On Saturday the independent AFL news, the fan site of the Arena Football League, had a very upbeat piece about how the league could continue to rally as the number one fan-friendly sports league, even in questionable economic times. There were solid features about the Philadelphia Soul open tryout in Pittsburgh, and the Tampa Storm running offseason promotions…event the New Orleans Voodoo had items about upcoming open tryouts and other fan activities. Then today comes the sudden news that the VooDoo were closing up shop effective immediatel., along with the dreaded “unconfirmed sources” saying that other teams will follow. As the AFL looks for a new commissioner and decides whether or not to consolidate its ownership structure, the move today could send shockwaves for a league perceived as solid and with a great reputation for delivering to its fans and partners.speaking with one voice and looking forward, as well as leaving open the possibility that the issue with the VooDoo is not yet done.Curious, unexpected to the casual fan, but by avoiding the he said, she said backbiting that usually goes on in a public forum, the AFL scored some points for its fans with hopefully brighter days ahead.Matt Futterman has a balanced piece in today's WSJ about the economic effect.sports may start to experience in the US…Chris Ballard in si.com has the curious and bizarre story of football player Trevor Wikre, who sacrificed part of his finger to keep playing football…the Toronto Globe and Mail has a good piece on.CSKA Moscow coach Ettore Messina and his quest to become the first foreign coach in the NBA…Darren Rovell has a look at the ticket marketplace and if it has been effected by the economy.
