Gladiators Make Four Roster Moves
February 7, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
The Las Vegas Gladiators announced today they have signed four players to their active roster including WR/DB T.J. Hill, who had been on the practice squad. In addition, the Gladiators also signed OL/DL Karl Bates, OL/DL Richard McCleskey, and OL/DL Marlon Bush. Hill was four-time letter winner at Northeastern University where he totaled 245 tackles (157 solo, 88 assisted) and tallied 15 interceptions during his four-year career. Hill was named to the 2001 Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team and voted a Preseason All-American by Preview Sports Magazine and The Sports Network. Hill was also rated the third-best free safety in Division IAA entering the 2001 season by The Sports Network and earned first team All-A10 honors for a second straight season.
Bates last played with the now defunct Houston Thunderbears of the AFL in 2001. Bates played his college ball at Kentucky Wesleyan where he was twice named First-Team All-America as a senior and led Kentucky Wesleyan in sacks, four forced fumbles and tackles.
McCleskey played the 2001 and 2002 seasons for the Tulsa Talons of af2, where he was an All-af2 first-team performer. He led the Talons in sacks with 7.5 and recorded 18.5 tackles in 2001 and also caught three touchdowns as a tight end. He signed with the Buffalo Destroyers of the AFL following the 2001 season, but was cut during training camp. McCleskey played at Nebraska-Omaha as a defensive lineman during his college career.
Bush is a free agent out of the University of Alabama-Birmingham where he was one of the mainstays of the "Steel Shield" defensive front. He started all 11 games at defensive end his senior season, making 37 total tackles (16 solo) with five tackles for loss, two pass breakups, seven quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery. Bush played every position on the line during his college career.
The Gladiators play this Sunday at Arizona, in a game that will be televised in Las Vegas on NBC. The first home game is scheduled for Monday, February 17 at 7:00 PM (PT) versus the Tampa Bay Storm. The Gladiators will play all their home games at Thomas & Mack Center.
Gladiators' season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 702-739-FANS or online at www.UNLVtickets.com.
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League kicks off its 17th season and the first on NBC beginning Sunday, February 2, 2003. NBC will provide the AFL with unprecedented exposure by televising up to 70 games, including playoff contests and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 7, 2003
- Gladiators Make Four Roster Moves - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Brown Approaches 2,000 Point Mark - AFL I
- Destroyers Host Carolina On Sunday - Buffalo Destroyers
- 'Birds Seek Back-to-Back Road Victories to Open Season - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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