Steubenville came from, but the word from the CIFL is that Springfield will be in town Saturday night.

Good, that's what I like to hear. Hopefully it's true.

[coffin]

I heard tonight, from a very reliable source who happened to be on his way to the Springfield arena to pick up all the gear, that Springfield is done. Apparently the old owner owes the league quite a bit of money that they want by Friday. New owners weren't planning on doing that.

[KevinJKeller]

I'm going to echo the sentiment of what Eric said. Springfield will be there playing on Saturday against the Steubenville Stampede. Don't know where these rumors came from, but they are exactly that, rumors.

Springfield has not folded.

[exit322]

http://www.sj-r.com/sections/sports/stories/114207.asp

Then you better tell the newspaper, unless someone pays up in the next 108 minutes.

[exit322]

I'm pretty sure the team's GM won't be around, since word is that he signed with a different team (Lakin was also Springfield's kicker).

And he has all the team equipment, as far as I know...

[coffin]

He'll be in Houston by the morning.

Signed with the Iowa Blackhawks and will play with them tomorrow evening @ Conroe Storm.

[exit322]

Doesn't he have all of Springfield's equipment?

If he does, how they gonna go to Steubenville and play?

[coffin]

He has all of the shoulder pads at minimum and was going back to the arena to pick up more. Not sure if he made it or not. I do know he needed to provide the arena with all the receipts for the equipment before he was allowed to leave with them.

[exit322]

Understandable. If he made the purchase, he probably does.

[AllTheRage]

Did Springfield fold, officially? Are they making the trip to Stubenville?
What is the latest word?

One of their players told me that he was waiting on a call to play or not and he never received a call.

[ChampionOfSteel]

How do you spell CIFL?

b-u-s-h l-e-a-g-u-e

[Minor League Man]

How do you spell CIFL?

b-u-s-h l-e-a-g-u-e
You got somethin' against our President?

[Sykotyk]

I'm not sure who is showing up later today in Steubenville. I've been told it's Springfield. But, I've also been told that most, if not all, of the previous Stallions players weren't making the trip.

I'm not sure, but I'll be on here later tonight/tomorrow to recap the exact situation.

Sykotyk

[ChampionOfSteel]

You got somethin' against our President?

My bad.

k-e-r-r-y l-e-a-g-u-e

[ChampionOfSteel]

I'm not sure who is showing up later today in Steubenville. I've been told it's Springfield. But, I've also been told that most, if not all, of the previous Stallions players weren't making the trip.

I'm not sure, but I'll be on here later tonight/tomorrow to recap the exact situation.

Sykotyk

From the Stampede game. Coincidence or not that the audio failed? Me thinks it was a deliberate to cover up the topic of Springfield (educated guess).

http://www.sportsjuice.com/broadcaster2.aspx?bid=MTk1-0Xwy9eUVWds%3d

7:15:00 PM CIFL - Springfield at Steubenville
"Tech difficulties at arena. No webcast tonight."

[exit322]

I talked to someone neutral at the game; legit technical difficulties.

About half the real Stallions roster showed up, the rest semi-pro fill ins.

[Sykotyk]

First issue was that this was as if a whole new staff was doing a game with three days notice. A lot of minor problems cropped up from PA audio, microphone problems, power problems, and issues with the feed.

As for the game, a good 700-800 showed up. All paid. The crowd was one of the most emotional I've seen for a game. Great from start to finish. I'd say there was still 600+ in the building when the game was over, which is a testiment to the fans who did show up. A lot have come around thanks to Mr. Maiuri's 3-day media blitz. A Big Red-Edison playoff baseball game at 6pm really dwindled the sports fans from showing up. About 1,000-1,400 or so were at Vaccarro Field watching that game.

It was a disapointment, but very promising.

As for Springfield, most, if not all, the starters stayed home. It was backups and fill-ins. The team played very tough, and didn't give up hardly anything. They had trouble moving the ball, but their ball control was great. Their only two turnovers were a miracle INT (Thrower was rushing the QB, the QB tried to through over his head right before getting sacked, and Thrower reached up and just took it from his hands) and a very late hail-mary INT. The TD by Springfield was earned fairly, although the field position on that possession could've been better. The Stampede kickoff was returned back to their own 10 or so.

#16 for the Stallions is an amazing athlete, playing QB for them. He took a pounding, but was extremely tough to bring down, and very quick at making cuts to escape danger. He alone kept the Stampede possession time down by hammering out 4-7 play drives that ate the clock, despite not getting points.

As for all the two-point conversions, there was 6 footballs the team had, and without the Stampede having a kicker this week, it was best to just go for two every time. They converted on all but two of them, I believe.

Hopefully things work out with the team.

Sykotyk

[ChampionOfSteel]

Hopefully things work out with the team.

I thought someone took the uniforms away a day or two earlier? What did Springfield wear?

I find it hard to believe without adequate nutrition earlier in the week they beat a bunch of semi pro guys that got to eat.

[KevinJKeller]

If you want the whole story on what happened this week with the Springfield Stallions, visit the following link:

http://www.continentalindoorfootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=26

It's been a trying week for that organization, to say the least.

[ChampionOfSteel]

If you want the whole story on what happened this week with the Springfield Stallions, visit the following link:

http://www.continentalindoorfootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=26

It's been a trying week for that organization, to say the least.

And this all could have been prevented if you guys didn't expand to 14 teams and beyond your financial means by playing it conservative. Right Kevin?

Are we (you and Eric and company) learning anything?

[exit322]

The situation in Battle Creek wasn't much better, though it certainly was better (all of the Crunch players played all the games).

[Eric Spitaleri]

And this all could have been prevented if you guys didn't expand to 14 teams and beyond your financial means by playing it conservative. Right Kevin?

Are we (you and Eric and company) learning anything?

Yes, as a matter of fact I am learning something. I am learning to stop coming to this board because you 2 go on and on about the same stuff, over an over again!!!

[exit322]

I will say, it was a neat touch to sign the semi-pro replacement guys to contracts.

[Sykotyk]

Yeah, that surprises me. Are we sure those weren't liability waivers as well?

haha

Sykotyk

[coffin]

[QUOTE=ChampionOfSteel;48238]I thought someone took the uniforms away a day or two earlier? What did Springfield wear? QUOTE]

The article did say that they were fortunate enough to be able to sign someone that had an entire stock of gear, including uniforms, that they were able to outfit the team with. That's handy.

[WorcShark]

If you want the whole story on what happened this week with the Springfield Stallions, visit the following link:

http://www.continentalindoorfootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=26

It's been a trying week for that organization, to say the least.

You guys only want your side of the story out. You got several people asking why their posts have been deleted. I've seen their posts. Obviously they didn't like the way things were handled, but they weren't malicious. For example, the only way I can see this attached post deleted was if it truly wasn't the coach (and if that's the case, I will delete from here). I knew from previous discussions that this would be deleted on the CIFL message baord, which is why I saved it. Care to discuss why? I know people have asked and got NO answers. (please note I am not the coach - just copied his post before it got deleted "over there")


To whom it may concern:

This is an "official" press release from Coach Gade of the Springfield Stallions.

The press release that the league has put forth concerning last weeks game in Stubenville is inaccurate. I spoke with a reporter from the State Journal Register, and Mike Berman from news channel 20 on Saturday night. My players, staff and I, along with released players have waited, and waited, and waited, for answers to numerous questions throughout the year. Payment to us all, back pay on equipment deposits, and travel to away games, just to name a few. As this past weekend approached, the following happened leading up to Saturdays game:

Thursday 05/10/07: At approximately 11:30am I received a phone call from D-Lo stating that the team was folding. He said, "It would cost us $20,000 before we could even get us (team) on a bus". At that point I contacted my coaching staff and informed them of the situation. We decided to still have "practice" but the coaches wanted to tell the players in person, then have an unofficial one last team meal. By 2:30 pm Kris Underwood called me and said we may not be folding, there was a "Plan A, and a Plan B". Kris said that Plan A would get us through the rest of the season, and into next year. When I inquired on Plan B, Kris stated, "It would require players to take a pay cut, and the numbers were not figured out yet, but pray for Plan A. It would be a waste of time to even go into details about plan A." Kris stated that we would know the answer by sometime Friday 05/11/07 around 2:00 pm.

Friday 05/11/07: I received a call from D-LO at approximately 2:00 saying that we would be playing our next home game, but he was unsure about playing on Saturday. I told D-lo that I made the decision to tell the players we were not playing on Saturday. There was no travel arrangements made yet, and my players had waited around enough this year. The ownership needed to get something done for the following weekend, but I gave my guys the weekend off.
I then spoke with KEVIN KELLER, from the CIFL. He asked me if I knew what was going on, and I said yes, but wanted his version. Keller stated that there would be a Springfield Stallions team playing in Stubenville this weekend. He asked me if I could ship our away Jersey's and our helmets. I explained to Mr. Keller that I did not know who had our away jerseys, and that there was no chance of getting the helmets. He asked me why? I explained to him that players were REQUIRED by Mr. GETTEYS to submit a $300.00 equipment deposit, to cover the team in case a player was released and team equipment was not returned. That equipment is the players until they are released by this team. Many of the people owed $300.00 are players that were already released: Pete Smysor, Brad Albertini, just to name two off the top of my head. It is my assumption that the CIFL had a team play in Stubenville, as the Springfield Stallions, as so the Stubenville organization did not loose out on any of their revenue, a decision I completely understand.

Monday 05/14/07- I have received numerous calls from players and D-Lo in regards to the CIFL press release, and comments posted on their web forum. It was NOT the players decision not to travel it was MINE! I did not want guys sitting around AGAIN waiting for a call from me on Saturday night at 10:00 pm saying get to Springfield were traveling to Ohio at 5:00 am, it's not fair to the players. The players did NOT steal any equipment. You cannot steal what is yours. After speaking to D-LO for 20 minutes, he has stated that equipment is the players, not the organizations. This quote in the league press release, was not his: “We weren’t winning and we needed a change; something that was going to differentiate this team from the old and that’s what we got,” said Brown. “Did those guys win, no; but did they represent our organization with hard work and determination, absolutely.”

Mr. Keller on the CIFL Forum states that our players should have traveled on their own 8 hours to an away game, to not be compensated in any way, to drive back 8 hours!!! Then he claims that players have stolen equipment from the team. Sorry MR. Keller you have made an uneducated comment, especially after you and I spoke Friday early evening.

So where do we stand? I can tell you this much from my side, I am in the process of calling current players. I am basically telling them this: If you want to play, basically with no guarantee of ANY type of payment, we will play on Saturday. I have told players and owners, as long as I have a good core group of current players, I will coach, even play if I have to. I WILL not coach a team filled with just signed players for this week. It is a reflection of the loyalty players have given me. This team and coaching staff have been through heck and back, yet week in and week out, the players and coaches show up. We may not have a win, and I will take full responsibility for that, but showing up each week to play and coach a game, knowing that your probably not going to get paid, shows me that all of the guys here have character, and a loyalty to the coaching staff.
I have contacted approximately 7 current players, all who have stated: "Coach if you guys will be there, I'll be there, paid or not".



In the end, players play, coaches coach, and neither of the two sides on this team have ever wavered on their commitment to each other. I just want the people who read this, write about it or just blow it off to know this:

- Don't ever be angry at the players of the Springfield Stallions.

- I sincerely apologize on behalf of the Coaches and Players to any and all of our sponsors, for not playing and coaching up to the potential we have. Thank you for all that you have done up to this point.

-Thanks to Tom and Brian at the Center. You guys have been great to the players and staff.

-Thanks to the numerous people who have helped through the year. Especially both Coach Leonard's. I NEVER stated in my interview with the SJ-R that Coach Ken was a member of the staff. It was stated however, that he merely was in Carlinville, and stopped by to assist with one practice.




Respectfully,

Coach Gade

[ChampionOfSteel]

You guys only want your side of the story out. You got several people asking why their posts have been deleted. I've seen their posts. Obviously they didn't like the way things were handled, but they weren't malicious. For example, the only way I can see this attached post deleted was if it truly wasn't the coach (and if that's the case, I will delete from here). I knew from previous discussions that this would be deleted on the CIFL message baord, which is why I saved it. Care to discuss why? I know people have asked and got NO answers.

To whom it may concern:

This is an "official" press release from Coach Gade of the Springfield Stallions.

The press release that the league has put forth concerning last weeks game in Stubenville is inaccurate. I spoke with a reporter from the State Journal Register, and Mike Berman from news channel 20 on Saturday night. My players, staff and I, along with released players have waited, and waited, and waited, for answers to numerous questions throughout the year. Payment to us all, back pay on equipment deposits, and travel to away games, just to name a few. As this past weekend approached, the following happened leading up to Saturdays game:

Thursday 05/10/07: At approximately 11:30am I received a phone call from D-Lo stating that the team was folding. He said, "It would cost us $20,000 before we could even get us (team) on a bus". At that point I contacted my coaching staff and informed them of the situation. We decided to still have "practice" but the coaches wanted to tell the players in person, then have an unofficial one last team meal. By 2:30 pm Kris Underwood called me and said we may not be folding, there was a "Plan A, and a Plan B". Kris said that Plan A would get us through the rest of the season, and into next year. When I inquired on Plan B, Kris stated, "It would require players to take a pay cut, and the numbers were not figured out yet, but pray for Plan A. It would be a waste of time to even go into details about plan A." Kris stated that we would know the answer by sometime Friday 05/11/07 around 2:00 pm.

Friday 05/11/07: I received a call from D-LO at approximately 2:00 saying that we would be playing our next home game, but he was unsure about playing on Saturday. I told D-lo that I made the decision to tell the players we were not playing on Saturday. There was no travel arrangements made yet, and my players had waited around enough this year. The ownership needed to get something done for the following weekend, but I gave my guys the weekend off.
I then spoke with KEVIN KELLER, from the CIFL. He asked me if I knew what was going on, and I said yes, but wanted his version. Keller stated that there would be a Springfield Stallions team playing in Stubenville this weekend. He asked me if I could ship our away Jersey's and our helmets. I explained to Mr. Keller that I did not know who had our away jerseys, and that there was no chance of getting the helmets. He asked me why? I explained to him that players were REQUIRED by Mr. GETTEYS to submit a $300.00 equipment deposit, to cover the team in case a player was released and team equipment was not returned. That equipment is the players until they are released by this team. Many of the people owed $300.00 are players that were already released: Pete Smysor, Brad Albertini, just to name two off the top of my head. It is my assumption that the CIFL had a team play in Stubenville, as the Springfield Stallions, as so the Stubenville organization did not loose out on any of their revenue, a decision I completely understand.

Monday 05/14/07- I have received numerous calls from players and D-Lo in regards to the CIFL press release, and comments posted on their web forum. It was NOT the players decision not to travel it was MINE! I did not want guys sitting around AGAIN waiting for a call from me on Saturday night at 10:00 pm saying get to Springfield were traveling to Ohio at 5:00 am, it's not fair to the players. The players did NOT steal any equipment. You cannot steal what is yours. After speaking to D-LO for 20 minutes, he has stated that equipment is the players, not the organizations. This quote in the league press release, was not his: “We weren’t winning and we needed a change; something that was going to differentiate this team from the old and that’s what we got,” said Brown. “Did those guys win, no; but did they represent our organization with hard work and determination, absolutely.”

Mr. Keller on the CIFL Forum states that our players should have traveled on their own 8 hours to an away game, to not be compensated in any way, to drive back 8 hours!!! Then he claims that players have stolen equipment from the team. Sorry MR. Keller you have made an uneducated comment, especially after you and I spoke Friday early evening.

So where do we stand? I can tell you this much from my side, I am in the process of calling current players. I am basically telling them this: If you want to play, basically with no guarantee of ANY type of payment, we will play on Saturday. I have told players and owners, as long as I have a good core group of current players, I will coach, even play if I have to. I WILL not coach a team filled with just signed players for this week. It is a reflection of the loyalty players have given me. This team and coaching staff have been through heck and back, yet week in and week out, the players and coaches show up. We may not have a win, and I will take full responsibility for that, but showing up each week to play and coach a game, knowing that your probably not going to get paid, shows me that all of the guys here have character, and a loyalty to the coaching staff.
I have contacted approximately 7 current players, all who have stated: "Coach if you guys will be there, I'll be there, paid or not".



In the end, players play, coaches coach, and neither of the two sides on this team have ever wavered on their commitment to each other. I just want the people who read this, write about it or just blow it off to know this:

- Don't ever be angry at the players of the Springfield Stallions.

- I sincerely apologize on behalf of the Coaches and Players to any and all of our sponsors, for not playing and coaching up to the potential we have. Thank you for all that you have done up to this point.

-Thanks to Tom and Brian at the Center. You guys have been great to the players and staff.

-Thanks to the numerous people who have helped through the year. Especially both Coach Leonard's. I NEVER stated in my interview with the SJ-R that Coach Ken was a member of the staff. It was stated however, that he merely was in Carlinville, and stopped by to assist with one practice.




Respectfully,

Coach Gade


As a fan (former fan) of the CIFL, you have my support. I won't be attending any more CIFL games...and that includes Marion and Miami Valley until the NIFL-like folks currently in charge of the CIFL are terminated.

[cRUSHer]

I have a soft spot in my heart for the
fans who like football and especially for Josh ,
who had to tow the company line of bullpoop even
though he knew full well what the real deal was.

The CIFL seemed like a good idea at first.
But they seem to have gotten too big ,too fast.

It's something the `deuche' and NIFL goof up on
a regular basis that can be avoided unless
your sole goal (like the af2 and NIFL) is to
generate $$$ through mucho expansion fees
investors be damned.

[exit322]

It wasn't this bad last year; not even close.

But the CIFL is now a joke along the lines of those leagues, and that does make me sad.

[Dogs-Glads-Xtreme]

Call me crazy, but I don't see any resemblence between the CIFL and NIFL.

[ChampionOfSteel]

Call me crazy, but I don't see any resemblence between the CIFL and NIFL.

Think of it this way -- a dysfunctional family.

The oldest son (NIFL) goes quickly into debt by spending money he doesn't have.

The younger son (CIFL) enters the credit card environment two years later and goes quickly into debt as well.

The difference is, the older son is losing his possessions right now (team foreclosure) while the younger son still has at least 8 more months before the creditors come a knockin'.

They both are going down the same dumb road. The visual is the younger son is doing a little better than the older son...but that is only because the older son already has heavy debt that can no longer be postponed.

[exit322]

Think of it this way -- a dysfunctional family.

The oldest son (NIFL) goes quickly into debt by spending money he doesn't have.

The younger son (CIFL) enters the credit card environment two years later and goes quickly into debt as well.

The difference is, the older son is losing his possessions right now (team foreclosure) while the younger son still has at least 8 more months before the creditors come a knockin'.

They both are going down the same dumb road. The visual is the younger son is doing a little better than the older son...but that is only because the older son already has heavy debt that can no longer be postponed.

That's a pretty good analogy.

[Chief]

Hey I've been watching this board for awhile now and most of the time people are bashing the CIFL. Teams folding etc. Which by the way none have. People need to focus on what the CIFL has done positive like brining in the Chicago Slaughter, a MAJOR market to the league. I live in Chicago and I hear more about the Slaughter than I do the Rush. Why is this, because of strong teams marketing what they have. I've been to two Slaughter games and had a great time. They had like 6000 fans at the first one and like 4000 at the last one. So tell me that the CIFL is not doing things right and I would have to tell you look at the individual teams that are causing this. Besides the big leagues what other Indoor league has a major market ? This is just food for thought.

[phydeaux72]

Besides the big leagues what other Indoor league has a major market?

Just to name a few:

AIFA has Baltimore & Pittsburgh
af2 has Cincinnati, Louisville, Oklahoma City, Houston (Cy-Fair), Birmingham & Fresno
IFL has Houston (Katy) & Dallas/Ft. Worth (Frisco)
NIFL has San Diego

[Chief]

Thanks for the info. Looks like Af2 has most of them.

[exit322]

Hey I've been watching this board for awhile now and most of the time people are bashing the CIFL. Teams folding etc. Which by the way none have. People need to focus on what the CIFL has done positive like brining in the Chicago Slaughter, a MAJOR market to the league. I live in Chicago and I hear more about the Slaughter than I do the Rush. Why is this, because of strong teams marketing what they have. I've been to two Slaughter games and had a great time. They had like 6000 fans at the first one and like 4000 at the last one. So tell me that the CIFL is not doing things right and I would have to tell you look at the individual teams that are causing this. Besides the big leagues what other Indoor league has a major market ? This is just food for thought.

Yes, the people that took over for Margenau's (and the league's) mistake there have done a great job with the Slaughter. But the Rush are still selling out their games, while the Slaughter aren't. And losing a third of your attendance in one game is not a good sign, though 4000 a game is still plenty to make it with the rent they're paying.

[daytonadan]

Yes, as a matter of fact I am learning something. I am learning to stop coming to this board because you 2 go on and on about the same stuff, over an over again!!!

Do we really need to post anything else?

So instead, let me take the opportunity to plug Thursday's WIFL INTERnetwork audiocast of the Daytona Beach Thunder -- Augusta Spartans game featuring two of indoor football's top receiver. Listen to the play-by-play by of experienced indoor football communication professionals Dan Ryan and Brad Humphreys as they call the game, drop obscure pop culture references and continue to make fun of Ohio State's offensive line and 3-point shooting. After the game, read comprehensive coverage and see first-rate game photography on www.wifl.us. Imagine that -- same-day game coverage!

Again, that's Thursday night at 7:30 p.m on www.wifl.us and www.wifl.ezstream.com

[exit322]

Do we really need to post anything else?

So instead, let me take the opportunity to plug Thursday's WIFL INTERnetwork audiocast of the Daytona Beach Thunder -- Augusta Spartans game featuring two of indoor football's top receiver. Listen to the play-by-play by of experienced indoor football communication professionals Dan Ryan and Brad Humphreys as they call the game, drop obscure pop culture references and continue to make fun of Ohio State's offensive line and 3-point shooting. After the game, read comprehensive coverage and see first-rate game photography on www.wifl.us. Imagine that -- same-day game coverage!

Again, that's Thursday night at 7:30 p.m on www.wifl.us and www.wifl.ezstream.com

OSU's blocking did suck in that game, but I didn't watch the basketball game to know how that really was won or lost.

[gonzo13]

Florida never doubled down on Oden, instead they focused their defense on OSU's dangerous perimeter shooters. Once they took away the outside, Oden could score all he wanted, it just wasn't going to be enough.....



So back to the topic at hand, is that WIFLInternetwork top notch or what? ;)

[sportsguy12]

I have a soft spot in my heart for the
fans who like football and especially for Josh ,
who had to tow the company line of bullpoop even
though he knew full well what the real deal was.

The CIFL seemed like a good idea at first.
But they seem to have gotten too big ,too fast.

It's something the `deuche' and NIFL goof up on
a regular basis that can be avoided unless
your sole goal (like the af2 and NIFL) is to
generate $$$ through mucho expansion fees
investors be damned.

It is a minor league feeder system for players to move on to bigger and better things in the AFL. I guess giving pro players an opportunity to play is a bad idea? I'm not following the logic.

They don't even belong in the same breath as NIFL.

[sportsguy12]

Thanks for the info. Looks like Af2 has most of them.

the Slaughter would have more headlines than the Arena Football League champion.

[cardsrule22]

One of the owners told some of the players last night that they have no plans to fold and that the league is working with them to help them get threw the season. They plan to get threw this season and play in 2008 IN Springfield. The players said they will do whatever they have to do to help the owners get threw the season. He also told them that had Getys not taken the money that the team would have come close to breaking even this season even with low ticket sales. I am sure all of the negative people waiting for this team to fold will be disappointed! You guys can keep digging but this team is not going anywhere this year or next!

[exit322]

One of the owners told some of the players last night that they have no plans to fold and that the league is working with them to help them get threw the season. They plan to get threw this season and play in 2008 IN Springfield. The players said they will do whatever they have to do to help the owners get threw the season. He also told them that had Getys not taken the money that the team would have come close to breaking even this season even with low ticket sales. I am sure all of the negative people waiting for this team to fold will be disappointed! You guys can keep digging but this team is not going anywhere this year or next!

Good to hear! Hope it works out.

[preeths]

I don't know of anyone pulling for the team to fail. Hope it all works out.

[exit322]

I don't know of anyone pulling for the team to fail. Hope it all works out.

There is a lot of sentiment (and this isn't new just due to the team's follies) in Springfield that "oh, this thing has no prayer of actually working, what are these idiots doing?"

[cardsrule22]

It sounds like to me that the guys running the team now know what they are doing. Plus I think it helps when there is not a guy stealing money from the team. I also think that the guys are up front and honest with the guys instead of like the lying they dealt with before with Getys. Can't wait to watch the guys go for there first win this weekend my buddys are ready to start hitting someone!

[Chief]

I'm glad to hear things have gotten under control. I wish Springfield luck and it's sounds like the league stepped up and handled the crisis. Congrats to the CIFL. I guess all the peolple just waiting for them to fail will have to wait some more.:(

[preeths]

I think the sentiments of most are that they want to see all leagues correct any problems they have and continue to get better.

[Chief]

I agree. I wish all leagues the best. This is a fun sport to watch and I hope it continues to grow.:-D

[exit322]

I think the sentiments of most are that they want to see all leagues correct any problems they have and continue to get better.

What I mean - Springfield's a market that takes skepticism to a new level. And in this case, they turned out to be right.