Dragons Sign Carlos James, Release Steve Papin

March 5, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


(Uniondale, NY - March 5) - The New York Dragons have signed former Iowa Barnstormer and eight-year Arena Football League veteran WR/DB Carlos James, the team announced today. The Dragons also announced that they have released Offensive Specialist/Kick Returner Steve Papin.

In eight AFL seasons, the 6-0, 180-pound defensive minded James has intercepted 34 passes and broken-up 85. On offense, James has caught 277 passes for 3,466 yards and 74 touchdowns. The former six-year Iowa Barnstormer is also the Dragons' franchise leader in interceptions with 26 and third in tackles with 247.

"I'm very excited about playing in New York with the Dragons," said James. "I loved being a Barnstormer in Iowa and hope I can have that same success here. I'm also looking forward to proving to the other 15 teams that passed up on me this off-season that I can still play this game. I really think my experience of playing defense in this League will be a big help to Kory Blackwell and Donvetis Franklin."

In releasing Papin, the Dragons look to give Mike Furrey more opportunities on offense. "Steve Papin is a very good player and someone we would like to have around," said Dragons head coach Todd Shell. "But with Mike Furrey's productivity on offense he needs to be on the field on offense as much as possible. Playing the OS will allow that to happen."

The Dragons play this Sunday at the Nassau Coliseum vs. the Los Angeles Avengers at 12:00 PM. The game can be seen on NBC with Tom Hammond and Pat Haden calling the game and can also be heard live on 540AM WLIE with Peter Schwartz and Sid Rosenberg.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 5, 2003


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.

OurSports Central