AAF Reportedly Added Insult to Injury for Players After Shutting Down League
The Alliance of American Football, which suspended operations Tuesday, reportedly added insult to injury for the players who are now out of work.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Robert Klemko, the teams were making players pay for their own flights home.
“What a clown show this was,” Klemko tweeted.
Source says AAF teams making players pay for their own flights home. What a clown show this was.
— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) April 2, 2019
Players had been gearing up for Week 9 action when the league suspended operations.
#WeAreBirmingham #ForgeOn pic.twitter.com/WXxwuQ67eH
— Birmingham Iron (@aafiron) April 3, 2019
Not only that, but Darren Rovell of The Action Network reported that AAF contracts were immediately terminated and there was no severance pay.
“Last paycheck was for last week’s game,” Rovell tweeted Wednesday.
AAF players contracts are immediately terminated and there is no severance pay. Last paycheck was for last week’s game.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 3, 2019
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the league sent a memo to all teams on Tuesday that said: “For all the employees whom we do not contact individually to discuss an ongoing role or alternative arrangements, your employment termination date is effective Wednesday, April 3, 2019, and you will be paid through this date. We are extraordinarily appreciative for all your effort.”
Text of the email that went out to @theAAF personnel a few minutes ago, announcing they’re suspending football operations. pic.twitter.com/KBrL2Wdl4v
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 2, 2019
Quarterback Johnny Manziel signed a contract with the Memphis Express a little over two weeks ago. Now he’s out of a job once again.
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.
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) April 2, 2019
It’s a sad footnote to the end of a league that showed initial promise.
Former NFL executive Bill Polian, who co-founded the league, expressed his extreme disappointment with majority owner Tom Dundon’s decision to suspend operations.
“I am extremely disappointed to learn Tom Dundon has decided to suspend all football operations of the Alliance of American Football,” Polian said in a statement, per Rovell. “When Mr. Dundon took over, it was the belief of my co-founder, Charlie Ebersol, and myself that we would finish the season, pay our creditors, and make the necessary adjustments to move forward in a manner that made economic sense for all.
AAF co-founder Bill Polian issues strong statement after new owner Tom Dundon shuts league down. pic.twitter.com/YwFWaLFwwl
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 2, 2019
“The momentum generated by our players, coaches and football staff had us well positioned for future success. Regrettably, we will not have that opportunity.”
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