AFL's 2009 season in limbo

Dec 11, 2008 - 3:29 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- The Arena Football League is having serious financial troubles and is expected to announce that it will suspend play for the 2009 season, according to a report Wednesday by the Rocky Mountain News.

According to the report, the league will make the announcement by the end of the week. Earlier this week, the Columbus Dispatch reported that players from the Columbus Destroyers received text message warnings the league is in trouble.

However, AFL senior vice president of communications Chris McCloskey issued a statement to PA SportsTicker on Wednesday in response to the reports.

"Despite rumors and reports to the contrary, all AFL teams are continuing to work towards ArenaBowl XXIII. As it has previously stated, the AFL continues to work on long-term structural improvement options.

"Some of the options may impact the 2009 season. There is currently no timetable for an announcement of any kind. We remain grateful to our fans for their enthusiasm and patience."

The league also issued an official statement on Wednesday night.

"Despite rumors and reports to the contrary, the Arena Football League Board of Directors has not suspended the 2009 season at this time. The Board met via conference call this evening.

"The Board will continue to meet regularly to examine any and all long-term structural improvement options for the AFL."

One team, the New Orleans VooDoo, has already shut down operations. In addition, the league is still looking for a replacement for longtime commissioner David Baker, who resigned in July just two days before the ArenaBowl.

Founded in 1987, the AFL consists of 15 teams and had been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to a television contract with ESPN.