Not exactly a shocking development, but the All-American Football League, which had a handful of USF alums and would have played a game in Tampa this spring, may not even make it to its first game.
The league sent out an e-mail to media members Thursday announcing that it was seeking a new majority owner to "salvage" its 2008 season, and if no such owner were found in the very immediate future, the league's launch would be postponed to 2009. The league has yet to land a TV contract and ticket sales are reportedly disappointing, leading to more financial issues.
This barely involves USF, but I figured I'd post an update. ... More to come later today ...
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
This is a shame. This league makes too much sense. Giving kids who can't go onto the NFL a chance to maybe show they do belong. Wouldnt it be nice to see guys you enjoyed seeing play for 4 years get a chance to keep going.
Posted by: Reality | March 07, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I don't know about you guys, but I hunger for Football from bowl week all the way to the spring game and from then till august.
This league could be huge.
Posted by: Mack | March 06, 2008 at 11:03 PM
I, for one, cannot believe this is happening. I fully expected the AAFL to supplant the NFL within five seasons.
Posted by: Cee, Jr. | March 06, 2008 at 05:12 PM
I am suprised some off to the side network didn't pick this up. I don't know how inclined i am to go to Gainseville to see a game, but in Tampa i would go to it. Oh wel
Posted by: GregP | March 06, 2008 at 04:40 PM
That was very predictable. The XFL could not survive, and it had the support of "professional" wrestling and NBC - who was pro football-less at the time.
File this in the "who cares" circular file cabinet.
Posted by: Unix Pimp | March 06, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Unless the NFL endorses a farm league, all of these wannabe outdoor leagues won't make it. Arena is a different animal.
Posted by: JoeB | March 06, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Too Bad,
I was looking forward to May 1st.
Posted by: Mack | March 06, 2008 at 01:04 PM
No surprise....
Posted by: Ari Hinkelberger | March 06, 2008 at 12:43 PM
so the UF pro team will not be coming to Tampa. This is so sad.
That League is a sham.
Posted by: flsportsfan83 | March 06, 2008 at 12:39 PM