Post by Late Boarder on Oct 20, 2007 16:20:34 GMT -5
www.aifaprofootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=114&Itemid=1
Hope it does work out so y'all can come back for '09!
Lakeland Thunderbolts Decline AIFA Participation In 2008
BALTIMORE, Maryland (October 20, 2007) – The Lakeland Thunderbolts of the American Indoor Football Association have reluctantly declined participation in the league for the 2008 season. The Bolts won the AIFA's inaugural championship in 2007.
“The issues here are internal to the franchise itself,” said AIFA co-founder John Morris from league headquarters in Baltimore. “The league very much desires a vibrant, successful franchise in Lakeland. During the past few months, we've worked hard with the Thunderbolts to try and achieve this goal.
“We view the team's internal issues to be a significant obstacle to the long-term success we desire that all of our teams achieve. We remain hopeful that the team can resolve these issues, and when this happens, they will be welcomed back into the league.
“Lakeland fans should know that the AIFA remains fully committed to providing their community with quality indoor football. We apologize that this step was deemed necessary, particularly following a championship season. However, the league is moving to assure the long-term stability and viability of its member franchises.
“The AIFA is growing at a rapid rate, evidenced by the addition of seven teams since the conclusion of our inaugural season. Our hope is that Lakeland will be a part of our future growth, and we will continue our efforts to help and encourage the Thunderbolts' ownership group to resolve its internal matters.”
The Thunderbolts were crowned AIFA champions on July 30th, following a 54-49 victory over the Reading Express at the Florence Civic Center in Florence, South Carolina. Octavius Day was named MVP of the title game, scoring two TD's and setting up three others with key receptions.
BALTIMORE, Maryland (October 20, 2007) – The Lakeland Thunderbolts of the American Indoor Football Association have reluctantly declined participation in the league for the 2008 season. The Bolts won the AIFA's inaugural championship in 2007.
“The issues here are internal to the franchise itself,” said AIFA co-founder John Morris from league headquarters in Baltimore. “The league very much desires a vibrant, successful franchise in Lakeland. During the past few months, we've worked hard with the Thunderbolts to try and achieve this goal.
“We view the team's internal issues to be a significant obstacle to the long-term success we desire that all of our teams achieve. We remain hopeful that the team can resolve these issues, and when this happens, they will be welcomed back into the league.
“Lakeland fans should know that the AIFA remains fully committed to providing their community with quality indoor football. We apologize that this step was deemed necessary, particularly following a championship season. However, the league is moving to assure the long-term stability and viability of its member franchises.
“The AIFA is growing at a rapid rate, evidenced by the addition of seven teams since the conclusion of our inaugural season. Our hope is that Lakeland will be a part of our future growth, and we will continue our efforts to help and encourage the Thunderbolts' ownership group to resolve its internal matters.”
The Thunderbolts were crowned AIFA champions on July 30th, following a 54-49 victory over the Reading Express at the Florence Civic Center in Florence, South Carolina. Octavius Day was named MVP of the title game, scoring two TD's and setting up three others with key receptions.
Hope it does work out so y'all can come back for '09!
