Arena Football closes its doors

It appears to be all over for the Arena Football League, as multiple sources have said the league will be declaring bankruptcy and ceasing operations.

“It’s just unfortunate we’re in this situation,” said Arizona Rattlers Owner Brett Bouchy said, according to the newspaper. “Everyone knows myself and Arizona fought hard to avoid this day. The league was divided into two groups and factions. You had one group of committed owners who contributed capital and willing to do whatever it took to bring the league back in 2010. I have been in that group the entire time. Then there was another group that just wasn’t willing to make the investment. We could never get a consensus.”

I had the pleasure of covering several AFL games at the Staples Center in 2002-2003, when the Tony Graziani-led Los Avengers thrilled L.A. crowds with their exciting play. It was one of my favorite sports assignments, and the team and the league treated reporters very well.

It saddens me to see the AFL go, especially in L.A., where professional football is but a memory. But the AFL leaves a legacy of fun, fan-friendly football. It saddens me to see it fold.

–WKW

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