XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

Rage Announce Re-signing of Kevin Swayne

April 8, 2004

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Rage have bolstered their team with the re-signing of WR Kevin Swayne. Since leaving the Rage after the 2001 season, he has spent three seasons with the NFL's New York Jets. "It's great to be back with the Rage and Jeff Brohm," said Swayne, who left mini-camp with the NFL's Washington Redskins to join the team. "The XFL and the Rage organization have always felt like home and I decided this was a better fit for me right now. I'm hoping to help the Rage achieve their goal of a title."

"We knew Kevin would be a great fit for us as we look to build towards a championship," said Tom Veit, General Manager, who has maintained contact with Swayne since his departure from the Rage in 2001. "He will bring veteran leadership to our developing receiving core that we are really excited about. His return will give us the type of depth we have never had before."


XFL Week 7: You Can Tie in the XFL

April 12, 2004

Los Angeles, CA - The New Orleans VooDoo marched into Los Angeles in search of their first franchise road victory but instead came away with the first tie in XFL history. Both quarterbacks were game as they combined for six touchdowns passes, three of which were thrown by Los Angeles starting QB Cade McNown. McNown repeatedly threw bullets to his wide receivers piercing a less than mediocre New Orleans' defense. However, VooDoo QB Craig Nall wasn't a slouch himself. He threw for 268 yards and 3 TDs to a trio of receivers who couldn't be covered. "I didn’t even know you could tie in the XFL," Nall said, "In my mind, I was sitting on the bench saying, ‘I’ve got another quarter to go.’ But someone came to me and said, ‘That’s it.’ I’ve never had a tie in my life before." Stars RB Ken Oxendine also didn’t realize games could end in a tie. "It's nuts. "I'm back there like, 'Yo, how many overtimes can we do?' And they're like, 'Three' ... I hear, 'Two, one,' and we were like, 'Yo, whatever's going on, we're about to just put our all into it,’" he said.

-- (3-3)Stars 24 - 24 VooDoo(2-3)
(LA): QB McNown - 20/40 223 yards, 3 TDs, RB Shehee - 13 carries, 70 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 6 catches, 87 yards
(NO): QB Nall - 22/34 268 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ferguson - 15 carries, 52 yards, WR Jennings - 8 catches, 85 yards, WR Culver - 5 catches, 87 yards, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 7: Big D in Big D

April 13, 2004

Dallas, TX - Three touchdown passes by QB Clint Stoerner and a stingy defense led the Dallas Desperados past the Columbus Ghosts, 29-10 before 19,312 fans. The Desperados, who shut out Columbus in the first half, improved to 6-0 on the season. Stoerner completed 21-of-33 for 251 yards and three touchdown tosses. "I thought I was a little off today," Stoerner said. "I missed a couple of receivers early in the game. But, we did a good job of protecting the football and didn't let up after getting those early stops on defense."

"You have to give credit to the offensive line," Stoerner said. "They kept me upright today, which was impressive, going against a team with a great pass rush like Columbus. That's why we won the game."

Dallas WR Bobby Sippio caught a game-high eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. "We played well in all three phases of the game," Desperados head coach Jerry Glanville said. "When we are healthly and don't turn the ball over, we are a pretty good team."

-- (2-3)Ghosts 10 - 29 Desperados(5-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 24/35 197 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Clarett - 8 carries, 45 yards, WR Rambo - 8 catches, 82 yards, WR Germany - 5 catches, 47 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 22/33 251 yards, 3 TDs, RB Smart - 11 carries, 74 yards, WR Sippio - 8 catches, 97 yards, 2 TDs, Hundon - 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-1)Commanders 17 - 24 Steel(2-3)
(COL): QB Bishop - 23/35 246 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stecker - 22 carries, 79 yards, WR Chiaverini - 7 catches, 100 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 23/32 252 yards, 1 TD, RB Alexander - 14 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 13 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 103 yards, WR Jackson - 8 catches, 67 yards

XFL Week 7: Outlaws Run Over Sea Devils

April 14, 2004

Seattle, WA - The Las Vegas Outlaws rushed for five scores en route to a 39-20 victory over the Seattle Sea Devils. The Outlaws racked up 423 total yards in dropping the Sea Devils record to 1-5 on the season. QB Quinn Gray led the efficient Outlaws offense as he completed 15 of 18 passes for 228 yards. The Outlaws scored on every possession but one to improve their record to 6-1. Two Sea Devils' turnovers in the first quarter left the visitors playing catch-up from early in the second quarter.

-- (5-1)Outlaws 39 - 20 Sea Devils(1-4)
(LV): QB Gray - 15/18 228 yards, RB Phillips - 17 carries, 132 yards, 3 TDs, WR Nash - 6 catches, 104 yards, WR Soward - 3 catches, 58 yards
(SEA): QB Smith - 23/43 215 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 19 carries, 44 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 57 yards, TE Ricks - 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-2)Guardians 22 - 27 Valor(0-6)
(NY): QB McPherson - 14/30 296 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Edwards - 8 carries, 39 yards, WR Williams - 6 catches, 140 yards, WR Green - 4 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, TE Battaglia - 3 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Hill - 21/38 304 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 16 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 5 catches, 126 yards, WR Baker - 4 catches, 82 yards, WR Skaggs - 4 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-4)Enforcers 19 - 27 Rage(5-1)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 20/36 212 yards, 1 TD, RB Jackson - 11 carries, 71 yards, WR Chatman - 6 catches, 100 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 16/33 231 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Clark - 13 carries, 38 yards, WR Green - 4 catches, 47 yards, WR Burks - 6 catches, 81 yards

-- (3-2)Wild 12 - 6 Express(2-3)
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 21/28 207 yards, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 22 carries, 96 yards, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 81 yards, WR Morey - 6 catches, 64 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 20/33 170 yards, RB Shaw - 5 carries, 14 yards, 4 catches, 36 yards, WR McCullough - 2 catches, 33 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 8: Valor Win Expansion Battle

April 19, 2004

Washington, DC - The New Orleans VooDoo were in town and they came bearing gifts in the form of turnovers, a patchwork offensive line and a special teams breakdown. Thanks in part to two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, four sacks and an electrifying punt return, the Washington Valor defeated their expansion rivals, 37-15, in front of 31,712 fans and a Thursday night prime-time audience. But those offerings weren't the only reason for the Valor success in this one. The offense, reverting back to its bread-and-butter, focused on passing the ball. Most of those came courtesy of Shaun Hill, who finished 27/42 passing for 346 yards and 3 TDs. That more than made up for a sometimes-shaky performance from the ground game, who just can't seem to find a consistent groove with a newly formed offensive line. RB Avery was clearly frustrated with the performance.

-- (2-3-1)VooDoo 15 - 37 Valor(1-6)
(NO): QB Nall - 17/33 205 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Black - 10 carries, 33 yards, WR Culver - 3 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 99 yards
(DC): QB Hill - 27/42 346 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 21 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Baker - 4 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-3-1)Stars 20 - 16 Wild(4-2)
(LA): QB McNown - 28/34 282 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Oxendine - 13 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, RB Shehee - 10 carries, 42 yards, WR Stokes - 10 catches, 121 yards, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 82 yards
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 23/43 227 yards, RB Salaam - 12 carries, 25 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 7 catches, 74 yards, WR Haygood - 6 catches, 85 yards

-- (4-2)Commanders 31 - 28 Rage(5-2)
(SA): QB Bishop - 18/31 219 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stecker - 20 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 8 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 4 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 17/33 214 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clark 13 carries, 34 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 4 catches, 58 yards, WR Swayne - 5 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Guardians Follow Rookie Lead

April 20, 2004

Memphis, TN - Guardians K John Markham hit a 29-yard field goal with two seconds left to lift the New York Guardians over the Memphis Express in a thriller, 45-42. Markhams game-winning field goal capped off a five play 59-yard drive in which Adrian McPherson completed 4-of-5 passes to give the Guardians 4th and 2 from the Memphis 21. Following a Memphis timeout, Markham came out and calmly drilled the kick to give New York the lead.

Memphis sprinted out to an early 21-7 lead as QB Tee Martin completed 11 of his first 12 passes, including three touchdowns. The Express defense also stood tall, limiting an explosive offense to only 13 first half points in taking a 21-13 lead into halftime. However, the second half belonged to New York's blazing hot rookie tandem of McPherson and WR Mike Williams. The pair hooked up seven times for 128 yards and a touchdown, none of which were more important than a clutch two-play drive in which Williams made both receptions for 38 yards and the touchdown to give the Guardians their first lead of the game at 42-35.

-- (3-3)Guardians 45 - 42 Express(2-4)
(NY): QB McPherson - 15/24 290 yards, 3 TDs, 5 carries, 101 yards, RB Edwards - 10 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 6 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 128 yards, 1 TD, WR Dar Dar - 4 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Martin - 22/33 267 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Stephens - 16 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 55 yards, WR McCullough - 6 catches, 62 yards, 2 TDs, WR Simmons - 6 catches, 72 yards, WR Minnis - 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Enforcers Crush Sea Devils

April 21, 2004

Chicago, IL - The Chicago Enforcers opened the second half with a barrage of 20 consecutive points, turning an 11-point halftime deficit into a lead they never relinquished in defeating the Seattle Sea Devils 34-21 in front of 24,514 fans. Seattle bolted to a 21-10 halftime lead thanks to a second quarter which the Sea Devils stopped the Enforcers twice on DB Dennis Weathersby interception and a failed 40-yard field-goal attempt by K Brad Palazzo. But the Sea Devils' offense floundered following intermission, as two of their first three second-half drives ended without a first down. In the final 30 minutes, Chicago dominated the action, RB Fred Jackson accounted for all of the second-half offensive touchdowns, running 42 yards for the Enforcers' final touchdown of the evening.

-- (1-5)Sea Devils 21 - 34 Enforcers(1-5)
(SEA): QB Smith - 26/45 271 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 11 carries, 23 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 9 catches, 98 yards, 2 TDs, WR Yeast - 4 catches, 78 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 19/29 190 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 12 carries, 66 yards, RB Jackson - 18 carries, 162 yards, 2 TDs, WR Chatman - 5 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Bailey - 4 catches, 53 yards

-- (2-4)Ghosts 6 - 30 Outlaws(6-1)
(COL): QB Germaine - 24/45 188 yards, RB Wiley - 23 carries, 61 yards, WR Rambo - 9 catches, 74 yards, TE Blakely - 5 catches, 55 yards
(LV): QB Gray - 15/31 209 yards, 11 carries, 39 yards, 2 TDs, RB Phillips - 16 carries, 58 yards, WR Soward - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Nash - 5 catches, 78 yards

-- (3-3)Steel 23 - 24 Desperados(6-0)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 22/35 203 yards, 1 INT, RB Alexander - 13 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 12 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 77 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 52 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 17/22 254 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smart - 16 carries, 32 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 4 catches, 121 yards

Guardians' GM Ron Jaworski to Become Team's First Bobble Head Doll

April 22, 2004

New York, NY - The New York Guardians have announced that team president, minority owner and general manager Ron Jaworski will become the first member of the Guardians to have their own Bobble Head doll. The doll will be given away to the first 5,000 fans 14-and-under at the Guardians' next home game. "It's a true honor to have my own bobble head doll," said Jaworski. "I would never have thought 20 years ago during my playing days that I would have my own doll."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 9: Wild Again Come up Short in Big Game

April 26, 2004

Minneapolis, MN - Winning ugly has been the theme of the 2004 season and that same theme returned on Sunday after the Dallas Desperados just barely beat the Minneapolis WIld, 24-20 in a lackluster game. The lack of energy from Dallas was evident from the jump after the Desperados failed to score on their opening drive for the first time all season. As a result, the Wild took an early 3-0 lead after their field goal attempt was good from 52-yards out on their opening drive. Throughout the rest of the first quarter, the Desperados continued to struggle to find their rhythm on offense and seemingly lacked any sense of urgency. To better paint the picture for you, on the Desperados' first three offensive drives, they only had one first down, which was gifted to them after a defensive pass interference call.

The Desperados, despite how little they looked like they wanted to be there, continued to tread on though. To kick off their next drive, Stoerner connected with TE Brian Roche for a 23-yard first down, then RB King moved the chains for Dallas before LaTarence Dunbar climbed the ladder with an impressive 6-yard touchdown grab to give us our final score of 24-20. Minneapolis had a chance to win it at the end of the game, but Dallas' defense applied pressure and got the job done to help the Desperados stay undefeated on the year.

-- (7-0)Desperados 24 - 20 Wild(4-3)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 31/45 276 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB King - 9 carries, 25 yards, WR Sippio - 7 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 20/39 178 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 21 carries, 102 yards, WR Haygood - 4 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-5)Express 10 - 30 VooDoo(2-4-1)
(MEM): QB Martin - 18/36 239 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Canidate - 19 carries, 122 yards, 4 catches, 40 yards, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 50 yards, WR Simmons - 2 catches, 82 yards
(NO): QB Nall - 23/34 184 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 17 carries, 96 yards, RB Black - 6 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 60 yards, WR Culver - 4 catches, 28 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 9: Rage Defend Home Turf from Outlaws

April 27, 2004

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Rage used a gutsy defensive effort and the leg of kicker Jay Taylor to defeat the Las Vegas Outlaws 37-23. Las Vegas attempted a late comeback but failed to recover the onside kick, and Orlando ran out the rest of the clock for the victory. Taylor, had a great game. He was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts and 4-for-4 on PATs. He also kicked a perfect onside kick in the first quarter, which allowed the Rage to jump to an early 10-point lead. QB Joe Hamilton helped to drive the offensive charge as he completed 20-of-41 passes for 258 yards and two total touchdowns. Hamilton's main target, was again Dialleo Burks, who made seven catches for 96 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively, the Rage was able to put pressure on the Outlaws. DL Kenny Holmes and Randy Chevrier recorded a sack and forced a fumble. The Rage also used a tough red zone rushing attack on Las Vegas. Three different players scored a touchdown on the ground in the game.

-- (7-1)Outlaws 23 - 37 Rage(5-3)
(LV): QB Gray - 27/44 234 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 16 carries, 38 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Soward - 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 20/41 258 yards, 1 TD, RB Clark - 20 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 7 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-5)Ghosts 16 - 20 Sea Devils(1-6)
(COL): QB Germaine - 17/30 235 yards, 2 INTs, RB Clarett - 22 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 98 yards, WR Black - 6 catches, 64 yards
(SEA): QB Smith - 22/43 199 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 12 carries, 56 yards, WR Looker - 8 catches, 40 yards

-- (2-6)Valor 23 - 35 Stars(4-3-1)
(DC): QB Hill - 26/43 213 yards, 2 TDs, RB Avery - 20 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 8 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Baker - 7 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 18/26 212 yards, 3 TDs, RB Oxendine - 8 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Stokes - 6 catches, 106 yards, 2 TDs, WR Copeland - 3 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-4)Steel 41 - 20 Guardians(4-3)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 24/33 247 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Bostic - 20 carries, 101 yards, 2 TDs, RB Alexander - 17 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 6 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Hymes - 5 catches, 54 yards
(NY): QB Moreno - 13/30 171 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Edwards - 24 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 4 catches, 83 yards, WR Green - 3 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 9: Enforcers Fall to Commanders, Jackson Hurt

April 28, 2004

Chicago, IL - Once again the Enforcers came out on the short side of things, falling to the San Antonio Commanders 35-30. QB Jarious Jackson left the game early in the first quarter with an apparent knee injury. QB Kurt Kittner filled in admirably, going 21-33 for 238 yards and two scores in the loss but got outdueled by Commanders QB Michael Bishop in the loss. Jackson may miss a few weeks due to the injury as the Enforcers fall to a record of 2-6.

-- (5-2)Commanders 35 - 30 Enforcers(2-5)
(SA): QB Bishop - 23/38 270 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Stecker - 17 carries, 124 yards, 6 catches, 65 yards, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 99 yards, 2 TDs, WR Merritt - 7 catches, 60 yards
(CHI): QB Kittner - 21/33 238 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jackson - 15 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 7 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Lord - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Dawson - 4 catches, 62 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 10: Valor and Ghosts Make Defense Optional

May 3, 2004

Columbus, OH - Ghosts' QB Joe Germaine left the game with cramps late in the third quarter with Columbus up 33-20. That helped to swing the momentum. After the Valor cut the lead to 33-27, Columbus went three-and-out with backup Dave Ragone under center. The Valor then took a 34-33 lead on a 5-yard TD run by RB John Avery. Ragone led a drive into Washington territory but went down with a knee injury on the final play before the two-minute warning, leaving Columbus with a fourth-and-5 at the Washington 44. Re-enter Germaine, who emerged from the locker room just in time to deliver a 44-yard TD bomb to WR Ken Yon Rambo on his first play back giving the Ghosts the 40-34 win.

-- (2-7)Valor 34 - 40 Ghosts(2-6)
(DC): QB Hill - 32/50 340 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 19 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 9 catches, 203 yards, 1 TD, WR Skaggs - 6 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 19/29 212 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clarett - 17 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD, RB Wiley - 17 carries, 116 yards, WR Germany - 8 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 8 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-7)Sea Devils 7 - 38 VooDoo(3-4-1)
(SEA): QB Smith - 15/30 112 yards, 1 TD, RB Simonton - 11 carries, 27 yards, WR Looker - 4 catches, 42 yards
(NO): QB Nall - 23/32 225 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 19 carries, 67 yards, WR Jackson - 7 catches, 98 yards, 2 TDs, WR Prentiss - 5 catches, 69 yards

XFL Week 10: Defense Rests, Stars Win a Wild One

May 4, 2004

Los Angeles, CA - In a game where the word "defense" was foreign to both teams the Los Angeles Stars had a record breaking day in a 61-50 win over the New York Guardians before 23,996 fans. There were 829 total yards, 707 through the air. In the second half alone, there were a total of seven touchdowns, four by Los Angeles. "It was one of those games where everything was back and forth and back and forth," said Stars head coach Al Luginbill. "Cade and Jeremaine played really well. Jeremaine was against man coverage and that's what he excels against."

The Stars took a 34-27 lead into halftime. McNown had thrown touchdowns three times already. New York kept pace on the strength of QB Adrian McPherson's right arm. He tossed three touchdown passes in the first half including a 45 yard strike to WR Mike Williams. In the second half the teams continued to trade touchdowns but McPherson's late interceptions created seperation. Stokes hauled in two touchdown catches in the second half, including a one handed grab in the back of the end zone that had the crowd on its collective feet. "That's why we went out and got him," said McNown. "He made a play for me and it was a great outstanding catch."

"Offensively we're doing well. We're taking what the defense gives us so I'm happy where we are right now," Stokes added.

-- (5-3-1)Stars 61 - 50 Guardians(4-4)
(LA): QB McNown - 29/37 309 yards, 5 TDs, RB Oxendine - 11 carries, 62 yards, WR Copeland - 11 catches, 119 yards, 2 TDs, WR Stokes - 13 catches, 141 yards, 2 TDs
(NY): QB McPherson - 25/40 249 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Aska - 6 carries, 37 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 5 catches, 78 yards, 2 TDs

-- (7-2)Outlaws 31 - 21 Enforcers(2-6)
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 18/32 198 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 3 carries, 15 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 68 yards, WR Soward - 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Kittner - 19/37 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Jackson - 17 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 5 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-6)Express 7 - 31 Steel(4-4)
(MEM): QB Martin - 19/41 191 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Canidate - 9 carries, 46 yards, WR McCullough - 5 catches, 74 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 16/25 186 yards, 2 TDs, RB Alexander - 14 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 14 carries, 93 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 85 yards, WR Insley - 5 catches, 51 yards, 2 TDs

-- (4-4)Wild 17 - 35 Rage(6-3)
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 20/33 277 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 14 carries, 61 yards, 5 catches, 87 yards, WR Morey - 3 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Haygood - 3 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 21/28 244 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clark - 14 carries, 75 yards, WR Burks - 6 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 7 catches, 68 yards

XFL Week 10: Commanders Throw One Away at Home

May 5, 2004

San Antonio, TX - Everyone involved with the San Antonio Commanders and Dallas Desperados knew that today's game would be a tightly contested, hard fought battle and nobody left it disappointed as the two teams went all the way to overtime, ending on K Mike Panasuk's 20-yard game-winning field goal, giving the Desperados a 35-32 win over the Commanders in front of 32,238 fans. "I'm speechless for the first time in my life," Commanders WR Ahmad Merritt said. "I don't know what to tell you guys. I knew it was going to be an all-out war. There's just a real bitter taste in my mouth. To come up short, it just hurts like nothing else."

The Commanders offense began strongly, scoring on its first four possessions. But it slumped in the second half. After the half Dallas stymied San Antonio's offense, holding it to just 3 points on its final five possessions. Two drives ended in missed field goals and two more concluded with turnovers. "That's been our M.O. We just haven't put a full game together," QB Michael Bishop said. "We just have to play more consistently. This week, we're really going to have to put it together against Birmingham. Offensively, we had a couple of possessions there in the second half where we should have had at least a field goal, but that didn't happen."

The Commanders still had a semblance of control over the game, even as the Desperados drew closer. In fact, when the Commanders chose to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard-line with 3:38 left in regulation, the team did so having never trailed in the game to that point. But the fourth-down pass went astray, as Bishop was pressured and forced into a hurried heave that Dallas' DB Wendell Davis intercepted. Given the tight connections between the two teams and their status as division rivals, the defeat hurt all the more. "All losses are kind of emotional," offensive coordinator Paul Chryst said. "Certainly, playing against your rival brings a little bit of added pressure."

"We told Coach Riley that we could make the play, and we didn't make it," Bishop said. "So we let him down. I thought it was a good decision to go for it. We were kind of on a roll there. They had the playmakers. They played it tough. You can't look back at that."

Following the loss, there's only one thing the Commanders can do to ease the pain. "All I can do is just put it behind me like the team's got to do, and move on," Chryst said. "You have to have that short-term memory in this game."

"We've got to get back right away," Bishop said. "We've got to stay together as a team and learn from our mistakes and move on."

-- (6-2)Commanders 32 - 35 Desperados(8-0)
(SA): QB Bishop - 17/27 213 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Stecker - 18 carries, 56 yards, WR Merritt - 9 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 5 catches, 82 yards, 2 TDs
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 28/42 279 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smart - 14 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 8 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Hundon - 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 11: Outlaws Haunted by Ghosts in Columbus

May 10, 2004

Columbus, OH - Missed opportunities ultimately doomed the Outlaws. They were stuffed once on fourth down, and three times they failed to convert on a 2-point conversion, leaving them chasing points all game. The last came after QB Giovanni Carmazzi scrambled for a touchdown with 2:01 to go. The conversion would have gotten the Ravens within a field goal, but Carmazzi was shoved out of bounds short of the pylon. Las Vegas tried to get the ball back with a rare dropkick, but the Ghosts calmly called for a fair catch and then converted on third down moments later to run out the clock. Rookie RB Maurice Clarett was the Ghosts' biggest bright spot, running for 64 yards while catching six passes for 44 yards. The entire offense was based on his ability. "I don't remember the situation or which was what, but every one of those was clear analytical decisions to go for two," Outlaws coach Bruce Coslet said. "We had a mindset that we were going to come in and try to score as many points as we could. So, that's what we tried to do."

"I trust that guys are going to step up and play," said Coslet, when asked about the play of his backup quarterback. "Gio had a pretty good day. He took advantage of the opportunity and has proven he can play in this league."

-- (3-6)Ghosts 33 - 28 Outlaws(8-2)
(COL): QB Germaine - 27/37 264 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clarett - 21 carries, 64 yards, 6 catches, 44 yards, RB Wiley - 17 carries, 74 yards, WR Rambo - 4 catches, 69 yards, TE Blakely - 5 catches, 61 yards
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 15/41 275 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 14 carries, 152 yards, WR Soward - 6 catches, 157 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 3 catches, 44 yards

XFL Week 11: Commanders Win on Last-Second Hail Mary

May 11, 2004

San Antonio, TX - Trailing 15-11 with one second remaining, Commanders QB Michael Bishop stepped up to the 34-yard line hoping for a miracle. Seconds later it was answered. Bishop's Hail Mary pass was snatched by WR Calvin Shexnayder among a throng of defenders, securing an improbable 17-15 comeback victory. "It was one of the most intense games I've experienced," said Commanders head coach Mike Riley. "We never stopped battling, but it sure is nice to get a little break. They were desperate for a win and it showed in the way they played. "It's really a shame that anyone has to lose a game like this."

Overall, it wasn't one of Bishop's better performances this season. While he completed 18 of 29 passes, he only threw for 135 yards. San Antonio's comeback was aided by a terrific play by DL Jamal Reynolds. Following a Birmingham touchdown that put the Steel ahead 15-9 with one minute remaining, Reynolds smothered the extra-point attempt. The bouncing ball was recovered by LB Levar Fisher who returned it for a two-point conversion. Moments later, Shexnayder's heroics won the game for the Commanders.

-- (5-4)Steel 15 - 17 Commanders(6-3)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 21/32 232 yards, 3 INTs, RB Bostic - 18 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 6 catches, 89 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 100 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 18/29 135 yards, 1 INT, RB Stecker - 23 carries, 101 yards, WR Merritt - 3 catches, 53 yards

-- (4-5)Guardians 17 - 12 Sea Devils(2-7)
(NY): QB Moreno - 15/28 238 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Aska - 6 carries, 43 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB Smith - 16/31 166 yards, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 25 carries, 106 yards, WR Looker - 4 catches, 71 yards

-- (9-0)Desperados 16 - 24 Express(2-7)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 17/31 166 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 9 carries, 42 yards, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Martin - 16/33 131 yards, 2 TDs, RB Canidate - 18 carries, 63 yards, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-5)Wild 24 - 21 VooDoo(4-4-1)
(MIN): QB Banks - 21/36 247 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 22 carries, 41 yards, WR Haygood - 6 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 6 catches, 62 yards, 2 TDs
(NO): QB Nall - 22/26 160 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Denson - 12 carries, 67 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 46 yards

-- (2-7)Enforcers 25 - 12 Valor(2-8)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 18/24 178 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 13 carries, 85 yards, WR Chatman - 8 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Hill - 17/28 197 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hicks - 14 carries, 40 yards, WR Simon - 5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Skaggs - 5 catches, 56 yards


XFL Week 12: Moses Leads Guardians Through the Alamo

May 17, 2004

San Antonio, TX - The Guardians scored nine points in the final 20 seconds. Moses drove New York 80 yards and hit WR Kirby Dar Dar with a 4-yard TD pass with 20 seconds remaining. The 2-point conversion try failed. But RB Robert Edwards recovered the onside kick and after two completions, Guardians K Leo Araguz nailed his fourth field goal, shocking the pumped crowd of 34,528 that came to celebrate the Monday night home game in San Antonio. "That's a sign of a pretty resilient team," Guardians QB Moses Moreno said. "I think our team, outside of me, played an outstanding football game. They dug me out of it. It was tough to go through that, especially on Monday night. No one is going to care when it's all said and done how you won the game."

In replacing starting quarterback Adrian McPherson, Moreno couldn't quite get a handle on the football as he recorded four fumbles, each recovered by a Commander defender. "Oh, it's great," New York coach Rusty Tillman said. "It shows you how good we can be and what we can do if we don't make mistakes. And even if we do make mistakes and we stick together as a team, we still stay in the game."

-- (5-5)Guardians 25 - 24 Commanders(7-3)
(NY): QB Moreno - 20/39 285 yards, 1 TD, RB Aska - 5 carries, 25 yards, WR Williams - 7 catches, 155 yards, WR Green - 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Dar Dar - 6 catches, 79 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 18/37 223 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries, 62 yards, RB Stecker - 20 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 8 catches, 131 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 3 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-8)Sea Devils 20 - 39 Stars(6-3-1)
(SEA): QB Smith - 18/37 289 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 19 carries, 95 yards, WR Looker - 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 17/22 260 yards, 2 TDs, RB Oxendine - 14 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, RB Shehee - 12 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs, WR Barlow - 4 catches, 30 yards

XFL Week 12: Wild Knocks off Defending Champs

May 18, 2004

Minneapolis, MN - The Minneapolis Wild wants nothing more than to be a true contender in the league. The Wild moved a step closer to that goal using a third-quarter surge to separate itself from the defending champion Dallas Desperados. The story of the game was told in the third quarter. With Dallas leading 14-13 early in the third, DB Corey Sawyer haunted the Desperados, picking off a QB Clint Stoerner pass intended for WR James Hundon, giving the Wild possession at the Dallas 12-yard line. The Wild capitalized when RB Rashaan Salaam rushed for his third touchdown of the day, tying his career-high and giving Minneapolis a 20-14 advantage. Moments later, P Derrick Frost executed a well-timed onside kick catching the Desperados napping, as DB Roosevelt Williams recovered the ball. Four plays later, Druckenmiller with Dallas DL Shante Carver draped on his left side found WR Herb Haygood in the end zone to extend Minneapolis' lead to 27-14. From that point, Minneapolis was in control.

-- (9-1)Desperados 14 - 27 Wild(5-5)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 22/36 217 yards, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 13 carries, 50 yards, WR Sippio - 9 catches, 84 yards
(MIN): QB Banks - 20/27 228 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 21 carries, 80 yards, 3 TDs, WR Haygood - 10 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-5)Steel 21 - 24 Enforcers(3-7)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 14/18 202 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 16 carries, 52 yards, RB Alexander - 14 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 4 catches, 114 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 20/38 224 yards, 1 TD, RB Jackson - 15 carries, 72 yards, WR Bailey - 4 catches, 55 yards, WR Chatman - 4 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-5-1)VooDoo 29 - 14 Ghosts(4-6)
(NO): QB Nall - 22/27 275 yards, RB Denson - 17 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 9 catches, 125 yards
(COL): QB Germaine - 30/47 262 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Wiley - 15 carries, 33 yards, WR Farmer - 10 catches, 93 yards, WR Rambo - 8 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 12: Hamilton, Swayne lead Rage to Crucial Win

May 18, 2004

Orlando, FL - The return of WR Kevin Swayne and QB Joe Hamilton's three touchdown passes for the Orlando Rage were overshadowed by one brilliant play from DB Billy Parker. With two-and-a-half minutes to go on the game clock, and the Memphis Express slicing down the field for what would have been a game tying score, Parker rose like a phoenix out of nowhere to pick the ball away, and tear out the hearts and momentum of a Express team who, up to that point has given as good as it got. Ultimately it provided the catalyst to propel the Rage to a 38-31 victory.

All game long you could see Parker had that extra fire in his eyes, and it followed his play on the field. For much of the game, Parker was spotted locked in heated and violent exchanges with Express WR Andy McCullough. "It wasn't personal," Parker said after the game. "We just had to go out there and impose our will. That how all of our defense is. I wasn't singling any one player out there, I'm trying to give it to all of them. "You could tell by the end of the game that all the spark they had early, all that extra stuff they had, just died. Its all under control, though. The personal foul I took early in the game was on purpose," admitted the candid athlete. "That was just to get the team going."

-- (3-7)Express 31 - 38 Rage(7-3)
(MEM): QB Martin - 26/44 222 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Canidate - 24 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Minnis - 5 catches, 68 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 20/32 248 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clark - 18 carries, 53 yards, WR Burks - 7 catches, 81 yards, WR Swayne - 4 catches, 76 yards, 2 TDs


Bandit Ball Coming to the XFL

May 20, 2004

Tampa, FL - The Wall Street investor, Stuart Sternberg, has had a busy month. Less than two weeks ago, he bought a majority stake of the MLB's Tampa Bay Devil Rays and now he's back at it by purchasing an XFL expansion franchise. Sternberg is investing $10M into the Tampa Bay Bandits. Reviving the old USFL identity from the early to mid 1980's that was extremely popular. He's also bringing back that original Bandit's head coach in former Washington Redskins and Florida Gators head man Steve Spurrier. Joining Spurrier with the Bandits will be Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator, George Edwards as the defensive coordinator and Pepper Rodgers as the general manager. Jackson, Edwards and Rodgers are served on Spurrier's staff with the Washington Redskins in 2002-2003. The Bandits will be playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium.

"Well, we're not just bringing professional football to town, we're bringing the Head Ball Coach with us, a true Florida legend," said Sternberg.

"What first captured my attention was Dick and Vince's commitment to putting top-flight, professional football on the field and creating a true alliance between fans, players and the game. The XFL offers a unique opportunity to get back into coaching, this time for a spring season, and work closely with hungry, talented athletes looking to begin, revive or extend their professional careers. The fact I can do this in Florida makes it that much sweeter. I'm fired up and ready to go," said Spurrier.

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 13: Rage Went Personal in Dallas

May 24, 2004

Dallas, TX - It was one of the most heavily anticipated games of the XFL season when two of the league's top teams faced off in Dallas. But it wasn't until Thursday's practice that Desperados head coach Jerry Glanville acknowledged the magnitude of the game to his team. "I told our men that we had an opportunity to not just win an important game, but to make a statement to the entire league," Glanville admitted. Well, consider it a mixed message from Dallas, which seemingly had the game in hand until a late fourth-quarter collapse that allowed Orlando to sneak away with a 31-23 win. "We were in control almost all night, but we just didn't execute at the end of the game," Glanville said. "It's a very frustrating loss, that's for sure, but I think we showed what we're capable of doing."

Leading 23-17 with the ball and 4:19 remaining, Dallas could have sealed the victory with another touchdown. But Desperados QB Clint Stoerner was intercepted near Orlando's end zone, giving the Rage life and Orlando took advantage of Dallas' generosity, scoring on the possession to claim their first lead of the game, 24-23. With 58-seconds still remaining, Dallas had enough time to snatch the game. But Stoerner and his teammates couldn't move the ball and after a failed fourth-down attempt, Orlando took over at the Desperados' 20-yard line and instead of kneeling out the clock, Rage QB Joe Hamilton connected with WR Dialleo Burks on a post route to add insult to injury. "Joe played as good a game tonight as I think I've ever seen him play," said Rage head coach Jay Gruden. "He was sharp, made some great reads, reads that were unexpected. Just an excellent job all-around by our offense."

-- (8-3)Rage 31 - 23 Desperados(9-2)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 21/35 229 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clark - 17 carries, 61 yards, WR Burks - 9 catches, 96 yards, 2 TDs
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 24/44 281 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 13 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 117 yards, WR Hundon - 4 catches, 51 yards

-- (5-6)Steel 31 - 20 Sea Devils(2-9)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 24/33 291 yards, 2 TDs, RB Alexander - 15 carries, 87 yards, RB Bostic - 13 carries, 82 yards, 2 TDs, WR Williams - 7 catches, 136 yards, 2 TDs, WR Insley - 6 catches, 61 yards
(SEA): QB Smith - 15/28 193 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 14 carries, 61 yards, RB Robertson - 9 carries, 62 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 74 yards, WR Yeast - 4 catches, 82 yards

-- (7-4)Commanders 17 - 30 Wild(6-5)
(SA): QB Bishop - 28/41 202 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Stecker - 11 carries, 100 yards, 6 catches, 53 yards, WR Merritt - 9 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD
(MIN): QB Banks - 16/21 185 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 24 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 50 yards, WR Morey - 5 catches, 55 yards

XFL Week 13: Ugly Game in Chicago

May 25, 2004

Chicago, IL - The Chicago Enforcers scored 13 unanswered points in the second half and pulled away with the 20-14 win over the Memphis Express. The Enforcers came away with the victory despite failing to convert on every third-down attempt (0-for-10) in the game. Express QB Tee Martin was the main culprit for Memphis' loss, as he threw three second-half interceptions(four total) that resulted in 10 points for the Enforcers. Enforcers QB Kurt Kittner commanded the offense more efficiently than Martin, despite throwing for only 96 yards on just 8 completions. He didn't throw the ball to the defense and that was the difference in this sloppy and ugly game.

-- (4-7)Enforcers 20 - 14 Express(3-8)
(CHI): QB Kittner - 8/23 96 yards, RB Jackson - 17 carries, 111 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 3 catches, 46 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 28/44 281 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs, RB Canidate - 13 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Minnis - 6 catches, 117 yards

-- (6-5)Guardians 23 - 24 Stars(7-3-1)
(NY): QB McPherson - 15/29 219 yards, 2 TDs, RB Edwards - 9 carries, 24 yards, WR Williams - 4 catches, 86 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 29/46 314 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Shehee - 9 carries, 43 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 106 yards, WR Stokes - 6 catches, 68 yards, WR Doxzon - 5 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-7)Ghosts 24 - 38 Valor(2-9)
(COL): QB Germaine - 24/34 212 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clarett - 12 carries, 44 yards, WR Rambo - 9 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Germany - 5 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Hill - 27/37 218 yards, RB Avery - 15 carries, 81 yards, 2 TDs, WR Skaggs - 10 catches, 52 yards, WR Simon - 6 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-5-1)VooDoo 18 - 13 Outlaws(8-3)
(NO): QB Nall - 22/39 156 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Denson - 15 carries, 73 yards, WR Jackson - 3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 15/37 156 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 15 carries, 20 yards, WR Nash - 2 catches, 49 yards, TE Brady - 4 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD

Arena Football League Folds

May 27, 2004

Philadelphia, PA - The Arena Football League announced Wednesday that it will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and cease to exist. The league had suspended all local operations in December and is considering the possibility of continuing as a traveling league if negotiations with the NFL, CFL and XFL falls through.

"We're all disappointed that we couldn't find a way forward and we wanted to thank our fans, our players, coaches, everyone who loved the Arena Football League," AFL commissioner David Baker said in a statement. "We all love the game and tried very hard to make it successful, but we simply weren't able to raise the capital necessary to grow the league, resolve the substantial legacy liabilities and make it financially viable."

[BengalErnst]

Bart Andrus Relieved of his Duties as Memphis Express Head Coach

May 28, 2004

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Express announced that head coach Bart Andrus, new offensive coordinator Steve DeBerg and defensive coordinator David Duggan would be relieved of their duties for the remainder of the 2004 season. In addition, the Express announced that assistant head coach Bob Kronenberg would serve as the team's interim head coach for the remainder of the season. "It is the goal of the entire organization to be committed to winning and give our fans a team they can be proud of," said Express owner Frederick Smith. "We feel there is a lot of talent on this team that currently is not living up to the expectations that the organization and fans expect from our team. With the guidance of our Advisory Board and management, we felt at this time it is in the best interest of the team to move in a different direction with our head coach position. We appreciate all that Coach Andrus has done for this team over the last three years and wish him and his family the best in the future."

"Over the course of the remaining season, we will be assembling a search committee in order to find our next head coach," said general manager Michael Lang. "While certainly our interim head coach Bob Kronenberg will be a candidate, we intend to do a national search to find the best fit for the Memphis Express."


XFL Week 14: Outlaws Make One More Play than Guardians

May 30, 2004

Las Vegas, NV - The game featured four touchdowns in the final 6:48, and ended with some postgame squabbling between Guardians coach Rusty Tillman and Outlaws coach Bruce Coslet. Coslet screamed at Tillman after Outlaws' QB Quinn Gray was knocked down on the final play because the Guardians went all out to try to force a fumble on a kneel-down. "It was a little bit of a cheap shot," Gray said. "We're taking a knee in a friendly way and they're firing off. It's a good way to get someone hurt."

"I told some of our young players, you've played in big games in college, but this is something else," Outlaws defensive captain Kelvin Kinney said. "This is what you live for. We'd have liked to play better, but if I was a fan at the game and not so close, I would have enjoyed it." Gray, who completed 26 of 35 passes, made it really enjoyable for Outlaws' fans. The young quarterback overcame a miserable first half with a 295 yards passing in the second half. After his dismal first half performance, the Guardians had an 11-point lead, Gray was nearly flawless when the Outlaws needed him at his best. "Quinn hung in. He made a couple of bad plays, but he didn't get discouraged," Coslet said. "We just kept talking about the character of this team and we finally made some plays and came back."

"They made plays. It's a game of inches," Tillman said. "They were able to make them. We were close and we didn't. Just got to do a better job all around, coaching, playing. He made some throws, they made more plays than we did. One more, in fact."

-- (7-5)Guardians 34 - 41 Outlaws(8-4)
(NY): QB McPherson - 21/31 397 yards, 3 TDs, RB Edwards - 7 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 6 catches, 138 yards, WR Williams - 6 catches, 122 yards, 2 TDs, WR Dar Dar - 4 catches, 104 yards
(LV): QB Gray - 26/35 325 yards, 2 TDs, RB Phillips - 18 carries, 158 yards, 2 TDs, WR Nash - 7 catches, 94 yards, WR Vanover - 3 catches, 68 yards, WR McCready - 4 catches, 51 yards, 2 TDs

-- (7-5)Commanders 31 - 28 Valor(3-9)
(SA): QB Bishop - 13/27 178 yards, 2 TDs, 4 carries, 127 yards, 1 TD, RB Stecker - 17 carries, 99 yards, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 3 catches, 33 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Hill - 25/40 318 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 18 carries, 62 yards, WR Simon - 8 catches, 93 yards, WR Skaggs - 6 catches, 56 yards

-- (7-4-1)Stars 41 - 24 Ghosts(4-8)
(LA): QB McNown - 23/32 272 yards, 2 TDs, RB Shehee - 10 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, RB Oxendine - 8 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 110 yards, 2 TDs
(COL): QB Germaine - 29/36 253 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clarett - 17 carries, 39 yards, WR Rambo - 9 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, WR Germany - 8 catches, 66 yards

-- (2-10)Sea Devils 17 - 33 VooDoo(6-5-1)
(SEA): QB Smith - 24/40 229 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 19 carries, 116 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 6 catches, 91 yards, WR Yeast - 6 catches, 63 yards
(NO): QB Nall - 22/28 326 yards, 1 TD, RB Denson - 15 carries, 115 yards, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 86 yards, WR Culver - 5 catches, 70 yards, WR Prentiss - 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

-- (9-3)Desperados 13 - 6 Enforcers(5-7)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 26/39 254 yards, 1 TD, RB Smart - 14 carries, 54 yards, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 73 yards, WR Dunbar - 7 catches, 51 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 19/41 170 yards, 2 INTs, RB Jackson - 9 carries, 45 yards, WR Chatman - 7 catches, 67 yards

XFL Week 14: Steel Clinch Playoffs with Win

May 31, 2004

Birmingham AL - In front of a crowd of 25,935 fans, the Birmingham Steel secured a spot in the playoffs with a victory over the Orlando Rage. Birmingham RB Curtis Alexander's two-yard touchdown run with 44 seconds remaining in the game put Birmingham ahead for good. Alexander and RB James Bostic combined for 29 carries, 172 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Orlando Rage QB Joe Hamilton was 15-of-21 for 208 yards a touchdown but threw three costly interceptions including two to Steel DB Duane Butler. Hamilton was also the Rage's leading rusher with four carries for 33 yards.

-- (9-3)Rage 13 - 26 Steel(6-6)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 15/21 208 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Clark - 17 carries, 29 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 76 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 22/28 196 yards, RB Alexander - 15 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 14 carries, 87 yards, 2 TDs, WR Williams - 7 catches, 92 yards

-- (7-5)Wild 34 - 6 Express(3-9)
(MIN): QB Banks - 24/35 223 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 27 carries, 106 yards, 2 TDs, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 80 yards, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 47 yards, 2 TDs
(MEM): QB Graziani - 21/38 182 yards, 3 INTs, RB Canidate - 19 carries, 71 yards, WR Wynn - 7 catches, 77 yards, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD
*Wild starting QB Jim Druckenmiller missed game due to injury

XFL 2004 League Leaders Finalized

June 1, 2004

Greenwich, CT - These are the regular season stat leaders for the 2004 XFL season.

Top 10 Passing Leaders:
1. Cade McNown(LA) - 3348 yards, 30 TDs, 11 INTs
2. Joe Hamilton(ORL) - 3300 yards, 29 TDs, 9 INTs
3. Joe Germaine(COL) - 3156 yards, 21 TDs, 9 INTs
4. Clint Stoerner(DAL) - 3016 yards, 23 TDs, 12 INTs
5. Spergon Wynn(BIRM) - 2987 yards, 15 TDs, 12 INTs
6. Akili Smith(SEA) - 2847 yards, 18 TDs, 20 INTs
7. Craig Nall(NO) - 2826 yards, 18 TDs, 11 INTs
8. Adrian McPherson(NY) - 2715 yards, 27 TDs, 9 INTs
9. Michael Bishop(SA) - 2622 yards, 22 TDs, 7 INTs
10. Shaun Hill(DC) - 2445 yards, 17 TDs, 13 INTs

Top 10 Rushing Leaders:
1. Aaron Stecker(SA) - 1147 yards, 5 TDs
2. Rashaan Salaam(MIN) - 1036 yards, 12 TDs
3. Lawrence Phillips(LV) - 1033 yards, 7 TDs
4. Fred Jackson(CHI) - 984 yards, 6 TDs
5. Ken Simonton(SEA) - 918 yards, 4 TDs
6. Rod Smart(DAL) - 900 yards, 4 TDs
7. John Avery(DC) - 898 yards, 8 TDs
8. Curtis Alexander(BIRM) - 838 yards, 12 TDs
9. Trung Canidate(MEM) - 786 yards, 2 TDs
10. Maurice Clarett(COL) - 773 yards, 5 TDs

Top 10 Receiving Leaders:
1. Mike Williams(NY) - 1281 yards, 11 TDs
2. Jeremaine Copeland(LA) - 1223 yards, 13 TDs
3. Geroy Simon(DC) - 1227 yards, 8 TDs
4. Bobby Sippio(DAL) - 1198 yards, 11 TDs
5. Stepfret Williams(BIRM) - 1142 yards, 9 TDs
6. Antonio Chatman(CHI) - 1070 yards, 8 TDs
7. Ahmad Merritt(SA) - 1066 yards, 11 TDs
8. Yatil Green(NY) - 1050 yards, 7 TDs
9. Chris Jackson(NO) - 1031 yards, 6 TDs
10. Marcus Nash(LV) - 956 yards, 6 TDs
11. Dialleo Burks(ORL) - 941 yards, 7 TDs
12. JJ Stokes(LA) - 893 yards, 8 TDs

[BengalErnst]

Individual Awards to be Announced Live on ESPNews

June 4, 2004

Greenwich, CT - For the first time ever, XFL individual awards will be announced live on ESPNews, the 24-hour sports news channel. Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner, will be announcing the individual awards along with the All-XFL team on June 16th live.


XFL Week Quarter-Final: Home Teams Go Three for Four

June 6, 2004

Las Vegas, NV - Bruce Coslet mused about scolding Quinn Gray for a fumble, then the Las Vegas Outlaws head coach looked down at the score sheet. "Four touchdowns and certainly the touchdown in overtime," Coslet said. "Maybe I won't holler at him. I'll just talk to him."

Gray put together one of the best performances by a quarterback on Sunday, throwing for 253 yards and a playoff-high four touchdown passes to help the Outlaws beat the Los Angeles Stars 41-35 in overtime. "I think that's kind of what they envisioned when they brought me in," Gray said. "I think we have the potential and the talent to play well enough to win a championship for Las Vegas."

The trio of Gray, Phillips and Nash showed further evidence that Las Vegas has the talented building blocks to work with on offense, along with an experienced coaching staff. The Outlaws being in Las Vegas next year is in jeopardy however, though the coach downplayed winning as a way to prove to ownership they deserve to stay.

"Getting a win is important for all of us," Coslet said. "We're not doing it for those reasons. We're doing it because it's what we do. How anybody evaluates that, that's out of our control."

"You see it as a huge opportunity, and you're excited for that," Gray said. "That's kind of what you look forward to, what you play for is an opportunity to do that -- to put on a show and win the game."

-- (8-4-1)Stars 35 - 41 Outlaws(9-4)
(LA): QB McNown - 27/35 250 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Shehee - 12 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, RB Oxendine - 9 carries, 62 yards, WR McDonald - 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Gray - 15/30 253 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 18 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 3 catches, 56 yards, WR Vanover - 1 catch, 62 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-8)Enforcers 24 - 17 Rage(9-4)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 18/28 188 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Jackson - 14 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 6 catches, 79 yards, 2 TDs
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 16/37 219 yards, 1 INT, RB Clark - 17 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Bailey - 4 catches, 52 yards, WR Burks - 4 catches, 75 yards

-- (8-5)Wild 21 - 36 Desperados(10-3)
(MIN): QB Banks - 16/25 199 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 19 carries, 69 yards, 2 TDs, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 73 yards, WR Hatchette - 4 catches, 84 yards
(DAL): QB Barnes - 24/42 274 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB King - 8 carries, 19 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 108 yards, 2 TDs, WR Smith - 4 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD

-- (7-6)Steel 20 - 37 Guardians(7-6)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 29/41 260 yards, 2 TDs, RB Bostic - 19 carries, 50 yards, RB Alexander - 13 carries, 69 yards, WR Williams - 9 catches, 112 yards, 2 TDs, WR Insley - 6 catches, 64 yards
(NY): QB McPherson - 19/36 376 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INT, 7 carries, 37 yards, 1 TD, RB Edwards - 6 carries, 28 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 155 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 5 catches, 80 yards, 2 TDs, WR Dar Dar - 3 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD


XFL Week Semi-Final: Home Not So Sweet Home

June 13, 2004

New York, NY - New York Guardians QB Adrian McPherson made it interesting against the 6-8 Chicago Enforcers on Sunday. New York appeared to be emerged in QB controversy, and McPherson found himself the subject of a report that teammates lacked belief in their inexperienced passer, prompting him to say how much he loved being a Guardian and prompting several teammates to vocally defend him in interviews throughout the week. Backup QB Moses Moreno played great in getting the Guardians to the playoffs while McPherson missed time with an injury, but the Enforcers' defense is going to have a hard time believing that McPherson was the problem. McPherson had 368 yards of total offense and scored four touchdowns in the game. But a powerful ground game and a brilliant game plan, complete with one big play from the defense, allowed the Enforcers to win a 42-28 shootout and head into the championship game with a losing record.

"It's all about getting hot at the right time," said QB Jarious Jackson. Chicago dominated the ground, leaving the Enforcers with good feelings heading into the Million Dollar Game. A different kind of Chicago offense has been on display the last few weeks. Finding the right mix on the offensive line coincided with the emergence of rookie runner Fred Jackson, and the Enforcers are now unleashing the kind of power running game that hasn’t been seen in Chicago since 2001.

-- (6-8)Enforcers 43 - 28 Guardians(8-6)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 16/24 236 yards, 1 TD, RB Jackson - 33 carries, 146 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 6 catches, 132 yards, WR Lord - 2 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB McPherson - 16/34 304 yards, 4 TDs, 5 carries, 64 yards, RB Edwards - 10 carries, 14 yards, WR Dar Dar - 4 catches, 95 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 112 yards, 2 TDs, WR Green - 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week Semi-Final: Outlaws Top Dallas Behind Gray Heroics

June 14, 2004

Orlando, FL - The battle in the trenches is only a part of the football wars and QB Quinn Gray thanked those lineman for the job they did in helping the Las Vegas Outlaws reach the One Million Dollar Game. "They battled today," Gray said of his line following the Outlaws' win over the Dallas Desperados in a semifinal game of the XFL playoffs. "I owe this game to them." Harassed much of the first half by DL Eric England, Shante Carver and Dwayne Missouri, Gray stayed confident in his front liners. "I think we played through adversity despite a lot of weird things happening," said Gray, who will be playing in his first championship game.

"Basically, we had to stay patient," said OL Lonnie Palelei. "We knew they had a good line, but we are too. Technically, we have a five-step back passer and every week teams come with their best." Gray connected on an eight-yard pass to WR Marcus Nash and his seven-yard scoring run was a 14-point swing in the final five minutes was the difference. He was 27 of 40 for 273 yards and three touchdowns. "He (Gray) makes good choices and when he does, we are very good," said Las Vegas offensive coordinator Dwain Painter.

Gray's third touchdown pass in the game, broke a 25-all tie with 4:47 left in the final period. "I felt a lot of pressure to open up some lanes for other receivers because what I do in the middle," said Nash, who had 10 catches for 95 yards and a score. "I knew we would play until the end," said Gray of how many XFL games finish in the last five minutes.

-- (10-4)Outlaws 32 - 25 Desperados(11-3)
(LV): QB Gray - 27/40 273 yards, 3 TDs, RB Phillips - 25 carries, 52 yards, WR Nash - 10 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Vanover - 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 21/34 215 yards, 1 TD, RB Smart - 12 carries, 67 yards, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 84 yards

XFL Names 2004 All-League Team

June 16, 2004

Greenwich, CT - The league wanted to honor the most standout players from the 2004 regular season. There are no restrictions to this list, this is just the list of the best players in the league voted on by all coaches, general managers and media outlets.

The 2004 All-XFL Team:
QB Cade McNown Los Angeles, RB Aaron Stecker San Antonio, RB Rashaan Salaam Minneapolis, WR Jeremaine Copeland Los Angeles, WR Mike Williams New York, WR Bobby Sippio Dallas, OL Jason Gamble Orlando, OL Jeremy Akers Orlando, OL DeMingo Graham Columbus, OL Bobby Singh Los Angeles, OL Mo Collins Minneapolis, DL Reggie McGrew Birmingham, DL Kelvin Kinney Los Angeles, DL Dwayne Missouri, DL Eddie Freeman Columbus, LB Joe Tuipala Las Vegas, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo Los Angeles, LB Trev Faulk Birmingham, DB JoJuan Armour Chicago, DB Dennis Weathersby Seattle, DB Clevan Thomas Orlando, DB Nick Ferguson Memphis, P Rodney Williams Orlando and K Lawrence Tynes Birmingham


XFL Million Dollar Game: Enforcers Win Blow Out

June 20, 2004

New York, NY - Even in the thrashing rain, the Enforcers managed to light first in front of the crowd of 37,486 with a 29-yard field goal by K Andy Crosland. Near the end of the first quarter, Chicago QB Jarious Jackson led his Enforcers on a 10-play, 67-yard drive that was capped off with a 15-yard pass to WR Antonio Chatman. In the second quarter, the Outlaws finally managed to score, thanks to a 13-play, 80-yard drive that concluded with a three-yard run by backup RB Chrys Chukwuma. However, near the end of the first half, the Enforcers didn't want Las Vegas closing in on them, as Jackson lead a four-play, 40-yard drive that ended with a 20-yard touchdown run by RB Fred Jackson, to make the score 17–7 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Outlaws struggled offensively to get points. In the end, all they could muster up was a 41-yard field goal by K Marcus Williams. For the remainder of the game, it was all Chicago. After Las Vegas'' field goal, the Enforcers wrapped up the third period with a 74-yard touchdown run from Jackson. In the fourth quarter, the Enforcers managed to put the game away with Crosland's 20-yard field goal and LeShon Johnson's 15-yard run. When the game clock reached zero, the Enforcers celebrated their first XFL championship and the additional $25k.

-- (7-8)Enforcers 34 - 10 Outlaws(11-4)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 18/25 223 yards, 1 TD, RB Jackson - 22 carries, 187 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bailey - 6 catches, 75 yards, WR Chatman - 4 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Gray - 15/32 188 yards, RB Phillips - 22 carries, 56 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 79 yards

XFL Announces 2004 Individual Awards

June 24, 2004

Greenwich, CT - Orlando Rage QB Joe Hamilton was named as the league's 2004 Most Valuable Player after throwing for 3300 yards, 29 TDs, 9 INTs while leading the Rage despite losing in the first round of the playoffs. San Antonio Commanders' RB Aaron Stecker won the offensive player of the year award after being the first RB in league history to go over the 1500 yard mark in a season for total offense as he compiled 1147 yards, 5 TDs. Meanwhile, the defensive player of the year award went to Las Vegas Outlaws LB Joe Tuipala who led the league in tackles with 143 while also adding 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and an interception. The Rookie of the Year award went to New York Guardians rookie WR Mike Williams who put up 1281 yards, 11 TDs, which was good to lead the league.

"I really have to accept this award on behalf of the team and the organization because there is no way I would have accomplished this without everyone creating a winning environment in Orlando," said Hamilton after receiving the MVP award.

Joe Moglia and Bob Naegele Reach Preliminary Agreement on Sale of Minneapolis Wild

June 30, 2004

Minneapolis, MN - Joe Moglia, along with TD Omaha Sports & Entertainment LLC. and Minneapolis Wild owner Bob Naegele Jr., along with Naegele Sports LLC, announced today that they have reached an agreement in principle for the sale of the Minneapolis Wild XFL team to Moglia. The transaction is subject to the execution of a definitive purchase agreement and approval by the XFL's board of directors. Naegele wanted to concentrate on their emerging NHL franchise along with their other business ventures. It is currently anticipated that a definitive agreement will be signed by the end of July 2004, and that ownership of the Wild will change hands by the end of August 2004. The team remains under the ownership and direction of Bob Naegele until that time.

"Moglia has a passion for creating a great fan experience and building a winning franchise. There is no better fit for the Wild, and I am proud to be able to provide this opportunity to our players, staff and fans," said Naegele.

Under the terms of the preliminary agreement, Naegele will retain a minority financial interest in the Wild for a four-year period.

[BengalErnst]

Year Four Financial Report Released

July 1, 2004

Greenwich, CT - The XFL television numbers were at the highest levels in league history, and helped the league land a two year extension with both NBC and Fox. NBC and Fox will both air three games weekly for a payout of a total of $20M. The league also plans to continue putting the remainder of their weekly games on Mark Cuban's HDNet. The attendance numbers went up to an average of 20.3k per game, with Columbus, Seattle, San Antonio and Orlando at the top and Minneapolis, Las Vegas and New Orleans at the bottom. The salary cap is currently set to rise to $3.2M($71.1k) for 2005, $3.6M($80k) for 2006 and $4M($88.8k) for 2007.

The report states that the league is 16.6% owned by Alpha Entertainment LLC(McMahon), 16.6% Legendary Field Exhibitions LLC(Ebersol), 16.6% 2929 Sports & Entertainment LLC(Cuban), 3.7% Dallas Football LLC(Jones), 3.7% Naegele Sports LLC(Naegele Jr.), 3.7% Kroenke Sports & Entertainment LLC(Kroenke), 3.7% Trifecta Sports Entertainment LLC(Hearst III), 3.7% Speros Ventures LLC(Speros), 7.4% Benson Sports LLC(Benson), 3.7% Maloof Sports LLC(Maloof), 3.7% FedEx Express Sports LLC(Smith), 3.7% Williams Corporation Sports LLC(Williams), 3.7% Wirtz Sports Corporation LLC(Wirtz), 3.7% Foundation Ohio Sports LLC(Renacci), 3.7% Seattle SuperSports LLC(Schultz) and 3.7% Monumental Sports & Entertainment LLC(Leonsis).

Expenditures totaled $127M for the 2004 season. Costs consisted of $39.2M from player contracts, $10.8M for Player Bonuses, $35M in front office/coaching contracts, $5M on league staff contracts, $14M in stadium leases, $14M in traveling expenses, $5M on insurance, $3M on equipment, and $1M on marketing.

The league did receive $14M from TV contracts, $4.65M from the eleven other returning owners, $19.3M from Benson Sports LLC(Benson) and $14.65 Monumental Sports & Entertainment LLC(Leonsis), $50M investment from 2929 Sports & Entertainment LLC, $53M in ticket sales, and $14M in merchandise totaling $216M.

The league ended the 2004 season $89M in surplus. The league will continue to operate under a hybrid franchise model, as each franchise is individually ran and operated, but all profits and costs are still league orientated.

"We have made significant progress since last season and our meetings here this week underline that there has been key growth in the XFL," said Commissioner Oliver Luck. "This league has established a platform for longevity, has a very bright future and we will be around for a long time. "We are delighted that Mark Cuban has strengthened his interest in the XFL beyond his broadcasting commitment by becoming an owner of the league."

Upper Deck, XFL Ink Trading Card Deal

July 3, 2004

Greenwich, CT - Upper Deck and the XFL have agreed to an exclusive multi-year partnership to bring fans and collectors closer to their favorite XFL football stars. This agreement marks the second pact between the XFL and a sports trading card and memorabilia company.

"The XFL continues to attract market leaders such as Upper Deck that believe in our long-term growth prospects, innovative track record, and loyal fan base," said Glenn Horine, Executive Vice President of the XFL Properties. "Our fans have been clamoring for an outlet to further demonstrate their fan avidity through licensed products."

Rage Players Set to Begin Shooting The Longest Yard Remake

July 14, 2004

Orlando, FL - Five members of the 2004 Orlando Rage squad will be back on the football field sooner than expected when they begin shooting the remake of the classic movie The Longest Yard in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Friday. Rage linemen Jamie Nails, Jason Gamble and Cheston Blackshear, along with defensive back Stephen Fisher will join quarterback Joe Hamilton in Santa Fe. Jason Gamble is slated to serve as Stone Cold Steve Austin's body double in the movie. Austin will be the fullback on the Guards team. Blackshear is also slated to be a body double for actor Conrad Goode. He will play the center on the Guards team. Fisher and Nails will both play position players on the Guards team. Nails will be a defensive tackle, while Fisher will be a cornerback.

The movie, which was originally released in 1974, is a story of a former professional quarterback and a former collegiate head coach who are both in prison. The two put together a team of inmates to play a football game against a team made of the prison guards. The remake is being produced by Happy Madison Productions, owned by Adam Sandler.


XFL team will pump $10M into the Mexico Economy

July 20, 2004

Mexico City, MEXICO - The XFL team that’s relocating to Mexico City in the fall expects to pump $10 million into the local economy, the league’s commissioner said Wednesday. Commissioner Oliver Luck announced the relocation of the Las Vegas Outlaws at a news conference Wednesday afternoon in downtown Mexico City, with team owner Gavin Maloof, and head coach Bruce Coslet. The relocation passed with a fourteen-to-three vote by the league owners. The Mexico City Aztecs will begin XFL play with the 2005 season at Estadio Azteca Stadium.

“Mexico City is a natural home for the XFL in that it is a major market that we believe will support a professional football team and we are excited to be here,” Maloof said in a news release. “We are bringing sports fans in the area an exciting and high-quality product on the field at an affordable price and hope they will embrace the team who will become a part of the local community. Tickets will cost $25," said Maloof, "who is buying a house in the Mexico City area and moving his family here."

"Las Vegas is a great city, and the XFL has a future there," said Luck. "We plan on getting a franchise back there, and for that franchise to thrive. They were close to winning it all this year, and I guarantee that the city of Las Vegas wins an XFL championship someday."


Sippio, Jackson and Chatman Among Seven Stars Leaving for NFL

July 28, 2004

New Orleans, LA - Dallas Desperados WR Bobby Sippio signed with the Miami Dolphins. "Bobby has the ability to make it in the NFL," states Desperados head coach Jerry Glanville. "Bobby's the type of player that can help us be a successful franchise in the future and that has the ability to play on Sunday."

New Orleans VooDoo WR Chris Jackson signed a free agent contract with the Houston Texans and LB Kevin Aldridge signed with the St. Louis Rams. "The reason we signed Kevin off the Titans practice roster is because he has the ability to play on Sunday. It was no surprise to me that when the Packers had receivers go down, that Chris was one of the first guys they turned to since he has been with them before and is familiar with their system. We wish both of them the best of luck, said VooDoo head coach Art Shell."

Chicago Enforcers WR Antonio Chatman signed with the Green Bay Packers. "We are proud of Antonio," said Enforcers head coach Mike Singletary. "He has come a long way and truly matured in his two years in Chicago. I know he will be able to handle the situation in Green Bay. I told him that I don't expect to see him again, but if I do, we are going to win a ring together with the Enforcers."

Also Los Angeles Stars LB Brendon Ayanbadejo signed with the Baltimore Ravens, San Antonio Commanders RB Aaron Stecker signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Enforcers RB Fred Jackson signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Memphis Express Hire Doug Plank as Head Coach

July 30, 2004

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Express announced they have hired Chicago Enforcers defensive coordinator Doug Plank as the team's new head coach, effective immediately. "I am very excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to building a championship team here in Memphis," said Plank. "Frederick Smith's commitment to building FedEx into one of the best in the businesses in America and it is very obvious that he has that same level of commitment to the Memphis Express and the XFL. Joining Plank would be Darren Arbet as the offensive coordinator, Weylan Harding as the defensive coordinator and Gene Nudo as the general manager. Former AFL star QB Clint Dolezel named as QBs coach.

"We're extremely fortunate to be adding somebody of Darren Arbet's caliber to our staff," said Plank, who won three Arena League championships with the San Jose SaberCats. "The fact that he has some prior head coaching experience is an extra benefit to his extensive knowledge as a offensive coordinator. Darren always has been a tough guy to go against. His offenses played explosive and intelligent. In addition, we are longtime friends, so I'm very excited about having him onboard."

"Gene was instrumental in the success of the Arizona Rattlers the past 10 seasons," said Smith. "This hire recognizes the work he's done and will continue to do for our franchise."

Enforcers Announce Robert Lyles as Defensive Coordinator

August 20, 2004

Chicago, IL - The Chicago Enforcers have named Robert Lyles the team's Defensive Coordinator. "I wanted my hiring of our defensive coordinator to be a big one, and from the standpoint of what's available on the coaching market for defensive coordinators, this is the best," said Enforcers head coach Mike Singletary. "Working in NFL training camps the past six seasons, Lyles brings along with him the opportunity of signing a tremendous amount of NFL-type prospects, opening up the doors to the pool of NFL free agents. He will bring something we have looked for a long time here and that's a defense with character, an aggressive, hard-nosed defense."


Sacramento Embraces New XFL Team

August 31, 2004

Sacramento, CA - There are Mountain Lions taking over Sacramento and those same giant cats are taking over Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State. This year the school will play home to Sacramento’s professional football team owned by Bobby Hernreich, co-owner of the NBA's Sacramento Kings and United Mountain Lions Sports LLC. The up-and-coming professional football league, the XFL, rooted its latest franchise in Sacramento and is bringing some well-known names to the campus including former NFL head coach Dennis Erickson. The former San Francisco 49ers and Oregon State University head coach will also be bringing along former members of his 49ers' staff with him. Steve Sarkisian will serve as the offensive coordinator, with Greg McMackin as the defensive coordinator, and Terry Donahue as the general manager. Sarkisian has served as the Dallas Desperados QBs coach the last three seasons. Also joining the staff will be assistant coaches Brett Maxie, Jason Tarver and Dan Quinn.

The XFL now has sixteen teams, and each team consists mostly of players who have been in the NFL at one point or another in their careers. “They are going to mostly non-NFL cities and building up fans,” said Mountain Lions President Andrew Skwara. “And for me I want to go out and watch my team play, and when the Hornets aren’t playing here in the spring, guess what? I can watch the Mountain Lions. I think people will like to see some exciting football,” Erickson said. “College football is exciting, but we are bringing a brand of excitement in pro football too. I think that we have the best staff around, and I think we’ll play exciting football.”

"We have been very deliberate with the cities we've chosen to represent the XFL, and we see Salt Lake City as the perfect backdrop to introduce high-quality, professional football this spring. As one of the fastest-growing American cities it's backed by an ever-rising population and an incredibly ardent fan base," said Dick Ebersol, XFL co-founder. "In the fall, the Utah Utes consistently exceed seating capacity for home football games at Rice-Eccles Stadium, one of the more impressive venues in the country. Up until now, once the Utes conclude their season, there have been no other football options for such a burgeoning city that has so much passion for the game. We are proud to say this changes with today's introduction of the Mountain Lions and Dennis Erickson as head coach."

"Dennis is a two-time National Champion and one of the most respected coaches of our time. His experience at the collegiate and professional level makes him an ideal fit to come in and lead these young men looking to begin, extend or revitalize their professional careers," said Vince McMahon, XFL co-founder. "He is passionate about the game and we're excited to have him on the sidelines again for the Sacramento Mountain Lions."

"I've been around the game of football my entire life. My father was a coach, I played the quarterback position through college, and of course, I've been coaching for nearly 50 years. My passion for football and teaching the game has never wavered, and the XFL is the perfect opportunity to get back on the sidelines and continue doing what I love," said Erickson. "I'm excited to come to Sacramento where I saw first-hand the passion the city has for the game for football. The XFL is about building a dynamic relationship between players, fans and the game, and I'm looking forward to being active in this community and competing for a championship."



Omaha Joins XFL Community

September 6, 2004

Omaha, NE - The XFL's newest owner, Joe Moglia, along with TD Omaha Sports & Entertainment LLC, are proud to announce the league's newest team, the Omaha Mammoths. Moglia, the chairman of TD Ameritrade, alongside Zach Nelson, the CEO of NetSuite Inc. and the other investors of TD Omaha Sports & Entertainment LLC purchased the Minneapolis Wild franchise back in June from Bob Naegele Jr. Moglia also announced that the team's coaching staff has been assembled and at the top it'll be coached by former Nebraska University head coach Frank Solich. Solich coached for the Cornhuskers from 1979 to 2003, including the last six seasons as the head coach. Joining Solich will be his former offensive coordinator and star player Turner Gill who will once again be coaching his offense. However, in any interesting turn of events, Moglia named himself as the team's defensive coordinator, a position he has not held since 1983. Also, joining the staff in Omaha will be former cornhusker Scott Frost as the DBs coach, Jay Norvell as the QBs coach, and former Wild head coach Jim Skipper as the assistant head coach and RBs Coach. Steve Ortmayer would be returning to the franchise as the general manager.

“It's a very strong league financially and strategically,” Moglia said. “When you see the quality of the football and the quality of the business plan, it's amazing. I was super-impressed with the quality of the football. It's NFL-quality football. I kept talking about how Omaha is the perfect sort of city for what the league was trying to do in sports.”

“There are a lot of possibilities today with where the league goes," Nelson said, "largely because there are so many high-quality football players who, for one reason or another, aren't playing in the National Football League. I certainly think that football as a professional sport is under-distributed in North America. The plan is based on super-high-quality football, and it succeeded well last year."

Former offensive and defensive coordinators, Joe Paopao and David Catapano, took the same positions in the CFL under head coach John Jenkins with the Ottawa Renegades.


NHL's Blue Jackets and XFL's Ghosts Announce Management Agreement

September 10, 2004

Columbus, OH - The National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Ghosts have entered into a management agreement, the two clubs announced today. Under the agreement, Blue Jackets' Vice-President of Marketing David Paitson will add the role of vice president of the Ghosts to his duties.
"We believe by fully integrating ourselves with the Blue Jackets full complement of sports management professionals it provides our Ghosts' operation with resources not typically available to other XFL clubs. We are excited to have David lead our business initiatives as his sports business experience and knowledge of the community will be a tremendous asset to our operations," said Jim Renacci, representing club ownership.

Sacramento and Tampa to select from 126 talented players in 2005 Expansion Draft

September 14, 2004

Greenwich, CT - Sacramento and Tampa may choose a player from any current team who is designated as being "unprotected." Each team protected 36 players whose rights they control. All other players whose rights they control are deemed "unprotected" and hence eligible to be selected. Once a player is selected from an existing team, the team will be allowed to pull back one player. Existing teams can lose a maximum of five players in this process.

"We are certainly excited about putting our team together and getting out on the field, and the expansion draft is a key part of that process," said Mountain Lions head coach Dennis Erickson. "Between the expansion draft, the territorial draft, and the supplemental draft, there is plenty of talent to evaluate and we are confident that our fans will see us put together a good group of players in the coming weeks."

"The difficult thing for any team to go through is subjecting your players to an expansion draft," said Mike Singletary, Chicago Enforcers head coach. "We are coming off an excellent season with a great group of guys, but based on league rules we only protect 36 of them and allow the others into the draft. We are hopeful that we can retain as many of our players as possible, but based on the past history of expansion drafts, it is likely that we will lose some men."

Sacramento and Tampa Take Shape After Expansion Draft

September 20, 2004

Greenwich, CT - Wide Receiver DeAndrew Rubin became the first player selected in the 2005 Expansion Draft, joining QB Marcus Crandell, RB Herbert Goodman, TEs Chris Eitzmann and Dan O'Leary, OL Garin Patrick and Ben Sobieski, DL David Hoelscher, Winfield Garnett, Montique Sharpe and Jomo Cousins, LBs Antonio Wilson, Byron Thweatt and Julian Duncan, DBs Clarence Love and Kareem Larrimore, P Nick Murphy and K Axel Kruse with the Tampa Bay Bandits. The Mountain Lions selected QB Kevin Daft, WR Reggie Barlow, TEs Joe Kavanaugh and Bryan Fletcher, OL Josh Lovelady, Lui Fuata and Mike Sheldon, DL Emarlos Leroy, Stalin Colinet, Terrell Jurineack and Lamanzer Williams, LBs Sekou Sanyika, Brad Jackson and Eugene McCaslin, DBs Than Merrill, Cecil Doggette and Rodregis Brooks.

"We left both of our backup quarterbacks unprotected knowing we could potentially lose one and then pull back the other," San Antonio Commanders general manager John Peterson said. "Kevin did a nice job for us last year and he will add veteran leadership in Sacramento and Jomo is a good young player yet to reach his full potential. We would have liked to see him continue to develop but unfortunately Tampa bay selected him."

"Selecting Josh Lovelady, Lui Fuata and Mike Sheldon were great moves for us and should give us some stability on the offensive side of the ball," Mountain Lions head coach Dennis Erickson said. "I am very pleased with how the expansion draft went for us today and we can now focus on the Supplemental Draft."

XFL-U.S. Army Boot Camp Underway

September 29, 2004

Dallas, TX - The XFL and U.S. Army's new outreach program, XFL-U.S. Army Boot Camp, began today in the first of five markets. The Dallas Desperados took the program to Irving High School, located just outside of Dallas, where more than 300 students took part in today's boot camp. XFL-U.S. Army Boot Camp, which focuses on teamwork, fitness and exercise education, will also be conducted at high schools in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Orlando.

"We continue to be proud and honored to partner with the U.S. Army. Our grassroots initiatives have expanded each year and the recruiting results reflect that enhanced activation. The Boot Camp program is a key component to tying national awareness with local integration," said Glenn Horine, XFL Properties Executive Vice President.

Territorial Claims are Finalized

October 15, 2004

Greenwich, CT - The Territorial Allocations have been protected from next month's Supplemental Draft. QBs Rohan Davey, Craig Krenzel and Jonathan Quinn, RBs Larry Croom, Chris Fuamatu-Mu'afala, Quentin Griffin, Robert Holcombe, Keylon Kincade, Onterrio Smith and Shaud Williams, TEs Jed Weaver and Patrick Hape, WRs Chris Doering, PK Sam, Tai Streets and Rashaun Woods, OL Martin Bibla, Bryce Bishop, Doug Brzezinski, Kelvin Garmon, David Loverne, Dan Neil, Kenyatta Jones and Brad Lekkerkerker, DL Darrell Campbell, Erik Flowers, Elton Patterson, Regan Upshaw and Peppi Zellner, LBs Raheem Orr, Raynoch Thompson and Eric Westmoreland and DBs Roderick Babers, Mario Edwards, Derek Ross, Cory Bird, Cory Hall, Brandon Everage and Jammal Lord.

"Tai's a great route runner, and has good speed," said Chicago Enforcers head coach Mike Singletary. "He has extensive NFL exposure and it really shows on the field. We believe he is going to be an impact player and we couldn't be happier with this allocation. We had him rated as a top prospect at Wide Receiver out of all the NFL players we looked at."

"We feel fortunate to have been able to sign such a great group of young guys who we feel have a chance to contribute to the success of our football team," said San Antonio Commanders head coach Mike Riley. "All of these players show tremendous promise and it's really exciting to see our 2005 roster begin to take shape."

Desperados Trade Hundon and Missouri to Seattle

October 28, 2004

Dallas, TX - The Dallas Desperados announced it has traded All-XFL DL Dwayne Missouri and veteran WR James Hundon to the Seattle Sea Devils. In exchange, the Desperados received three draft picks in next month's Supplemental Draft along with future considerations. "You don't replace a player of his caliber with one player, but by trading Dwayne and James we received valuable picks in the upcoming Supplemental Draft and we are confident there are players available who can help us continue to compete at the highest level. In addition, it allows us to build depth and become a little younger."

Tim McGraw Joins Express Ownership Group

November 1, 2004

Memphis, TN - Award-winning artist Tim McGraw, who has sold more than 30 million albums and charted 23 number one singles in his wildly successful music career, has purchased a minority interest in the Memphis Express franchise. "I am very pleased to welcome Tim McGraw to the Express organization," said Tennessee Titans owner and Express minority owner Bud Adams. "He is a man who brings excitement to everything he is a part of and his involvement adds even more excitement to a fantastic league. Tim is an avid football fan, and he is a suite holder for the Titans. His love for the sport makes it a natural fit for him and for this organization."

Teams Look to Add in Supplemental Draft

November 5, 2004

Greenwich, CT - The Tampa Bay Bandits added another key piece to their 2005 roster puzzle when they made RB Avon Cobourne, the first selection in the 2005 XFL Supplemental Draft. The draft gave all sixteen XFL teams the opportunity to add players to their rosters in the reverse order of the 2004 standings. The Sacramento Mountain Lions selected WR Freddie Mitchell with their first pick before coming back and snagging QB JT O'Sullivan with their second first round pick. DB Rogers Beckett, LB Rocky Calmus, DT Wendell Bryant, DT Mario Fatafehi, WR Ron Bellamy, DL Darrell Wright, OL Steve Sciullo, OL Aaron Gibson, OL Matt Stinchcomb, DB Kenny McEntyre, QB Chris Redman, DB Donnie Abraham, LB Solomon Bates and WR Ruvell Martin.

"JT O'Sullivan has good size for a quarterback and an extremely quick release, which should make him well-suited for our game," commented Mountain Lions head coach Dennis Erickson. "Freddie Mitchell has proven his ability to perform in this league and adding a player of his caliber to our team makes us deep at the receiver position, and Eric McCoo is a flat-out playmaker who we feel has a chance to help us win football games."

"Today marks another step in our quest to bring a championship to Orlando," said Orlando Rage head coach Jay Gruden. "We have stocked piled our roster with skill and depth at every position and we expect that these players will contribute to our ultimate goal."

"Ron Bellamy was the number one guy on our board and we are excited to have him aboard," says New Orleans VooDoo head coach Art Shell. "He was by far the best receiver in this draft, not too many players were better than Bellamy. He will be a difference maker on offense."

Ditka Becomes Minority Owner of Enforcers

December 16, 2004

Chicago, IL - Mike Ditka became a minority owner of the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL on Thursday. This is the first time he's been part owner of a pro football team. "I love football and am excited to become an owner of the Enforcers," Ditka said "I have been watching as the league has turned into the fastest-growing sport in the country. It's strong ownership group and national TV contract with NBC and FOX were big influences on my decision to become involved. As for the Enforcers, over the past three years this team has developed into one of the premier franchises in the XFL, and my goal is to help the team continue to prosper both on and off the field."

[BengalErnst]

Clarett, Williams and McPherson Opt Out on XFL

January 5, 2005

Greenwich, CT - Earlier this morning, XFL rookies, New York Guardians WR Mike Williams and QB Adrian McPherson along with Columbus Ghosts RB Maurice Clarett all decided to opt out of the 2005 XFL season in order to further prepare for the 2005 NFL Draft. Each of the three participated in the 2004 XFL season and believe their performances helped them solidify their draft position. All three are projected to be selected in the first three rounds.

"I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity the XFL gave me. There isn't a better internship out there," said Williams. "It allowed me to continue playing the game I love while making very good money. How many other college kids made over $80,000 this last spring? So I just want to thank the XFL for giving me this stage to showcase my ability."

Bandits Sign QB Shaun King

January 8, 2005

Tampa, FL - The Tampa Bay Bandits came to terms today on a contract with former NFL quarterback Shaun King. "We are very excited with the signing of Shaun King," said Bandits' General Manager Pepper Rodgers. "It is a great tribute to our coaching staff, organization and the XFL. Shaun is without a doubt one of the real outstanding quarterbacks in the country and, as important as anything, an individual with great character and a commitment of making a difference in people's lives."

"Shaun King is a veteran quarterback who should adapt to the XFL game quickly and make us better immediately," said Bandits' Head Coach Steve Spurrier. "He was one play away from starting in the Super Bowl in 2000, and he ran a lights out offense at Tulane University, where he led the NCAA in passing efficiency. He will be both an asset to the franchise and to the Tampa community."

EASports Announces XFL Videogame

January 10, 2005

New York, NY - The XFL and Electronic Arts have entered into an exclusive agreement to produce an XFL video game in time for the start of the 2006 XFL season that also allows EA to share in the proceeds of future expansion team sales. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Once again, we are partnering with an industry leader who believes in the XFL philosophy and its growth potential. To the extent that EA helps grow the XFL, they participate in that growth through the increased value of future expansion teams," said Commissioner Oliver Luck. "EA is the videogame industry's gold standard. Arguably, nothing is more important to reach the younger male demographic that we are so strong in than video games. For our core fan, this is akin to a network-television agreement."

Over the next four years and beginning with the 2005 XFL season, EA will partner with the XFL on media and retail marketing, and produce XFL games, the first to be available to consumers at the start of the 2006 XFL season.

"We believe that the business model the XFL has created will provide for a new football experience for videogame fans, and provide EA with an incentive to partner with the XFL to expand the league," said Larry Probst, Chairman and CEO of EA. "The XFL is a unique brand of football and we intend to deliver a unique football gaming experience from any the industry has seen before. We're pleased to be working with the league during this exciting growth-period for the XFL."

This is the latest of the sponsor-related partnerships approved by the XFL Board of Directors with EA joining a growing list of industry leaders who are partnering with and/or sponsoring the XFL. The list includes: NBC, FOX, Riddell, Spalding, Topps, Aaron's, Under Armour, Champs Sports and U.S. Army.

CFL Stampeders and Renegades Switch Ownership Hands

January 18, 2005

Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Calgary Stampeders were sold to an ownership group that is led by Ted Hellard and former Stampeder legend, John Forzani and after going through ownership in-fighting, the Ottawa Renegades announced in May that a new ownership group, led by Bill Smith and former Ottawa Rough Riders owner Bernie Glieberman, would take over the team. Before the season began, the CFL through its partnership with Reebok, introduced new home and away uniforms for all twelve teams.

Steel Sign QB Quincy Carter

January 22, 2005

Birmingham, AL - The Birmingham Steel have come to terms with QB Quincy Carter. Carter, 27, spent four seasons in the NFL, playing with the Dallas Cowboys from 2001 to 2003 and the New York Jets in 2004. "We are happy to give Quincy a chance to succeed in the XFL. He had success in the NFL, we feel he can do some positive things in the XFL. Quarterbacks Matt Nagy and Eric Kresser have a lot of talent and they can become great quarterbacks, with Quincy in the mix it just adds to the talent pool at quarterback," said General Manager Tim Berryman.

XFL Games Televised Internationally

January 28, 2005

Greenwich, CT - In response to increased demand for the XFL worldwide, the XFL has entered into multiple partnerships to broadcast XFL games internationally, including the playoffs and the Million Dollar Game. Overall, close to 100 games will be carried throughout Canada and Europe. "We are excited to continue to grow the XFL internationally, bringing our fan-friendly game to millions of sports fans worldwide," said Dick Ebersol, XFL co-Founder. "These partnerships, along with the XFL's strong domestic broadcast partnerships with NBC and Fox Sports Net, will help in the XFL's efforts to remain one of the world's fastest-growing sports."

The Score Television Network, Canada's leading sports news and information network, has entered into a one-year agreement as the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of XFL regular-season games. Throughout the 2005 season, The Score will carry more than 20 XFL games live or on short delay. "The Score is committed to bringing new and refreshing live programming to viewers, said Anthony Cicione, Vice President of Programming and Production. "With this exciting new association with the XFL we are able to accomplish exactly that."