Utah Blaze expect to return after cancelled season
"This isn't exactly the kind of Christmas present you want to get," said Videtich, the Utah Blaze's record-setting kicker.
Videtich and other players, coaches and AFL employees had heard the rumblings and rumors for months about the league's economic struggles. So Monday morning's official announcement following Sunday night's vote of the board of directors was not a huge shock.
Still, it hurts.
"We're disappointed that we're not going to be playing in 2009," said new Blaze head coach Ron James, who was promoted from an assistant coaching position following the 2008 season. "Every coach and every player wants to play. We've been gearing up to play. We've been working very hard this offseason as coaches to get the talent lined up and to be able to give the Blaze fans something special to cheer about. It's disappointing that we're not going to be able to show that."
By Sunday night's conference call, however, the league had their two-thirds majority and the season was suspended.
"Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the league, the game, and, most importantly, the fans," said acting commissioner Ed Policy in the press release announcing the suspension. "Owners, however, recognize that, especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate, the AFL, as a business enterprise, needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan-friendly sport."
Blaze president Jason Jones agrees.
"The decision (to suspend the season) is not an indictment of our franchise," Jones said. "These are issues that are impacting the entire league and it's a combination of an economic model that exists in the league that needs to be restructured and the very tumultuous economic environment that we are all in right now. It kind of created the perfect storm, if you will, that made it prudent to suspend the season for now in order to go back to the drawing board and make the changes necessary to provide a great product in the future."
Recent comments
Like it or not, this was the ONLY Professional Football Utah was Ever...
Wheres the Support? | Dec. 16, 2008 at 12:50 a.m.
I took my kids to several games. We all enjoyed it. It was...
Anonymous | Dec. 15, 2008 at 9:58 p.m.
Anon 12:44 post. Right on; you get lots of show for your buck with...
Can't afford the Jazz | Dec. 15, 2008 at 9:32 p.m.
- 2 more in GOP may challenge Bennett 3:47 p.m.
- Miles, Saban back SEC officials 3:46 p.m.
- Baby sitter charged in infant death 3:45 p.m.
- Hockey HOF class gets its rings 3:03 p.m.
- Phelps to test old suits at World Cup 3:03 p.m.
- Flyers get QB back for semifinal tilt 3:02 p.m.
- Former DPS head pleads guilty 2:46 p.m.
- Hasan's lawyer to meet with him 2:45 p.m.
- Hatch empathizes with Muslims 2:42 p.m.
- Two arrested in $3 robbery 2:41 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf'
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
255 - House passes health care bill
216 - Lobo suspended
176 - TCU showdown has big implications
156 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
130 - Thousands protest health bill
109 - Provo company innovating engines
108 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
106 - RSL rallies to advance
103
Hatch is smarter than Bennett.
What about the LeBarron killings. They were done in the name of God. What...
Hatch at his PC best.
Gays have the same right to get married to someone of the opposite gender as...
Our prayers are with you Cade! Get better soon!
I think the reason that the MLS has two games in the first round is to give...
Van Jones went to prison Van Jones IS a communist Winter Olympics cost...
Utah will be 11-1 at the end of this rebuilding year. Sorry, TCU fans, you...
in the military system. His trial will be fair.
I sympathize too - but I also dont know of any Mormons who have declared war...

