AIFA Owners Deflate League Rumors
Published on August 5, 2008 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) News Release
BALTIMORE, Maryland (August 5, 2008) - Several American Indoor Football Association owners spoke clearly last night regarding rumors that they intend to consider a proposal from a rival league to leave the AIFA. All of them said "no."
Interviewed for This Week in the AIFA, three of the league's prominent owners made it clear that they are pleased with the AIFA and intend to remain in it. They spoke on the record, following reports in an Alaska newspaper that their franchises are being courted by another league.
"We are very happy with the AIFA, what it's done and where it's going," said Reading Express owner Ted Lavender. "We're a big part of it (the AIFA) and we plan to be a part of it for as long as I own the team, which at least will be another five years."
"We're in the AIFA, and we're going to continue, said Columbus Lions owner John Hargrove. "I think the AIFA finished a pretty doggone good year, and that's where we plan to be. We have not been contacted by any representative of the two leagues that are merging. We had a good year in the AIFA and have started our season ticket sales and sponsorships for next year. Hopefully, we can go at least one step further in the playoffs next year."
"There is no truth (to the rumor)," said Wyoming Cavalry owner Argeri Layton. "I haven't spoken with Chad Dittman (former President of the Intense Football league and a prominent franchise owner in the new Indoor Football League) since we were both in the NIFL. I do not have any idea why he would make a statement in a Fairbanks newspaper that they are going to acquire the Wyoming Cavalry."
The AIFA is completing preparations for its upcoming league meetings, which will be held in Baltimore late in August. High on the agenda will be franchise and league planning for the 2009 season.
"In a way, it is flattering that a competing league holds our franchises in such high regard," said AIFA co-founder John Morris. "It speaks very clearly to the quality of the teams that make up our league.
"But we can't be spending our time engaging in rumor and innuendo. We have a league to run, a very successful league. Our ownership expects us to operate the AIFA at the highest professional standard, and that's a full-time job."
Additional coverage of this story will be available through the league's weekly Internet radio program, This Week in the AIFA. Coverage will include an in-depth conference interview with AIFA co-founders, John Morris and Michael Mink. Also featured on the program will be new Baltimore Mariners owner Alan Taylor.
This Week in the AIFA will be available for download through either the AIFA web site (www.aifaprofootball.com) or the OurSports Central site (www.oursportscentral.com). The program will be posted on Wednesday night, August 6th.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from August 5, 2008
- RiverRats in search of new coach - Erie Explosion
- AIFA Owners Deflate League Rumors - AIFA
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
