Plug Pulled on Alliance of American Football
Apr 03, 2019
Image: Getty
You have to wonder had the Alliance of American Football announced the news on Monday if people would have thought it to be an April Fools joke.
April 2nd, however, league owner Tom Dundon decided to suspend all operations, which was confirmed by league co-founder Bill Polian. Chris Mortensen of ESPN had the report.
The writing was on the wall last week. Dundon’s comments about the NFLPA revealed that the AAF was not getting any favors from the NFL. The worst story seems to be how the players had to buy their own travel home. Good thing the AAF doesn’t need to worry about PR.
Here are a couple thoughts on the news.
3 Big Takeaways:
1: The NFL is not Rome
The National Football League will not burn in a day.
It seemed on the surface that the strategy was wise: don’t compete with the NFL, compliment it. This wasn’t a David versus Goliath. It was Goliath’s sword-bearer trying to get traction while Goliath was taking a nap.
However, this is the NFL’s playground, and they decide who gets to play. If the NFL is going to have a “minor league,” they will be in control.
The wildcard would have to be an owner like Jerry Jones getting involved to do something, but the NFL ain’t broke.
2: Thank u, neXt (...FL)
The AAF had a 3-year plan. So does the XFL. Yeah, we’ll see about that. #hehateme
3: Technology
To Charlie Ebersol’s credit, he has a vision for innovation. Good, bad or indifferent, the AAF was willing to try some stuff that will influence the NFL.
I’m looking forward to seeing the integration of more technology into the fan experience.
Personally, I just want Roger Goodell mic’d up during the next CBA negotiations.
Honorable Mention:
I know what you’re thinking: what was Johnny Manziel thinking?
According to his Twitter, this:
“If you’re an AAF player and the league does dissolve. The last check you got will be the last one that you get. No lawsuit or anything else will get you your bread. Save your money and keep your head up. It’s the only choice at this point unless something drastic happens.
Just the reality of this unfortunate situation.. great concept, good football on the field and fun for fans to watch. Just not enough money to go around which has been the main problem with “other” leagues for a long time.”
Real talk, Money Manziel.
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