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AFL Suspends Season

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 16, 2008

The Arena Football League announced Monday it was suspending operations for the 2009 season. A statement from the league confirmed the AFL's board of directors met via conference call Sunday evening and voted in favor of suspension. The statement said the decision is "subject to agreement and cooperation with the Arena Football League Players Association while the league works on developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model."

WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE PLAYERS

Will Players Still Get Paid?

It's the million-dollar question. There is no mention in the AFL Collective Bargaining Agreement as to what happens to existing player contracts if the league's operations are suspended.

Will They Play In 2010?

That's the plan, according to AFL public relations director Chris Madigan. But, there is no guarantee. It will depend if the league's board of directors can find and agree upon a more successful business model, a task the board has asked to be spearheaded by Columbus Destroyers co-owner Jim Renacci, the vice chairman of the AFL Executive Committee.

Do Most Players Have Other Jobs?

Contracts for AFL players are not nearly as lucrative as in other professional sports, so most players hold additional jobs in the offseason as another source of income.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE FANS

What About Refunds?

According to Tampa Bay Storm media relations director Jim Robinson, the team is working on a solution to issue refunds to people who bought tickets for the 2009 season. An announcement on the issue is expected by the end of December.

Will The Fans Come Back?

The league is banking on that much, but only time will tell. Multiple other professional sports leagues have had some sort of work stoppage, and history has shown fans have always come back to support the sports they love. The more pertinent question seems to be, "Will the AFL return to the fans?"

Adam Adkins

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