An Avengers fan reacts to Al Lucas's death
by Fran Stuchbury
April 10, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
This past Sunday Los Angeles Avengers OL/DL Al Lucas died from a spinal cord injury while tyring to make a tackle in the game vs. the New York Dragons.
After the game I had the opportunity to talk to an Avengers fan, Larry Lieberman (aka Rainbow Wig Avenger). Larry has been a season ticket holder since the Avengers inaugural season in 2000 and hasn't missed a home game. Larry also travels to several road games each season.
He is a passionate fan who wears a rainbow wig, paints his face red and blue and has a red cape with a big A on it that includes every player signature since the 2002 season.....including Al Lucas.
Fran Stuchbury: Are you shocked just like many AFL fans are of the passing of Al Lucas?
Larry Lieberman: I am shocked, hurt, saddened and just at a lost for words. I am very involved with the team and know many of the players and families and almost feel like it was a family member who passed away.
FS: Did you have the chance to talk to Lucas? What type of person was he?
LL: I have talked to Al many times. The last time was today during warm ups. Al usually made it a point to come over and say hello. He said he was saying what a big game this was and that he had a good feeling about the game. Whenever there was a kick off, Al would always come over to the stands and give everyone a high five.
FS: When did the fans find out about his passing? Was it after the game?
LL: They did not make any announcements at Staples. The only thing that they said was that autographs would not be available today. When they said that, I knew it had to do with Al. I found out about it when I was on my way home from the game, and Brian Fox called me to tell me the sad news.
Today should have been a day that should have been very happy since we won and San Jose lost and now we are tied for first. Instead it turned into the darkest day in team history.
I will be in Nashville with the team next week and can't imagine how hard it will be for them.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 10, 2005
- An Avengers fan reacts to Al Lucas's death - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- AFL statement on Al Lucas - AFL I
- Avengers Win Overshadowed by Huge Loss - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Rush Defeat SaberCats 55-39 - San Jose SaberCats
- Fourth quarter defensive surge leads Rush past SaberCats - Chicago Rush
- Rattlers D leads to a W Over Columbus, 70-53 - OSC Original by Andrew Nordmeier
- Storm Victorious In War on I-4 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Preds fall to Tampa Bay - Orlando Predators
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
