Another vote that could determine the fate of the Arena Football League’s 2009 season as well as the league’s overall future could come as early as Friday in a conference call of the 16 franchise owners.
A motion to suspend the 2009 season was made in a Wednesday night conference call, but it failed to get the required two-thirds majority to pass. Michael Young, executive vice president of the Colorado Crush said the motion came close to passing, leaving what is described by sources around the league as a fluid situation.
“There were some issues that some of the owners felt needed some additional investigation,” Young said. “We needed to recess and figure out where we are. We need to formulate a direction and that well could be to revisit a motion to suspend the season.”
The Crush ownership of John Elway, Pat Bowlen and Stan Kroenke has refused to comment. Elway has represented the franchise in the conference calls.
Young noted that play in the 2009 season is scheduled to begin in late February and time is becoming a factor for franchises to get team’s ready to play.
A report that was circulating around the league indicated that the owners are split in three factions, one that is determined to play, another that wants to suspend the season and a group that is undecided.
One franchise indicated in an off-the-record comment that it believed a suspension of the 2009 season quit possibly would be the end of the league.
Young indicated the Crush’s future would be tied to the merits of the plan if the 2009 season is played.
“It would take some major changes in the operation of the league for the Crush to play in the 2009 season,” Young said.
Irv Moss: 303 954-1296 or imoss@denverpsot.com
