Commentary: NIFL daily buzz

by Jerry Hewitt
Published on May 16, 2006 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)


There are some owners or general managers that feel I am attacking their teams. Granted it may look that way, but actually it's not, I am attacking the system that put them in the position they are in. But all that aside, I think the pressure of a long and frustrating season is starting to take it's toll.

Any that think owning a team is fun, better guess again, it's allot of hard work and those that hang in there when things aren't going well should be commended and some like me, criticize a little less. Maybe especially me since I really do know how much work it is to own or run a team.

Some not so pleasant emails and posts on message boards directed at me really hit home on how insensitive I can be at times. In my efforts to get change in the NIFL, I may have lost sight of those who really are the victims, the teams, markets, sponsors and fans.

I'm not going to change how I report anything, but I am going to try to be more sensitive to those that may get hit with the fall out.

The bs

One thing I have a major problem with is bs, league press releases that wreak of it and those associated with teams trying to blow smoke up my you know what. Best to just not do it, I'm pretty good at smelling the foul odor and it does nothing to increase anyone's credibility with me.

Some may question my credibility or my methods. They have the right to do so, but those that don't think I have a very good grasp on things or a very good connected network of sources sell me far short. I am not saying that I am always right or that my sources are 100% dead on, not always the case. In fact most of the stuff I report on I wish were complete fabrications. If they were I could retire quietly knowing the league I have spent six years following was in good shape.

Last night and upcoming

7-0 Lakeland stayed perfect running their record to 8-0 over the Florida Frenzy 38-25. The Frenzy drop to 1-5. Up next for Lakeland is a visit by the RiverCity Rage, 6-1. For Florida it's a visit by division rival Osceola, who enjoys a 6-3 record with help from a couple wins by forfeit.

This coming week offers some interesting match ups. Topping the list is the RiverCity at Lakeland game. This one should be the game of the week. Wyoming is at Rapid City ........ again, second time this season. Beaumont's post season hopes are pretty much on the line this week as Katy comes to town. Osceola's loss to Palm Beach sets an interesting stage for their trip to Florida.

Two other games that interest me are the reborn Montgomery Maulers at Cincinnati. In light of their easy win over Beaumont last week, the Maulers might be making a run at the playoffs. After their upset win over Osceola, Palm Beach just might be a team no longer to be taken lightly and Fayetteville shouldn't overlook them.

In the blow out category, St Joseph is at Tri-Cities, while Billings travels to Big Sky. Neither game should be close.

Collaboration?

I received a disturbing email on an incident that occurred at a recent game. I'm going to post it it minus names and locations. I'm not looking for everyone to get all upset over this, but I am looking for collaboration. I feel it is potentially explosive enough to find more evidence before making everything public. I have contacted the involved police department to confirm a report was filed and whether an investigation is pending or underway.

"Now for the actual reason for this email: Sometime in the next week or two assault charges are going to be filed against the XXXXXX of the XXXXXXXX This happened when a member of the staff of a visiting team was confronted in the visiting locker room. The staff member referred to XXXXXXX as a XXXXXXX.

Mr. XXXXXXXX entered the visiting locker-room and confronted the staff member and started pushing and shoving him. The players separated the two. A police report was taken and Mr. XXXXXXX referred to some of the African American players "It was one of the XXXXXXX. I'm not sure which one, they all look alike."

If anyone witnessed the above event and can fill in the blanks on game, names, etc., please email me indoorbowl@yahoo.com I am asking that you include your real name and some details about who you are. I will keep your name and any personal information in confidence.

New league update, of sorts

Since I mentioned a possible three new leagues in a previous article, I have had numerous inquiries as to what I know. I treat all inquiries in confidence, so if you are a potential ownership, existing ownership or just interested, you can email me direct at indoorbowl@yahoo.com and I will share what I know.

Fire watch

All appears to be currently calm, although I found the Osceola GM and the Palm Beach owner to be a little over heated on the message boards yesterday. No fire, but plenty of smoke, or maybe it was just steam. Oh, btw, I hear rumors there may be a major fire break out this week. Nobody is talking, but guess we'll all just wait and see together.

Parting notes

Time for a change folks, no question about it, but I wonder if anybody capable of making change is listening. And to maybe call out those who have the power to make a difference, to make the changes needed, I wonder, do you have what it takes to make the right decisions or cower as in years past. Blunt I know, politically correct, maybe not, but exactly as I see it.

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National Indoor Football League Stories from May 16, 2006


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.


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