The Dolphins Make Me Cry.com - Forums

TDMMC Forums => Other Sports Talk => Topic started by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 07, 2019, 10:52:34 am



Title: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 07, 2019, 10:52:34 am
AAF launches this weekend.  Anyone planning on watching?  Thoughs.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on February 07, 2019, 10:57:06 am
Yes, I hope it's good.  Probably not, but I can hope.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 07, 2019, 10:58:43 am
The old Ball Coach is coaching here in Orlando ... they are playing at UCF.  We are thinking bout going out to watch but haven't committed.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Sunstroke on February 07, 2019, 11:04:57 am

At this point, I'm too busy doing player valuations for the NFL Draft to pay much attention to the AAF. Once (if) they start pipelining players to the NFL...that's when I'll probably start watching.



Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 07, 2019, 06:10:54 pm
The old Ball Coach is coaching here in Orlando ... they are playing at UCF.  We are thinking bout going out to watch but haven't committed.

I'm going.   I've got my tickets.    I'll be able to say that I went to their inaugural game.  

I'm glad that for once, football season is not over

At this point, I'm too busy doing player valuations for the NFL Draft to pay much attention to the AAF. Once (if) they start pipelining players to the NFL...that's when I'll probably start watching.

Looking at the Apollos roster, I see a lot of former UF and FSU players that didn't make the NFL.   I'm guessing this league will be for the never weres and never will bes


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 08, 2019, 08:49:02 am
I'm going.   I've got my tickets.    I'll be able to say that I went to their inaugural game.  

I'm glad that for once, football season is not over

Looking at the Apollos roster, I see a lot of former UF and FSU players that didn't make the NFL.   I'm guessing this league will be for the never weres and never will bes
Tickets are expensive! They certainly think they are professional football. hahaha


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 08, 2019, 11:51:39 am
Tickets are expensive! They certainly think they are professional football. hahaha

$30 per seat.  High level at the 30 yard line.   $10 for a parking pass.   That's way below Bucs/Dolphins games.    My pastor and I are going (he's a diehard Seahawks fan from Whitby Island, WA).  


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 08, 2019, 01:46:29 pm
$30 per seat.  High level at the 30 yard line.   $10 for a parking pass.   That's way below Bucs/Dolphins games.    My pastor and I are going (he's a diehard Seahawks fan from Whitby Island, WA).  
Sideline seats are going for over $200 and barely sideline for $100. That's crazy for this kind of football.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 08, 2019, 02:22:44 pm
Sideline seats are going for over $200 and barely sideline for $100. That's crazy for this kind of football.

You must be referring to the lower level then.   I did see those prices on the lower level


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 08, 2019, 02:29:44 pm
You must be referring to the lower level then.   I did see those prices on the lower level
Exactly. I pay $120 for lower level Dolphin tickets so that's what I was comparing. While the Dolphins may just be an average NFL team they are 100 times better than that product will be.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 08, 2019, 03:44:19 pm
Exactly. I pay $120 for lower level Dolphin tickets so that's what I was comparing. While the Dolphins may just be an average NFL team they are 100 times better than that product will be.

True, but technically this is professional football.    Like minor league baseball is professional baseball.   These guys are getting paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $200k a year.   


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 08, 2019, 03:48:26 pm
True, but technically this is professional football.    Like minor league baseball is professional baseball.   These guys are getting paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $200k a year.   
That's for a three year contract from what I read. They are between 70 -100k a season.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 08, 2019, 05:26:53 pm
That's for a three year contract from what I read. They are between 70 -100k a season.

Not exactly NFL money but way better than bagging groceries or flipping burgers.   


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 08, 2019, 07:27:22 pm
Not exactly NFL money but way better than bagging groceries or flipping burgers.   
Hopefully their college education gets them more than that .. hahaha


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 08, 2019, 07:59:04 pm
Hopefully their college education gets them more than that .. hahaha

A lot of the guys on the Apollos roster went pro early and either didn't get drafted or got drafted late and didn't survive NFL camps. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on February 09, 2019, 08:17:34 pm
Okay I'm watching it.  I'll let you all know how it is.  So far I've seen Kurt Warner, Trent Greeb and either Tiki or Ronde Barber, couldn't tell which one, commentating.  I'm rooting for the Apollo's because they're localish and Spurrier is coaching them.  Hines Ward and Mike Martz are coaches for other teams.  Really pushing the developmental aspect and 2nd chances.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on February 09, 2019, 08:41:54 pm
It's produced very well, all the bells and whistles graphically as an NFL game.  Commentators are pretty decent.  The 5 seconds shorter on the play clock makes everything quicker.  A lot of players and coaches are mic up.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on February 09, 2019, 10:29:50 pm
How was the football though? Good quality? Or bad high school bad?


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Fau Teixeira on February 09, 2019, 10:36:43 pm
it's not bad .. i'd put it a step up from college ball (which is think is horrid)


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on February 10, 2019, 08:39:22 am
^I agree.  It started a little sloppy, but got better as the game went on.  Surprised to see some big hits, and players were eager to get back in the huddle after plays. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 10, 2019, 10:32:55 am
What a wild game!!!  Spurrier's offense is for real!!!  Orlando won 40-6 and did their own version of the Philly Special play just before halftime.

New rules for this league to speed up the game and increase scoring:

1.  No kickoffs.  All drives after a score will start at the 25 yard line.   If you need the ball again after a score, you get the ball at your 35 with a 4th and 20 play.

2.  No extra points.  Two point conversions only.

3.  No blitzing allowed.  Only up to five defenders may rush the QB on any given play.  

4.  The play clock is 35 seconds instead of 40.  Also fewer TV timeouts.  

Overall it was much better quality football than the developmental leagues of the past.



Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 10, 2019, 10:46:43 am
A lot of the guys on the Apollos roster went pro early and either didn't get drafted or got drafted late and didn't survive NFL camps. 

81% have been in the NFL.  Might only have been training camp.  So you are basically watching the same guys you see in the second half of a preseason game.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on February 11, 2019, 07:44:48 am
Looks like the AAF did well on it's opening night:

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/big-win-aaf-new-football-league-posts-better-ratings-rockets-thunder-174503810.html (https://www.yahoo.com/sports/big-win-aaf-new-football-league-posts-better-ratings-rockets-thunder-174503810.html)


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 11, 2019, 11:34:17 am
Be interesting to see how many of these guys get invites to NFL teams. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 11, 2019, 11:51:15 am
AAF could add an interesting dynamic to the off season.  As far as the NFL is concerned all the players are FA.

Let’s  say a guy is does well enough that after a few games he gathers the attention of one or more teams.  Does a team try to sign him now or wait to see more film?  If they wait someone else might sign him first.  Might a player decline a midseason offer hoping to get more/better offers with more games.  But that carries injury risk.

For an NFL team a signing bonus that is larger than the remaining AAF salary is peanuts so a team could sign a guy they are not a 100% sold on just to get him into OTAs and camp.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Phishfan on February 11, 2019, 01:30:59 pm
I don't think there is much of a signing bonus to be had for these guys.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 11, 2019, 01:44:51 pm
I don't think there is much of a signing bonus to be had for these guys.

Agreed.   There's a reason why they are in this league.   They've had their shot at the NFL and didn't make it.  Granted, they didn't get a lot of playing time or practice reps while they were there.   Now they are getting time to put in so they may get a second chance.  But the bonuses will be minimal.   


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 11, 2019, 02:01:55 pm
I don't think there is much of a signing bonus to be had for these guys.

I agree.  But it wouldn't take much.  Midway thru the season player is scheduled to make $45k over the next 4 games.  Offer him $50k signing bonus plus two years at league minimum.  


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 11, 2019, 02:51:03 pm
I didn't watch very much but I heard one of the referees discussing a penalty challenge as they review it. that's pretty cool and something I'd love for the NFL to adopt.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on February 11, 2019, 03:00:35 pm
^Yeah, she was the ref in the booth, it was about a catch or not.  Initially she said it was an incompletion, then right at the end she changed her mind because she say the elbow go down.  It was cool to see and hear them discuss it.  


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Fau Teixeira on February 11, 2019, 10:05:35 pm
they do that in rugby replays, you hear the refs discuss with the VAR,


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Phishfan on February 11, 2019, 10:14:34 pm
The AAF championship is April  27th. I don't see the NFL throwing any guaranteed money because they will be done in plenty of time to go to camp.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 12, 2019, 10:44:19 am
The AAF championship is April  27th. I don't see the NFL throwing any guaranteed money because they will be done in plenty of time to go to camp.

That is true.  But lets say after 6 weeks you know you want player X.  You know two other teams are looking at him as well.  Rather than wait and risk them offering him something first you spend 50k to get him now.

I am not thinking this is going to happen to dozens of players, but a handful of players could have such a breakout season that people scratch their heads and say, why is he in the AAF and not the NFL. 

I doubt their is a wide receiver of Randy Moss caliber in the AAF, but their might be one of the Wes Welker/Julian Edelman level. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on February 12, 2019, 12:10:26 pm
I'm going to try and catch some of the games this weekend. I hope I like it, and am not too disappointed with the play. I think I'd be more excited about this if I had a local team. I think the closest team to Boston is in Memphis? Maybe I'll be an Orlando fan. I like Steve Spurrier.  I hate to say it, and I'm embarrassed to, but I think my AAF team ofchoice may come down to what team's uniforms I like best. I have no idea. But saying go Iron, or yay hotshots doesn't quite feel right.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 14, 2019, 06:15:56 pm
The AAF championship is April  27th. I don't see the NFL throwing any guaranteed money because they will be done in plenty of time to go to camp.

That's the weekend of the NFL Draft.  Teams could then sign AAF players along with the UDFAs. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 14, 2019, 06:44:07 pm
That's the weekend of the NFL Draft.  Teams could then sign AAF players along with the UDFAs. 
AAF players are under 3 year contracts. I'm not sure what the contracts actually say but it may not allow for them to move to another league without some sort of buyout. The heads that put this league together are very NFL experienced so I can't see them screwing themselves from the get go. .


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 14, 2019, 06:53:37 pm
AAF players are under 3 year contracts. I'm not sure what the contracts actually say but it may not allow for them to move to another league without some sort of buyout. The heads that put this league together are very NFL experienced so I can't see them screwing themselves from the get go. .

They are branding themselves as a development league.  If the do anything to inhibit players going to the NFL they will have trouble attracting players.  These guys primary goal is to get noticed by an NFL team.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 14, 2019, 07:37:14 pm
AAF players are under 3 year contracts. I'm not sure what the contracts actually say but it may not allow for them to move to another league without some sort of buyout. The heads that put this league together are very NFL experienced so I can't see them screwing themselves from the get go. .

They have three year contracts, but if they get an offer from an NFL team, they are allowed to break the contract. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 14, 2019, 09:53:06 pm
They have three year contracts, but if they get an offer from an NFL team, they are allowed to break the contract. 
Yes ... I read that after I made that post. Their goal is to work with the NFL so it makes sense.

Players can leave the league, which is set to kick off Feb. 9, to go to the NFL. Polian said it's currently unclear whether a player's rights will revert back to the AAF after a three-year period expires or if the clock stops ticking on a team's three-year rights when a player gets "called up" to the big time.

Salaries will be in line with AAF competitor the XFL, which has said it will pay players an average of $75,000 per season. That league launches in 2020.

Polian said a contract will include state-of-the-industry health insurance


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 18, 2019, 07:36:52 pm
The Apollos won again in a wild comeback against San Antonio!!!    Down 29-17 going into the 4th quarter, they scored 20 unanswered points!!!   The run game was stifled all game long until the end but Gilbert torched the Commanders secondary for 393 yards passing.   This team is for real!!!


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 20, 2019, 05:59:41 pm
Turns out this new league was teetering on the brink of insolvency.   The owner of the Carolina Hurricanes plunked down $250 million to keep it going.  Additionally, despite Bill Pollan's claim that the players will have state of the art insurance coverage, the Apollos will have to practice in the state of Georgia due to Florida laws on Workman's Comp and they could not find an insurance company to cover them.  


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on February 20, 2019, 06:30:17 pm
So basically, don’t get too attached to the AAF.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 20, 2019, 06:37:39 pm
The league was not on the brink of insolvency.  Rather a billionaire was so impressed with week 1 he decided to invest in the league.  It is now virtually impossiblle for the league not to survive for several years as it has enough cash on hand to pay it bills even with zero income for a couple of years.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 20, 2019, 07:42:20 pm
The league was not on the brink of insolvency.  Rather a billionaire was so impressed with week 1 he decided to invest in the league.  It is now virtually impossible for the league not to survive for several years as it has enough cash on hand to pay it bills even with zero income for a couple of years.
Talking heads were saying today that this had been in the works and he didn't just all of a sudden plop 250 million down because they didn't make payroll. So far it seems like people are responding to the league so regardless of some hiccups ... it's been doing ok.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Fau Teixeira on February 20, 2019, 09:58:58 pm
and it's pretty entertaining. and way better football than the college stuff


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Phishfan on February 21, 2019, 03:16:07 pm
I'm not sure what news sources you read but I heard the league was short on payroll from multiple sources. It most definitely is behind an 8 ball right now. Attendance is pretty low in a few cities it seems. Think of it this way, the Orlando team, which I think can be called on of the more successful ones so far, is now renting hotel rooms until the end of the season because they have to practice in Georgia. Football is an expensive sport to operate and I personally agree that the league is not in the rosy shape you guys are portraying.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 22, 2019, 08:00:13 am
I'm not sure what news sources you read but I heard the league was short on payroll from multiple sources. It most definitely is behind an 8 ball right now. Attendance is pretty low in a few cities it seems. Think of it this way, the Orlando team, which I think can be called on of the more successful ones so far, is now renting hotel rooms until the end of the season because they have to practice in Georgia. Football is an expensive sport to operate and I personally agree that the league is not in the rosy shape you guys are portraying.
Not sure if you are referring to me but I never said they weren't short on payroll. I was just speaking specifically to the $250 million dollar deal made. It had been in the works for a while prior to actually taking place. Not sure if they had been counting on that or what. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Phishfan on February 22, 2019, 04:12:15 pm
I left out the word guys. It was generally for anyone saying the league wasn't in trouble.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 25, 2019, 10:53:20 am
Ratings have dropped like a stone and CBS has relegated them to CBS Sports.   NFL Network is also broadcasting as well.   But they're no longer on broadcast TV.   


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 25, 2019, 11:08:36 am
Ratings have dropped like a stone and CBS has relegated them to CBS Sports.   NFL Network is also broadcasting as well.   But they're no longer on broadcast TV.   
The change to CBS Sports was always in the plan. It hasn't helped ratings but I have to know they knew that prior to the change.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on February 25, 2019, 11:43:14 am
I hope that this league makes it. I enjoy it, and find it to be pretty good football, also, I like the idea of 8 months or so of football.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 25, 2019, 12:36:08 pm
Orlando’s attendance went up for their second home game. That’s a bit surprising to me although it seems like Orlando always supports the second tier football leagues. We really would like to have our own NFL or MLB team although that will never happen.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on February 25, 2019, 12:53:17 pm
Orlando’s attendance went up for their second home game. That’s a bit surprising to me although it seems like Orlando always supports the second tier football leagues. We really would like to have our own NFL or MLB team although that will never happen.

It won't happen as long as the Bucs are in Tampa and the Jags are in Jax.   Which is why it would be a great city for Arena Football and the AAF and XFL


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on February 25, 2019, 01:21:19 pm
It won't happen as long as the Bucs are in Tampa and the Jags are in Jax.   Which is why it would be a great city for Arena Football and the AAF and XFL
Arena football got boring. It's too far removed from real football. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Dolphster on February 25, 2019, 02:51:27 pm
I wonder if their jerseys will be collectible when the league folds after the first year. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 25, 2019, 03:45:08 pm
I wonder if their jerseys will be collectible when the league folds after the first year. 

For most no,  for the ones that go to the NFL,  some. How much of a market is there for a Brett Farve Atlanta Falcon’s jersey? 

Come to think of it that could make for an interesting way to collect memorabilia.  Farve Falcons jersey, autographed photo of Wes Welker in a chargers practice squad uniform. etc.



Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Dolphster on February 25, 2019, 04:38:18 pm
For most no,  for the ones that go to the NFL,  some. How much of a market is there for a Brett Farve Atlanta Falcon’s jersey? 

Come to think of it that could make for an interesting way to collect memorabilia.  Farve Falcons jersey, autographed photo of Wes Welker in a chargers practice squad uniform. etc.



My minor league (I never got above Single A league) baseball card is worth 3 cents.  I'm pretty sure it is only worth 3 cents because that is the recycle value of the card stock it was printed on.  It did used to impress girls when I was young and single.  So I had that going for me.  I suppose I could autograph them which might bump up the value to 3.5 cents.   ;D


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 25, 2019, 05:01:34 pm
My minor league (I never got above Single A league) baseball card is worth 3 cents.  I'm pretty sure it is only worth 3 cents because that is the recycle value of the card stock it was printed on.  It did used to impress girls when I was young and single.  So I had that going for me.  I suppose I could autograph them which might bump up the value to 3.5 cents.   ;D

Not the equivalent to a Farve Atlanta jersey.  I bet a Jeter Greensboro hornets card has some value above 3 cents. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on February 25, 2019, 05:38:32 pm
That's pretty cool you have a baseball card


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on February 26, 2019, 05:02:27 pm
My minor league (I never got above Single A league) baseball card is worth 3 cents.  I'm pretty sure it is only worth 3 cents because that is the recycle value of the card stock it was printed on.  It did used to impress girls when I was young and single.  So I had that going for me.  I suppose I could autograph them which might bump up the value to 3.5 cents.   ;D

So like 10 million of your cards for for one Tom Brady....http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26085474/rare-tom-brady-rookie-card-sells-400k-auction


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 09, 2019, 12:47:22 pm
The top offense in the league (Orlando) faces off against the top defense in the league (Birmingham) in about an hour.  Normally the Saturday day game is not on TV, but TNT will carry the game this week.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on March 09, 2019, 01:03:03 pm
Yeah, I plan on putting it on after Rio. I’m Mr. mom this weekend while my wife is working.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 11, 2019, 08:50:23 pm
And Birmingham's defense proved to be O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D!!!!   Orlando shredded them for over 450 yards and 31 points.   They gave up only 33 points all season until Saturday.  The Apollos are for real!!


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Dolphster on March 12, 2019, 08:44:42 am
I watched about 10 minutes of a game last weekend.  Couldn't even tell you who the teams were.  After the QB for one of the teams threw 5 incomplete passes in a row where only one of them was even in the same zip code as his intended receiver, I decided to go for a motorcycle ride. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on March 12, 2019, 10:23:24 pm
I’ve enjoyed the AAF so far. I think it’s pretty good football with a skill level somewhere between top college and the NFL.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on March 17, 2019, 11:15:10 am
Johnny football has been given a chance by the Memphis AAF team. How many chances can a person get?


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on March 17, 2019, 11:37:58 am
Johnny football has been given a chance by the Memphis AAF team. How many chances can a person get?

If you have unique talents or lots of money....plenty.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on March 18, 2019, 10:25:06 am
Did we ever find out what he did to get banned fro the Canadian league?


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on March 18, 2019, 10:32:33 am
I don't know. I'm operating under the assumption that he did something stupid and childish. So was probably just being himself.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Phishfan on March 19, 2019, 08:48:18 pm
Did we ever find out what he did to get banned fro the Canadian league?

Read a report tonight that he missed mandatory counseling


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on March 20, 2019, 08:29:18 am
Read a report tonight that he missed mandatory counseling
I get a suspension but that doesn't seem a big enough deal to be banned. I wonder what that counseling involved?


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 20, 2019, 09:54:20 am
I get a suspension but that doesn't seem a big enough deal to be banned. I wonder what that counseling involved?

That's Canada.   The rules are different up there, especially for Americans.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on March 20, 2019, 11:56:20 am
I get a suspension but that doesn't seem a big enough deal to be banned. I wonder what that counseling involved?

Somehow, I doubt he missed just one session. It is the off season, it is entirely possible he missed some sessions, was informed that at the start of the season there will be a hearing to determine how long his suspension would be....and then he missed more sessions and CFL said, “we’re done”


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on March 27, 2019, 03:33:00 pm
I watched some highlights of Johnny Manziel's first AAF game. He looked good, almost looked like a man among boys. I forgot what a good football player he could be.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on March 27, 2019, 03:34:22 pm
I watched some highlights of Johnny Manziel's first AAF game. He looked good, almost looked like a man among boys. I forgot what a good football player he could be.

Million dollar arm,  ten cent brain.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 28, 2019, 12:37:29 am
A report came out saying this league is in danger of folding if the NFLPA won't provide players from NFL practice squads


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on March 28, 2019, 06:13:27 am
I know. That’s bad news. I really like the AAF. I hope it can make it. You don’t suppose that the NFL feels at all threatened by the AAF do you?


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on March 28, 2019, 07:18:03 am
NFL should adopt the AAF and make it its minor league.

Regardless, the XFL starts next year.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on March 28, 2019, 10:13:55 am
The sticking point is over compensation for player who have signed a futures contract with an NFL and gets injured playing AAF.  The NFL is okay with the player playing, but the union (rightfully so) wants injury guaranteed money.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 28, 2019, 11:40:55 am
The sticking point is over compensation for player who have signed a futures contract with an NFL and gets injured playing AAF.  The NFL is okay with the player playing, but the union (rightfully so) wants injury guaranteed money.

Simple solution for that.   AAF players cannot sign NFL contracts until their season is over. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on March 28, 2019, 12:50:39 pm
Simple solution for that.   AAF players cannot sign NFL contracts until their season is over. 

That is the problem.  GM sees enough of a player to want him in camp.  In order to sign that contract the player needs to quit the AAF.  Would be better if the player could continue to get experience.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on March 28, 2019, 01:36:08 pm
The biggest issue is the NFL needs to adopt this league or it will fold. They took a huge gamble that the NFL would buy into a farm system and that may not be the case.  It could fold as early as this week according to some reports. Crazy!


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on March 28, 2019, 01:45:17 pm
The biggest issue is the NFL needs to adopt this league or it will fold. They took a huge gamble that the NFL would buy into a farm system and that may not be the case.  It could fold as early as this week according to some reports. Crazy!

I don’t think the NFL cares one way or another about the AAF.  BUT their existing farm program the NCAA wants it to fail.  The NFL isn’t going to rescue the AAF and piss off the colleges.  College football and basketball is relevent but either don’t have a minor league or it is largely irrelevant.  Baseball and hockey have relevant minor leagues, but the college championships go largely unnoticed. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 29, 2019, 12:09:56 pm
Baseball and hockey have relevant minor leagues, but the college championships go largely unnoticed. 

That's because the best high school baseball and hockey players don't go to college.   They go pro straight out of high school.   And that goes unnoticed as well unless the player makes it to the big leagues


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Dolphster on March 29, 2019, 02:52:30 pm
I don't really care whether or not it folds other than the fact that if it does, I can gloat about how I said it was going to fold back in February.  LOL   


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 29, 2019, 05:08:55 pm
The biggest issue is the NFL needs to adopt this league or it will fold. They took a huge gamble that the NFL would buy into a farm system and that may not be the case.  It could fold as early as this week according to some reports. Crazy!

I'm guessing they would play out the season before folding.  They have the money to do so.   The entire league folding right before the playoffs would be a huge embarrassment


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on March 29, 2019, 09:16:07 pm
Keep the AAF alive. The world needs more football.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on March 30, 2019, 10:07:33 am
A scathing article by Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel shines a light on the cockroaches.   The Apollos had to get rid of their radio broadcasting crew because the league hasn't paid the bill at the local radio station??  That's really disturbing.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/open-mike/os-sp-spurrier-aaf-apollos-dundon-fold-20190327-story.html


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: CF DolFan on April 02, 2019, 01:38:40 pm
It could fold as early as this week according to some reports. Crazy!
Looks like it went one more week but it now suspended. Unless some billionaieres jump in I can't see it picking back up.

 Dundon is losing approximately $70 million on his investment. Per the report, Dundon made the decision to halt operations against the wishes of league co-founders Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polian.

Practice for the Apollos was cut short after getting the news.  Spurrier was his usual self and joked that if this is the end, he hopes the @aafAPOLLOS, with their 7-1 record are crowned champs.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on April 02, 2019, 02:21:47 pm
Looks like it went one more week but it now suspended. Unless some billionaieres jump in I can't see it picking back up.

 Dundon is losing approximately $70 million on his investment. Per the report, Dundon made the decision to halt operations against the wishes of league co-founders Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polian.

Practice for the Apollos was cut short after getting the news.  Spurrier was his usual self and joked that if this is the end, he hopes the @aafAPOLLOS, with their 7-1 record are crowned champs.

I hope so too.  I had loads of fun with this league.   It was good, for once, to be able to watch football after the Super Bowl

This really sucks.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/aaf/news/aaf-operations-reportedly-suspended-leagues-future-in-doubt-after-eight-games-of-first-season/amp/


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: stinkfish on April 02, 2019, 02:29:49 pm
This is too bad. I really enjoy watching AAF.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on April 03, 2019, 12:02:23 am
Turns out the players were kicked out of their rooms today (that hadn't been paid in a week), given garbage bags to clean out their belongings, and then told that they had to find their own way to get home.  That's bush league.  


Title: So now can we finally say once and for all?
Post by: dolphins4life on April 03, 2019, 12:49:35 am
No more football leagues.

They never work. 

Whoever is in charge of Bringing the XFL back should end that project immediately. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on April 03, 2019, 08:38:29 am
Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel is ripping these guys to shreds.  I agree with him that the Hurricanes owner is not to blame here but the league's co- founders are.  I'm sure more stories are going to come out about money being owed.   Getting bottom roster NFL players wouldn't have changed a damn thing.  This league was bleeding red ink everywhere.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/open-mike/os-sp-aaf-suspends-operations-spurrier-apollos-20190402-story.html


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BeanCounter on April 03, 2019, 01:22:17 pm
How the hell does a league where every game is televised nationally fold?  The AAF now replaces the XFL as the biggest joke of a football league.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: masterfins on April 03, 2019, 03:55:24 pm
I don't get it, they had to expect to have some losses for this start-up business, it seems they are tied to the wrong investor.  The only problem I saw was that they were charging NFL ticket prices, which is a bit much for a first season league; prices probably should have been half what they charged and they probably could have made the difference up in concession sales from the added fans at games.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Dolphster on April 04, 2019, 08:12:30 am
"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."    Every alternative football league has failed so I'm not sure why the people who sink money into new leagues think they are going to be the one time that it works.  As I said in February, AAF stood no chance of working, just like the XFL will stand no chance of working next year. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Phishfan on April 05, 2019, 01:39:38 pm
I wouldn't classify their media deal as having every game nationally televised and I wouldn't say they were charging NFL prices either. The league was far from either of these things. Football is such an expensive sport, this league was writing rubber checks and making false promises. It was a scam.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on April 05, 2019, 01:43:42 pm
XFL will learn from what the AAF did wrong, and will likely fold as well.  It really needs to be in your face to watch it, no obscure channels.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on April 05, 2019, 01:54:52 pm
The AAF folding early is the best thing that could have happened for the XFL.  No way both could have survived. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on April 05, 2019, 03:35:08 pm
XFL will learn from what the AAF did wrong, and will likely fold as well.  It really needs to be in your face to watch it, no obscure channels.

I wouldn't call CBS Sports, TNT, and NFL Network obscure


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: Tenshot13 on April 05, 2019, 03:41:03 pm
^^^For football, I would.  TNT is the only one on basic cable packages.


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: MyGodWearsAHoodie on April 05, 2019, 04:06:15 pm
^^^For football, I would.  TNT is the only one on basic cable packages.

The target market has a sports package.  Folks that only watch NFL at super bowl parties, were never going to watch the AAF. 


Title: Re: Are you ready for some football?
Post by: BuccaneerBrad on April 10, 2019, 08:46:06 am
A lot of nasty stuff is coming out about Dundon.   Turns out he made his fortune preying on poor people with subprime car loans and he invested in the league to become the majority owner so he could have control of its state of the art technology including the gambling app.   He might be losing $70 million on this but it was his call to shut the league down and now he owns that app.  He'll make that money back easily and then some.  Meanwhile, a lot of players, coaches, and team employees are left hanging out to dry.