Rush Loses Douglass in Expansion Draft
Published on October 23, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
October 23, 2002 â The Chicago Rush receiving corps took a hit yesterday when offensive specialist Joe Douglass was selected by the expansion Colorado Crush with its first pick in the Arena Football League's expansion draft. In addition, the Crush used its second pick in the draft to select WR/DB Javon Green from the Rush roster as well.
"We had to make some difficult decisions since we only were allowed to protect 16 players," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "Joe Douglass is a great player and was a big part of our success in our first year. He is a leader, both on and off the field. Colorado just got a heck of a football player.
Douglass was Chicago's co-MVP during the team's 2001 inaugural season, catching 99 passes for 1,287 yards and 26 touchdowns, and returning 63 kicks for 1,207 yards and three touchdowns. His 2002 season was cut short after only two games when surgery to repair a ruptured colon ended his season prematurely.
The Rush signed Green prior to the 2002 season, but the Oakland Raiders instead chose to allocate him to play for the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe. He had been on Chicago's exempt roster.
After the draft, the Rush waived OL/DL Mike Mari, OL/DL George Massey and FB/LB Andy Chilcote.
The Rush finished its 2002 season with a 10-6 overall record and advanced to the AFL semifinals. Chicago kicks off its 2003 AFL season Sunday, February 2, at Allstate Arena against the Orlando Predators. Fans wishing to purchase season tickets, starting at $64, should call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the team's Web site at www.chicagorush.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 23, 2002
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- Avengers cut five players - Los Angeles Avengers
- Fury sends Truluck, Tucker and Huff to Dallas - Detroit Fury
- Rush Loses Douglass in Expansion Draft - Chicago Rush
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