SIFL Resolves Texas Pirate Incident
May 27, 2009 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) News Release
LAFAYETTE, La. (May 27, 2009) - Southern Indoor Football League Commissioner Dan J. Blum announced today, May 27, 2009, that he has fined Texas Pirates interim head coach Troy Esprit an undisclosed amount and issued an official reprimand for pulling the Pirates off the field before the conclusion of Saturday's 38-20 loss to the Austin Turfcats.
``I've had exhaustive conversations with Coach Esprit, the Turfcats and the officiating crew,'' Blum said. ``Coach Esprit did not understand a rules interpretation on the field and did not respond in an appropriate measure. He was not present during rules meetings and this was his first time on the field of a Southern Indoor Football League game.
``I've known Troy for years and have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a player and a coach. I also appreciate the fact he's stepped in to help a team that's struggling at this point,'' Blum continued. ``However, what he did was a violation of the spirit of the game and it simply cannot be swept under the rug for the sake of convenience. We've made a decision and will enforce what we consider a fair penalty.
``That being said and knowing Troy, I am completely confident that this was an isolated incident and there will NOT be a repeat occurrence,'' Blum concluded. ``The SIFL considers now considers this issue closed.''
Esprit took over head coaching duties for the Pirates last week.
``This one's on me,'' Esprit said. ``I was acting in the best interest of my players, but in doing so; I let my emotions get the best of me. Also, I was not completely prepared. I offer my apologies to the Turfcats, Commissioner Blum, the SIFL and the sport of indoor football for this mistake. I'm going to learn from this and become a better coach because of it.''
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from May 27, 2009
- Hooters To Sponsor Player Of The Quarter Awards - SIFL
- Austin DL Earvine Nabs 2nd VIDSWAP.COM POTW Honor - SIFL
- SIFL Resolves Texas Pirate Incident - SIFL
- North Texas Crunch Replaces Kings on Turfcats Schedule - Austin Turfcats
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