Free Republic

Has polarizing football player Tim Tebow gotten a raw deal in the press because of his religious beliefs? And would he be treated more respectfully if he were not Christian, and specifically, Muslim? Gene Simmons thinks so. “He’s got a religious passion, as well he should, we’re in America,” the KISS frontman told Radio.com earlier this week. ”He’s proud to be a Christian, what’s wrong with that? And yet, with sports media and pop culture media, they make fun of his religion. Really? In America? If he was wearing a burqa, they wouldn’t dare say anything [editor's note: only Muslim...

Arena Football League will not resume play & will likely file Chapter 7 liquidation. Orlando Predators have played last game.#fox35

CHICAGO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - The Arena Football League has canceled its 2009 season, but will resume play the following year, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and The New York Times reported on Monday. League officials could not be reached to comment, but have previously denied the indoor football league would cancel the 2009 season. The AFL, founded in 1987, has 16 teams after New Orleans folded in October. However, the owner of the Cleveland Gladiators told the Times that AFL executives and team owners moved to suspend the 2009 season, pending approval by the players' union, so the league could...

The Arena Football League will suspend the 2009 season as it tries to improve its long-term economic model, the league's board of directors announced Monday. "Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the league, the game, and, most importantly, the fans," said acting commissioner Ed Policy. "Owners, however, recognize that, especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate, the AFL, as a business enterprise, needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan-friendly sport." A source told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the "deal-breaker was ESPN saying it...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City police stopped a bus carrying Soul players yesterday morning and took five players to police headquarters in connection with a rape investigation. The Soul defeated the Kansas City Brigade, 54-24, in an Arena Football League game at Kemper Arena on Monday night. The team's bus was preparing to leave Kansas City when officers pulled it over.

Former NFL defensive lineman Al Lucas died on Sunday from a presumed spinal cord injury sustained while trying to make a tackle for the Los Angeles Avengers during an Arena Football League game, the team said. Lucas was taken to California Hospital and all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, team physician Dr. Luga Podesta said in a statement. Members of the team were prohibited from speaking to the media after the game. A call to a California Hospital spokesman was not returned.

LOS ANGELES - Former NFL defensive lineman Al Lucas died Sunday from a presumed spinal cord injury sustained while trying to make a tackle for the Los Angeles Avengers during an Arena Football League game, the team said. Lucas was taken to California Hospital and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, team physician Dr. Luga Podesta said in a statement. A call to a California Hospital spokesman was not returned. "It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Al Lucas. At this time, the thoughts and prayers of the entire Avenger organization are with his wife and...