March 13th, 2008- It has been almost one year since the AAFL officially announced that day that the 2008 season would be postponed. However, we were told that the 2009 season would still be protected. Unfortunately, it now appears that the league has decided to start from scratch and select new host cities for the 2010 season. The financial situation is still unclear as the economy has completely collapsed in the past year. Last spring, we were told that the league would not be able to sustain itself with the all of its investments of $300 billion tied directly to the student loan industry.
Nevertheless, there is some good news to look forward to. After cancelling the 2008 season, the AAFL, ironically, was able to agree in priniciple with NFL Network to broadcast their games. TV revenue is the lifeblood of any franchise and it's funny to think how the NFL would basically be the main operator of the AAFL. A radio agreement with Sirius satellite radio had also been reached along with an agreement with New Balance.
So, I would like your suggestions on some suitable host locations for new teams. My proposal is to primarily have a southern football league in order to cut down on travel costs. Southeastern football has always been the biggest draw in NCAA football and I think it could work for the AAFL instead of having a Michigan team. So here are my ideas (* indicates new team, ^ indicates primary home):
Team Alabama- playing in Birmingham, ^Tuscaloosa
*Team Auburn- ^Auburn, Birmingham
Team Arkansas- Little Rock, ^Fayatteville
*Team Carolina- ^Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia
Team Florida- Jacksonville, Orlando, and ^Gainesville
Team Florida Gulf- ^Tallahassee, Tampa, Pensacola
*Team Georgia- Atlanta, ^Athens, Valdosta
*Team Louisiana- New Orleans, Shreveport, ^Baton Rouge
*Team Mississippi- ^Oxford, Starkville, Jackson
Team Tennessee- Nashville, ^Knoxville, Memphis
Team Texas- Dallas, Houston, ^San Antonio
2 comments:
Sounds about right. Chris Leak is currently an instructor for Football University. What's the deal with the AAFL stuff on him?
After folding the 2008 season, the AAFL announced that all of the players would be released from their commitments and thus be allowed to sign with other leagues. I believe Leak went on to play a little bit in the CFL afterwards.
The AAFL took a hit on their credibility by canceling the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Former college stars may be more apprehensive about taking the heightened risk of playing in an unstable football league.
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