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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Players Fined, Suspended After Altercation

January 30, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK - Three participants in a preseason scrimmage altercation were suspended for six total games and $2,000 for conduct detrimental to the league, Commissioner DAVID BAKER announced today. Georgia's NATE COGGINS was suspended for four games and fined $1,000. Georgia's PRENTICE PURNELL and Utah's GARRETT SMITH were suspended for one game and fined $500 each.

At a three-team practice involving the Georgia Force, Nashville Kats and Utah Blaze on January 18 in Nashville, Blaze and Force players were involved in an altercation that escalated into a fight. An investigation, which included videotape footage and eyewitness accounts, concluded that several players threw punches and swung their helmets. The conduct was deemed detrimental to the interests of the League and was in direct conflict with the values expressed in the Arena Football League's Mission Statement.

A letter from the league to Georgia regarding Coggins stated, ".the Player maliciously used his helmet in a manner that would suggest his intent to injure other players on the field, in particular Garrett Smith of the Blaze. The Player entered the fight and swung his helmet down on [another player]."

A letter from the league to Georgia regarding Purnell stated, ".the Player intentionally left the team bench area once the fight broke out and was a primary participant in the fight. Upon entering the fight, the Player swung his helmet at another player."

A letter from the league to Utah regarding Smith stated, ".the Player was a primary participant in the fight and threw several punches at members of the Force, including a blind-side punch to the face of a Force player. The Player continued to perpetuate the fight by shoving members of the Force while other members on his team attempted to restrain him and break up the fight."

The AFL Players Association has appealed the discipline, by way of a grievance, to the Collective Bargaining Agreement System Arbitrator. All suspensions and collection of fines will be delayed until the case is resolved.

The Georgia and Utah organizations, including all coaches and players, were also officially warned that future such conduct would be met with severe discipline.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 30, 2006


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