Canton Legends Insulted by Opponent's Offer
June 6, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Canton Legends News Release
In an exciting game last Friday night that came down, quite literally, to the last few seconds, the Canton Legends defeated the Huntington Heroes 52-50 at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. In addition to being an exciting game, the win awarded the Legends the right to host the opening round of the 2007AIFA playoffs, while at the same time extended their perfect record (4-0 all time) against the Heroes.
Disappointed about having to return to Canton for the second time in one week, the Heroes' owner Greg Ramey contacted the Legends co-owners Paul Cipar and Joe Hoffman, and head coach Bobby Olive. Mr. Ramey offered several financial incentives if the Legends would agree to move Thursday nights playoff game between the two teams from the Canton Civic Center to the Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, WV. Mr. Ramey's offer was upsetting to everyone involved with the Legends Organization especially head coach Bobby Olive.
"Not only is this an insult to everything the Canton Legends stand for, but it's also a slap in the face to the integrity of the game of football", said Coach Olive. "Home field advantage in the playoffs is determined by what happens on the football field, not by what some "Wizard of Oz" type guy is trying to pull behind the curtains down in Huntington", added Olive
Legends co-owner Paul Cipar shares Coach Olive's frustration. "Bobby and all our coaches and players have worked incredibly hard the entire season, and overcome many obstacles, to play here in Canton during the playoffs, and if Huntington believes we would give up that privilege, then I take that as a direct insult to this organization", said Cipar. "We would like the Legends fans to know that under no circumstances would we, nor did we, ever consider moving this game to Huntington," Cipar said.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from June 6, 2007
- Canton Legends Insulted by Opponent's Offer - Canton Legends
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