Daytona Beach Thunder...done?

[centurionhater]

I've heard some unofficial rumors that the Thunder will fold. I know that the owners didn't pay the coaches last season...just hoping someone has more information.

[tony-o]

I'm surprised to hear this rumor. Daytona's owners helped prop up Columbus last year. To take the risk of starting up a second franchise, especially when the transfer of the club to the new owners wasn't a sure thing, you would think they are doing pretty good financially with their own team.

[preeths]

If I'm not mistaken, local ownership took over the Lions early last year.

[tony-o]

I believe it was more around the middle of last year that it became official(though the new owners were around from the preseason). Maybe they already had guys lined up from the near beginning, but I know that the Thunder owners did help out with starting the team up while more local investors got involved. That is why the Thunder and Lions were sometimes called "sister teams".

Isn't the league based out of Daytona Beach? It may be possible that the Thunder owners are putting all of their efforts into the league. Right now I'm still thinking this is just rumor though.

[centurionhater]

I'm certain the ownership group of the Thunder didn't pay their coaches last year, claiming they didn't have the money.

I know the team had to travel the day of games and travel back right after the games on a bus without A/C, because they didn't have the money to pay for hotels.

I've also heard rumors that they (Thunder owners) might have stole some money from the Columbus ownership group and was basically kicked out of town.

They even had the players playing in wornout uniforms with holes in them and they didn't even get the coaches any Thunder shirts to wear at the game (the head coach bought them).

I hate that there may not be indoor football in Daytona, but how can one expect people to want to be apart of this.

[preeths]

Here's the update:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/Headlines/sptTHUN01092007.htm

[rams80]

Here's the update:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/Headlines/sptTHUN01092007.htm

You owe me a new monitor, Paul....

BTW...if you didn't have your app in, all your "i"s dotted, and "t"s crossed before Wednesday, the earliest you can get in would be 2009.

Of course...they said the same thing last year.

[exit322]

A blow for the WIFL, but if owners are going to be that dumb with their money, I guess you may as well let them.

The AF2 talent-wise is a move up - but in terms of an intelligent investment? That's not too bright.

[Pounder]

Why is my Spidey sense tingling here?

Something about announcing af2 just to keep the sponsors on board until a more realistic option emerges.

Noticing that the latest media out of San Diego named UIF first, never mind how much of a longshot that is. http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20070919-9999-1s19shock.html

[centurionhater]

If you can't afford to pay your coaches, how could you think of jumping budgets into an AF2 requirement?

It's apparent...The Clampets are running this football team.

[chardale]

And dont forget that the Commish is already making phone calls looking for a job within other leagues. They are done.

[madhatter]

Here in Augusta the Spartans have bolted from their office and their number is disconnected.

And now the WIFL website is gone.

Problems?

[Minor League Man]

Here in Augusta the Spartans have bolted from their office and their number is disconnected.

And now the WIFL website is gone.

Problems?
Crawl out under your rock sir...it's been known for 2 weeks that the Spartans joined the AIFA and that the WIFL is dead.

[Tatonka]

Crawl out under your rock sir...it's been known for 2 weeks that the Spartans joined the AIFA and that the WIFL is dead.

League affiliation aside... it's cause for concern if they've closed up shop.

[rams80]

Crawl out under your rock sir...it's been known for 2 weeks that the Spartans joined the AIFA and that the WIFL is dead.

He seems to be indicating that the Spartans may be just as dead as the WIFL.

[jimbo32712]

I heard a rumor that possibly help for Daytona maybe coming by the way of Osceola. I dont know in which way..Im sure it has to do with money first and foremost. Perhaps with Osceola (Leisure Bay's) help that would be enough to meet the AF2 requirements. Also with Osceola's coaching staff and a combo of the teams players plus some new additions they could compete. This is alot of speculation on my part. But I did hear something about these two ownership groups working together.

[chardale]

Liesure Bay had been trying to do something but with the big asking price for the team DAYTONA) there was no way gonna happen. Must of backed off the asking price. AND I AM SURE the owners from liesure Bay have the money, I know they do to front an arena 2 team ,,,,hell they have the money for a ARENA 1 team if they wanted.

[NatePreds05]

Osceola cannot go the way of af2 because they are too close to an AFL team's market (Orlando), even though Leisure Bay has the money. Osceola though has always struggled to get anything in the market and always had sparse crowds, I am surprised the franchise lasted this long.

[chardale]

They would play in Daytona if this goes through, but it looks like not this yr but in 09 A2 for Daytona/Leasure Bay, according to sources today.

[arena_guru]

i hear daytona is in af2 so they musta found some money somewhere, thats all i know who will coach,gm and stuff i have yet to hear

[chardale]

Alot of the same front office staff, selling shares of the team and formaer Gator Alum is part owner and WILL be bringing in former gator to be the Head Coach. Congrats Dan on still having a job.

[arena_guru]

im hearing that yes daytona was approved but things have hit a snag and they might not be af2 this coming season, like the cubs fans say..........there is always next year

[nksports]

snag

That's usually a codeword for money

[arena_guru]

maybe that rumor was false or they found some cash cuz i hthink they are back ON for af2

[chardale]

maybe that rumor was false or they found some cash cuz i hthink they are back ON for af2 They ARE in according to one very close source. Mr Walls will be coaching them, Press conference will be 20 of November, and allready bring in Players from other leagues. But they are going to have to recruit from out side the state. When you have the ex eqpt mgr and ex all state QB AND military doctor looking for players you might be in trouble.