ng Day Another Success

After a bit of a tumultuous start, the PFL kicked off its 8th season of local S. Florida league play in a new location, with five new members. However, it seemed less than a month ago that season 8 would be disastrous.

Controversial decisions such as placing a cap on the number of expansion teams to be added, in addition to moving towards the use of updated rosters didn't fall into the favor of many of the league owners. Two primary casualties of these decisions were Dell Barton and Kwan Drake. Barton was a three year veteran of the PFL before bowing out for what would have been his fourth season. "I don't feel like I am enjoying it anymore," Barton stated. His disagreement with THE LEAGUE decision to accept only five of the seven new applicants fueled the fire. "I just think when a member completes his requirements and is of good character he should be allowed in the organization," Barton stated. However, THE LEAGUE didn't see it the same way.

It was a case where we agreed in September that we would only accept either 1 or 5 new members to make the membership either 20 or 24 to promote even divisions," Commissioner Teddy Brown stated. "It was not a personal decision, I just thought we should follow the motion that was made in September." The decision nearly caused a complete split in the entire league. "It was ugly," stated former Commissioner The Swammi. "We had a situation where we had a lot of emotions running rapid, and there was some hostility and resentment because of things said. However, cooler heads prevailed and we now understand that the most important thing we must do at season end is dialog."

Kwan Drake's decision to leave had more to do with THE LEAGUE deciding to move to updated rosters, after owners had to commit to entering the draft lottery. "If I had known in November that we would go to updated rosters, I would have thrown my team in the hat," stated Drake. The Bucs move to deactivate Keyshawn Johnson was the primary reason Drake was discourage by the ruling. Once it was official THE LEAGUE would not revert back to default rosters, Drake submitted his resignation after 7 years in THE LEAGUE.

Drake's departure leaves only founders Wayne Allen, Tony Womack, The Swammi in addition to Teddy B! as the lone members from the charter members of 1997.

Despite the preseason turmoil, THE LEAGUE kicked off the new season in grand style now housed at Porters Place in Sunrise, FL. Last year the group moved to Cafe Iguana. However, Iguana decided to change its hours of business, notng on Sundays until in the late evening forcing THE LEAGUE to relocate.

The new home, Porter's Place, is owned by former NFL veteran Daryl Porter who played with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.

"I thought things kicked off great," stated Commissioner Brown. "I'd have to agree," stated Swammi. "You would have never known by the vibe in the room that just a couple of weeks ago, we were on the verge of self-destruction. Its good to see things are getting back to normal.