SaberCats Regret AFL Suspension
August 4, 2009 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (August 4, 2009) - The San Jose SaberCats announce with deep regret that the Arena Football League (AFL) has suspended football operations indefinitely. The SaberCats were opposed, in late 2008, to the suspension of the 2009 season, and fully intended to field a team upon the resumption of play in the 2010 season.
Hank Stern, Vice President of the SaberCats, strongly emphasized, however, that, "the San Jose SaberCats remain committed to playing football, and we are actively exploring other options for putting the SaberCats back on the field in 2010."
"It is very unfortunate that the tremendously loyal and enthusiastic SaberCats fans will not be able to see their team on the field as a member of the AFL in 2010," said Stern. "We deeply regret this turn of events and wish to thank our fans for their passionate support, and we apologize that they are being disappointed due to this decision by the league." After much discussion, there remained an impasse in getting the required 75 percent of the franchises to commit to the 2010 season.
"I feel terrible for the all the players, coaches, front office personnel, and, most importantly, for our great fans who have supported us these many years," lamented SaberCats Head Coach Darren Arbet. "Our fans were our motivation and inspiration, and we thrived by providing them with exciting, championship-caliber football," he added.
Since its inaugural season in 1995, the San Jose SaberCats reached the post season twelve times and won the ArenaBowl Championship three times (2002, 2004, and 2007)
Fry's Electronics, Inc. was a long time sponsor and part owner of the SaberCats, and its advertising support was always prominent at home games with signage and unique product give-aways to the home crowd. "Fry's was pleased to support the SaberCats and the excellent product which the organization consistently put on the field for the enjoyment of its fans," said Fry's CEO John Fry. "The Arena Football league and the SaberCats provided a family-oriented sports entertainment opportunity to so many fans of all ages and backgrounds. It was a venue where a family could afford to experience great athleticism and football competition without busting the family budget. We certainly hope that something can be done to revive the sport," added Fry.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 4, 2009
- SaberCats Regret AFL Suspension - San Jose SaberCats
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