L.A. Avengers cut four players in preparation for training camp
March 24, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
Kicker Brian Reaves, QB Wally Richardson and two others waived
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Avengers cut four players in preparation for their third season in the Arena Football League, head coach Ed Hodgkiss announced today. The move trims the Avenger roster to the AFL's 30-player limit for training camp, which begins on Tuesday, March 26.
Kicker Brian Reaves, who won two games with field goals at the buzzer last season, and quarterback Wally Richardson, a veteran of two seasons with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, were among the four players waived. The Avengers also cut defensive specialist Chris White and wide receiver-linebacker Jack Walker, who both were acquired by the club during the recent off-season.
All four players participated in last week's three-day mini camp at the Avenger Training Facility in Culver City.
Reaves nailed a 40-yard field goal on May 26, 2001, to beat the Oklahoma Wranglers, 36-33, at STAPLES Center. Two weeks later, he booted a 22-yarder to defeat the Houston ThunderBears, 48-45, in Fresno, Calif. At the conclusion of the 2001 season, he was named to the AFL's "All-Rookie" squad.
In all likelihood, Reaves' departure leaves the kicking duties to Remy Hamilton, a four-year AFL veteran who signed a free agent contract with the Avengers on Jan. 25, 2002.
Richardson, who was selected by the Ravens in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft, played for the Avengers in the final two games of the 2001 season when a sudden rash of injuries struck the quarterback position. He completed 20-of-40 for 280 yards and six touchdowns.
The three quarterbacks remaining on the Avenger roster are Tony Graziani (the leading candidate to earn the starting job), Harry Leons and Matthew Sauk.
The Avengers open the 2002 season (the AFL's 16th) on Friday, April 19, at STAPLES Center against the New York Dragons at 7:30 p.m. All fans in attendance will receive a free Avenger "Red-Out" T-shirt.
Avenger season tickets, which include all seven home games played at STAPLES Center, are now on sale and can be purchased over the telephone at (888) AVENGERS or online at www.laavengers.com. Each home game features great promotional giveaways (including three "Bobblehead Nights") and post-game autograph sessions.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 24, 2002
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