Professional Women's Football: Update
Back on May 12th I published a entry about the end of the "Cardinals". It garnered a great deal of attention from other teams in the league. With the help of this large, diverse and dedicated group of athletes, coaches, owners and administrators some new information has come to light that I found both interesting and note worthy. First from The Delaware Griffins who at the moment I am putting these words to electrons have this as a press release on their main page.
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2006
Media contact, IWFL league office
info@iwflsports.com
Toll free 800-283-7035
Cardinals Unable To Compete
Austin , TX – The Independent Women’s Football League announced today that Tracey Williams, owner of the Carolina Cardinals, has informed the league his team will not be capable of competing.
The associated Carolina players and coaches are attempting to reorganize the team with new ownership, however the only game currently scheduled for the group is the June 3rd game versus the Orlando Mayhem. All other Cardinals games will be recorded as forfeit wins for the teams slated to play them.
“The bar is set quite high for teams in the IWFL,” said IWFL Chief Operating Officer Kezia Disney. “Many people don’t realize exactly how difficult it can be to start a top tier women’s football team. They may make it through the interviews but can’t quite make it through their probationary year. Fortunately there are several dedicated individuals involved with this new Carolina team and I’m confident they will be successful with new management in place,” added Disney.
For more information on the IWFL and the 2006 schedule check out www.iwflsports.com
Many people outside of the Old Cardinals had a great deal to say about the then owner's letter announcing that the team was officially disbanded and the earth was salted so nothing may grow here again. They aren't calling the former owner any names, but they did want to clear up some points.
For instance, the letter implied that the team had been kicked out of the league. I'm hearing that the owner's membership was suspended due to nonpayment of dues, fines and other infractions and fees, he is still a member of the league technically. It was said that some players from the old cardinals had made a separate deal with the league. Word is a member or members of the team did contact the league, but the league simply answered questions and didn't make any sort of agreement about anything until the owner walked away from the players and coaches, and that was to name a deligate to speak for the team.
While personally it sounded to me like the previous owner was looking for an excuse to walk away, I was of the opinion that he should get a fair shake. He struggled for three years trying to establish a team, thats three long hard years of trying to scratch a niche into the local sports scene and that can take a toll on the best of people. (I am reminded of the battle that was fought over the new baseball stadium downtown.) My opinion hasn't changed much in this matter the news from the other side certainly undermines any martyr status he might have been trying to claim. Fact is I don't care about owners, blame, failure, or rebirth. I'm a fan, I just want to dress like a maniac and brag to everyone in earshot that I'm sleeping with a member of the team. The thing we should all remember though is this, the only thing these women want to do is play football...
...and all by themselves they will, June 3rd in Orlando. How cool is that! Not bad for 13 days. I am not even sure they have settled on a name yet.
