BREAKING: AFL Explains Shutdown Decision

One week ago, Gossip Cbus reported that speculation surrounding the AFL’s potential shutdown was “overblown.” With that shutdown now a reality, an Arena Football League official told us that information about the league’s future was closely held.

“Overall health of the league was not something we wanted in the press,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, because the shutdown is still pending a player’s union agreement. “We were direct with our owners and thankfully they held our confidence.”

Asked if this shutdown could extend into extinction, the official said, “We fully expect to field teams in 2010. We are examining our overall health. We are seeking improvement as a league.”

Currently, the AFL hosts sixteen franchises in two conferences, including our own Columbus Destroyers. While the official we spoke with would not comment concerning contraction or relocation of franchises, he did say that all franchises “will do what is best for the economic health of the league.”

Since moving from Buffalo in 1999, the Destroyers have been very well attended. This despite an overall 28-54 record, which includes only one playoff appearance. In 2007, the Destroyers won the National Conference. Unfortunately, the lost Arena Bowl XXI to the San Jose Saber Cats 55-33.