What's the story in Baltimore?

[Jamie]

So, tell me if I've got this straight:

-- The Baltimore Blackbirds were one of the original teams signed up to play in the EIEIO Football League, but wisely jumped ship after the "Jamborflop".

-- They joined the AIFA (but weren't they only a "sorta" member of the league, not playing a full schedule? or do I have them mixed up with another team?)

-- Hired Chris Simpson as Head Coach

-- At the end of the season fired Simpson

-- A few days ago announced they were leaving the AIFA, and probably their venue, but don't know where they're going.

-- Today I see a press release that the AIFA has hired Chris Simpson as Head Coach of a yet to be named AIFA team, owned by M&M, to play in Baltimore.


So, what's the story? What's going on in Baltimore

[Minor League Man]

The AIFA still holds the lease rights to 1st Mariner Arena, and chose to maintain that right.

So, they're holding a name-the-team contest on the site.

The choices are Mariners or Steamers (think crabs). Mariners is leading by a landslide.

[blanketman]

This league is becoming news central.I believe they can make it but m an m boys should be worried about keeping their existing teams happy.

[exit322]

Simpson quit, I don't believe he was fired.

It looks like the Blackbirds were brought in as a way for M&M to make sure no one else gets the Baltimore market, and when they were no longer useful (though of course they have also had financial problems...like two-thirds of the AIFA), the league booted the team and started this one.

That's speculatory, but it certainly ties in with the facts that are out there.