Gladiators sign four as AFL free agent signing period opens
Published on October 4, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
LAS VEGAS, NV, October 4, 2004 â The Las Vegas Gladiators added substantial firepower at WR/DB and WR/LB, stability on the line and in the kicking game by signing former AFL Ironman of the Year Dameon Porter, OL/DL Wilky Bazile, WR/LB Joe Douglass and kicker Mark Lewis on the first weekend of the Arena Football League's free agent signing period. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
"Adding these talented football players to our roster increases our arsenal of weapons on offense, defense and special teams," said Gladiators head coach Ron James. "We are placing together the pieces of this puzzle that will bring a championship to Las Vegas. These are the first of several signings that will fill holes and add to what we believe will be the most feared team in the AFL."
Porter (5'11", 195, Wayne State) was the AFL's premiere Ironman during the 2001 season while playing for the Chicago Rush, leading the AFL with 12 interceptions for the first of two consecutive seasons. Porter spent the 2004 season splitting time between the Georgia Force and the Austin Wranglers. Combined, Porter caught 39 passes for 454 and eight touchdowns while recording 22 tackles on defense. A definite impact player, Porter has 26 career interceptions, placing him 16th on the AFL's all-time list.
Bazile (6'4", 280, Syracuse) returns to the Gladiators after spending one season playing for the Columbus Destroyers. In 2004, he was named the Destroyers Ironman of the Year by leading the team with two sacks and four tackles for losses in 15 games. A fiery and emotional leader on the defensive line, Bazile has totaled 12 career sacks and 95 tackles in his nine-year AFL career. Bazile makes his off-season home in Las Vegas.
Douglass (5'11", 185, Montana) adds yet another accomplished pass catcher and veteran leader to a team that already features some of the AFL's top players. The five-year AFL veteran spent last season with the Los Angeles Avengers, playing in only 13 games while hauling in 35 receptions for 432 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2003, after being the first pick of the Colorado Crush in the expansion draft, Douglass led the Crush with 2,515 all-purpose yards in 15, catching 79 passes for 1,031 yards and 15 touchdowns. Douglass also has seen action with the Chicago Rush and the Orlando Predators.
Lewis (5'9", 180, Florida International) spent his first season in the AFL kicking for Detroit in 2003. Lewis was one of the most consistent kickers in the League, connecting on 18-32 field goals (56%) and 84-96 PATs (88%). He spent the 2003 season kicking for Tennessee Valley of af2.
"We are committed to bringing an AFL championship to the city of Las Vegas," said Gladiators' owner James L. Ferraro. "We are going to be aggressively active in the free-agent market and bring the best talent available to Las Vegas to play for the Gladiators."
Gladiators' 2005 season seats are on sale now. Fans interested in purchasing Gladiators' season seats can do so by calling the Gladiators office at 702-731-4977 or by going online at www.UNLVtickets.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 4, 2004
- Gladiators sign four as AFL free agent signing period opens - Las Vegas Gladiators
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