Post by 50yardfan on Apr 28, 2011 11:21:27 GMT -5
Signs point to owner's departure
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20110428/SPORTS/104280318/1006/Football-Predators-future-hazy
The continuing saga of the Port Huron Predators might have taken its final turn.
Team owner Rachael Brusate has disappeared once again, and this time it looks like it's for good.
For the past week, Brusate has failed to communicate with her coaching staff and even the Continental Indoor Football League.
On her Facebook page Wednesday, she appeared to leave a parting message, writing: "Just to clear it, I left the Predators as owner two weeks ago. I need to leave (Michigan) and head to (Las) Vegas for a life of no sleep, smiles, alcohol and just binges, girls and gambling.
"More of a lifestyle I prefer than having the typical lame mature life that I just can't stand another minute. As much as I would love to just leave with a big screw-off to the city, I can't disrespect the league and the few that were good."
The Predators (2-4) are scheduled to play Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at McMorran Arena against the Indianapolis Enforcers (0-6).
But it's anyone's guess if the game will be played.
As of Wednesday, Predators coach John Forti had not heard from Brusate and his team has not been able to practice the past two weeks because she has failed to pay The Sports Academy, the facility the team has used for practices throughout the season.
"We can't do anything; right now, our hands are tied," Forti said. "It's frustrating. (The coaches) haven't been paid for several weeks and now we can't practice."
Randy Fernandez, the general manager of McMorran Arena, said he is in the same boat as everyone else. As of Wednesday night, he still was trying to gather information about the status of Saturday's game.
"I have not spoke with the team owner in over a week," Fernandez said. "I have been in touch with the league trying to find out if there is going to be a game or not.
"I hope to know by the end of the business day (today) so people can either continue buying tickers or I can let people know how to get a refund. I think the league needs to step in and continue to run the team for the remainder of the season."
CIFL Commissioner Jeff Spitaleri has also tried without success to reach Brusate. At this point, he said the league is trying to find a new owner.
"We're trying to line (up ownership) so the rest of the games are played this season and we can build for next year," Spitaleri said. "We are trying to make sure the game is played Saturday."
Predator's quarterback Calvin Toliver meanwhile, said he has been assured the game will be played.
"We're playing, but Rachael doesn't have the team anymore," he said. "The coaches and players said we're playing. I'm expecting to play. That's what we were told. I asked the league, and they said we are playing.
"We haven't been paid the last three weeks. But I'm playing more to get film to get moved up. I'm not doing it for the money. She owes me about $300 or $400. She owes everybody.
"Guys still haven't been paid for the last game. A lot of guys are hungry, don't have food or money. They keep thinking they are going to get their money, but she won't answer anybody."
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20110428/SPORTS/104280318/1006/Football-Predators-future-hazy
The continuing saga of the Port Huron Predators might have taken its final turn.
Team owner Rachael Brusate has disappeared once again, and this time it looks like it's for good.
For the past week, Brusate has failed to communicate with her coaching staff and even the Continental Indoor Football League.
On her Facebook page Wednesday, she appeared to leave a parting message, writing: "Just to clear it, I left the Predators as owner two weeks ago. I need to leave (Michigan) and head to (Las) Vegas for a life of no sleep, smiles, alcohol and just binges, girls and gambling.
"More of a lifestyle I prefer than having the typical lame mature life that I just can't stand another minute. As much as I would love to just leave with a big screw-off to the city, I can't disrespect the league and the few that were good."
The Predators (2-4) are scheduled to play Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at McMorran Arena against the Indianapolis Enforcers (0-6).
But it's anyone's guess if the game will be played.
As of Wednesday, Predators coach John Forti had not heard from Brusate and his team has not been able to practice the past two weeks because she has failed to pay The Sports Academy, the facility the team has used for practices throughout the season.
"We can't do anything; right now, our hands are tied," Forti said. "It's frustrating. (The coaches) haven't been paid for several weeks and now we can't practice."
Randy Fernandez, the general manager of McMorran Arena, said he is in the same boat as everyone else. As of Wednesday night, he still was trying to gather information about the status of Saturday's game.
"I have not spoke with the team owner in over a week," Fernandez said. "I have been in touch with the league trying to find out if there is going to be a game or not.
"I hope to know by the end of the business day (today) so people can either continue buying tickers or I can let people know how to get a refund. I think the league needs to step in and continue to run the team for the remainder of the season."
CIFL Commissioner Jeff Spitaleri has also tried without success to reach Brusate. At this point, he said the league is trying to find a new owner.
"We're trying to line (up ownership) so the rest of the games are played this season and we can build for next year," Spitaleri said. "We are trying to make sure the game is played Saturday."
Predator's quarterback Calvin Toliver meanwhile, said he has been assured the game will be played.
"We're playing, but Rachael doesn't have the team anymore," he said. "The coaches and players said we're playing. I'm expecting to play. That's what we were told. I asked the league, and they said we are playing.
"We haven't been paid the last three weeks. But I'm playing more to get film to get moved up. I'm not doing it for the money. She owes me about $300 or $400. She owes everybody.
"Guys still haven't been paid for the last game. A lot of guys are hungry, don't have food or money. They keep thinking they are going to get their money, but she won't answer anybody."