Over a Cup of Coffee
by Jerry Hewitt
September 15, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Every once in a while I think it's fun to search the message boards and pump inside sources for rumors. This morning I thought I'd see just what I could come up with.
Let's start over in the CIFL where rumor has it that they are looking over about six applications from new and existing ownerships. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any names or locations, but I'm also told that Chicago is returning and Wisconsin is undecided. The fate of Fort Wayne also remains unknown.
Last week the Tucson franchise that was expected to join the IFL for the 2011 season pulled the plug, citing they couldn't meet the financial criteria of the league, according to IFL team sources. Now the rumor is they are in talks with the less expensive and less demanding AIFA. To go along with this rumor, I hear the AIFA in in talks with three or four venues and/or city's out West to once again take on the yearly task of rebuilding. There is no mention of any ownership groups. Everything rumored on the AIFA side once appears to be a house of cards.
The IFL may have the biggest rumor of a new team yet to be announced that is coming over from a rival league. I'm not going to mention the league, but it could certainly be a feather in the IFL's hat to bring this team over and maybe even a bigger blow to the league said team is leaving. The IFL extended their new team application process for about ten days to allow about three or four teams to get everything in order before a vote of the owners. Also gaining more time is the West Michigan franchise. I was told they have been given extra time to meet financial criteria or not be included in the IFL's 2011 line up. If they cannot meet that criteria, they may be headed back to the CIFL. Last on the IFL is that two California teams were denied entry based on recent changes in California's workers' comp laws. I wasn't given any names but I wonder if the AIFA San Jose Wolves and the ex-af2 Fresno team might be the two denied. If either or both show up on the AIFA 2011 schedule, that would be my guess.
According to my source inside the new UIFL, no other teams are to be added to their 2011 start. I was also told that outside of Canton, nobody at the league level nor the league itself has any financial interest in the other five teams, "not even 1%." They say they are very excited to have pulled this off in spite of those who think all the teams have league backing. I've seen some of the signage the Canton Cougars have on their marketing table and I for one am very impressed with the level of professionalism. Also over in the UIFL is the rumor that Andre White, who was reportedly removed as the head guy in the SIFL Albany franchise by league President Thom Hager, may be the owner of the Saginaw Sting which was announced last week.
Outside of the recent addition of Mobile, the SIFL is quiet. That gets my curiosity going as to what really is happening.
Indoor Football League Stories from September 15, 2010
- Four Player Trade Lands Pray in La Crosse - La Crosse Spartans
- Wild Players Make Their Mark as High School and College Coaches - Wichita Wild
- Over a Cup of Coffee - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
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