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OneBetter
10-02-2007, 12:34 PM
What ever happened to the NLL Outdoor exhibition that was supposed to occur this fall? I heard all the hype but then never heard anything about any games actually being played.

Did these games occur?
preeths
10-02-2007, 12:47 PM
If I'm not mistaken, the games were called off. I think it was mentioned in the Denver papers.
Pounder
10-02-2007, 01:25 PM
Couple rumors...

...of course, #1 is that Outdoor NLL has anything but solid support among existing NLL owners.

#2 is that some of the showcase players had MLL contracts, and MLL threatened to sue.
Shootmaster_44
10-02-2007, 10:49 PM
Essentially, the reason the exhibition was called off is Gary Gait stepped away from the NLL and took a position as the Women's Lax coach at Syracuse. Without his name power, the powers that be in the NLL decided it was a good idea to "postpone" this.

I believe the NLL still has designs on the outdoor league, but has a few things to sort out first. Namely, how they would be able to use non-union players (i.e. MLL players) in their unionized league. The MLL seems to have bullied their players into a non-union structure and the NLL has the PLPA. Due to this, any defector to the NLL from the MLL would likely be welcomed into the union. However, if this player attempted to go back to the MLL, he in all likelihood would not be allowed to play.

Basically, if the NLL is bent on starting an outdoor league, it should try and purchase the MLL and add teams in the cities it wants. The other option is to work in partnership with the MLL and co-brand the league. This won't happen as this whole NLL Outdoor idea came about because of sponsorships. Brine Lacrosse sponsors the MLL and RBK the NLL. RBK saw a segment of players they were not reaching and as a result, they sort of put the bug into Jim Jennings' ear and said perhaps an NLL Outdoor league would be a good idea.

An unusual idea I heard come out of the NLL was perhaps an outdoor box lacrosse league. Essentially to play the indoor game in a football stadium. It would be akin to what the NIFL tried to do last year with its outdoor game. However, this is a little more common in Ontario where some parks have a outdoor box.