Arena League News

[A.E]

Adams shuts down Nashville
For the 2nd time in league history, the Nashville Kats franchise is making an abrupt exit from the AFL. Citing financial woes, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams announced that the Kats ownership group wasn't able to create a model for the team's financial success. The Kats initially relocated from Nashville to Atlanta in 2001 but were revived 3 years ago thanks to an ownership group lead by Adams and country singer Tim McGraw.

Cleveland forces realignment
With the relocation of the AFL's Las Vegas franchise to Cleveland, the league has been forced to realign its divisions. Under the new format, the AFL divisions look as follows:
National East - Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Philadelphia and New York
National South - Georgia, New Orleans, Orlando and Tampa Bay
American West - Arizona, Los Angeles, Utah and San Jose
American Central - Chicago, Colorado, Grand Rapids and Kansas City

Playoffs or free in Arizona
Showing astound confidence that they will make the post-season in 2008, the Arizona Rattlers have announced that each one of their season ticket holders will receive a full refund should the team not make the playoffs. The campaign, unveiled Tuesday, is unique in the fact that there are no caveats, clauses or fine print. If the Rattlers do not make the playoffs, fans will be refunded 100 percent of the cost of their season tickets by the team...period. The Rattlers were 4-12 last season and missed the playoffs.

AFL on ESPN in 2008
After broadcasting 29 games in HD, including playoffs and Arena Bowl XXI in 2007, ESPN has announced that it will be covering 29 games and Arena Bowl XXII in 2008. Dallas vs Georgia will kick off ESPN's coverage on March 1st and wrap up with the Arena Bowl on July 27th on ABC.

Big Names changing teams in 2008
- Shedrick Bonner QB, name the 8th greatest Player in AFL history leaves the Arizona Rattlers for a more lucradive deal with the Chicago Rush.
- Former FSU star and 2 time AFL offensive player of the year Damien Harrell also joins Bonner in Chicago, after spending previous season in Colorado.
- 2007 offensive player of the year, Siaha Burley WR, leaves the Utah Blaze after signing a contract with the Arizona Rattlers.
- The AFL's Cleveland franchise has wasted no time making an impact following Team President Bernie Kosar announcing that the team has signed former defensive player of the year Silas Demary and eight-year veteran Raymond Philyaw.
- The New Orleans VooDoo signed WR Derrick Lewis, who had the second-most rookie receiving yards in a single season last year. Lewis leaves the Austin Wranglers who opted to downgrade their franchise to AFL2.
- The Columbus Destroyers shored up their receiving corps, adding Derek Lee. Lee, who plays both wide receiver and defensive back, set career highs with 127 receptions for 1,427 yards and 26 TDs last season in Georgia.

-AE