The Return of the Arena Football League: A Weekend Plagued by Telecasting Issues and Upheaval within Teams
The Arena Football League made a return this weekend after going through changes and ultimately disappearing in 2020. However, the return was not without complications. The games were supposed to be televised by NFL Network, but they ultimately were not aired. The NFL has not yet responded to requests for confirmation or comment regarding the failure to televise the games. Despite this, current NFLN listings show that an Arena League game is scheduled to be televised on Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The Philadelphia Soul experienced a tough weekend, with many players allegedly being released on Friday and kicked out of the Super 8 motel where they were staying. The report stated that their luggage was taken from them and locked in a room. The league took ownership of the Soul after a potential buyer backed out, leading to upheaval within the team. Head coach Patrick Pimmel stepped down the day before the Soul were set to play the Louisiana VooDoo in Lafayette. Players from the Dallas Falcons of the American Arena League 2 filled in as replacements for the Soul.
The game against the VooDoo ended in a blowout, with a final score of 53-18 in favor of Louisiana. Despite this chaotic weekend for the Soul, there was no mention of the game on the Arena League’s website