National Lacrosse League Cancels 2008 Season
October 16, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Arizona Sting News Release
GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- The National Lacrosse League (NLL) has announced the cancellation of its 2008 season. The cancellation was triggered by the Professional Lacrosse Players Association's (PLPA) executive committee rejecting the league's last Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) proposal. The NLL and its owners had implemented an Oct. 15 deadline for the two sides to come to an agreement.
"I would like to apologize to the fans who have supported the Arizona Sting for four seasons," said Sting President Douglas Moss. "We are disappointed that we will not be playing in 2008, but plan to work diligently with the League and Professional Lacrosse Players Association to ensure we are back playing at Jobing.com Arena in January of 2009."
"I am disappointed for our loyal fans, including the kids who have so enthusiastically supported us," said Sting General Manager and Head Coach Bob Hamley. "During the next year, we will provide opportunities for kids throughout the Valley to participate in the great sport of lacrosse with youth camps and instructional clinics at schools, park districts and after-school programs."
"We are deeply disappointed that the PLPA's executive committee rejected our proposal without permitting all of the players to vote on the league's final offer," said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings. "The offer included annual raises for all players in each year of the contract. Our owners made the best offer they could make while maintaining a sound business model".
Jennings continued, "This marked the fourth time we have had to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement in the past seven years. Professional sports leagues cannot do business without the stability of a long-term collective bargaining agreement. We will use this year to improve not only our relationship with our players but to improve our overall business model."
For more information, visit NLL.com, the official website of the National Lacrosse League.
National Lacrosse League Stories from October 16, 2007
- National Lacrosse League Cancels 2008 Season - Arizona Sting
- 2008 Rush season cancelled - Edmonton Rush
- 2008 National Lacrosse League Season Cancelled; Players' Association Rejects League Proposal - Orlando Titans
- NLL cancels 2008 season - Colorado Mammoth
- 2008 National Lacrosse League Season Cancelled - Toronto Rock
- Players' Association rejects League proposal; 2008 National Lacrosse League season cancelled - NLL
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