Pete Porcelli Unleashed
Pete Porcelli
Saturday March 11, 2000
To coach Rick Buffington:
Thank you for believing in me when some people did not. If it weren`t for you I wouldn`t be living in Albany, New York –- content at being a loving father, husband, teacher, football and wrestling coach. Again, thanks.
To Ian Welsh (former General Manager of the Anaheim Piranhas):
Another man who believed in me as a person and as a player. In 1996, when I was in need of playing my final season of Arenaball somewhere, you threw out the lifeline and I grabbed it and played for the Piranhas. For that, I am deeply indebted.
To Mike Dailey (Head football coach Albany Firebirds):
Mike is one of the classiest and professional men in Pro Football today. Mike Dailey is the best line coach in the business at any level –- bar none. To you Mike I say congrats on the championship. It couldn`t have happened to a better organization and person like yourself.
I would also like to thank the staff of Arenafan for giving me the pleasure of doing a weekly article. They have been a very supportive and knowledgeable group of guys. To Dave, Kev, Ken, and John I would also like to say thank you.
Wow!! What a tumultuous start to our 14 years of existence. In the time of a one month span, we have had the highs of an Arenaball veteran NFL MVP and the lows of the very first lawsuit brought on by the players that threatened to close shop for a year. This season proves to be an interesting one. How much in fighting will go on in the locker room? Among management? Among fans? No matter what side you are on in this whole lawsuit matter, only time will tell if cohesion between the players, management, and the fans will still exist.
I think the league will still thrive. In 1989, the league was in jeopardy of ceasing operations. They instead barnstormed across the country, showcasing Arenaball to interested cities. The players made $250 a game and the checks were never on time. I mean, you try being on a minivan with 12 other sweaty overgrown players driving across the country all summer eating fast foods. Sounds like fun huh? NOT! Thank God my first season was 1990 and I didn’t have to endure those struggles. The league and the players have gone through many tough times together in the 14 year existence and I look at the season to be a challenge like any other.
In closing, I foresee a very exciting year with many free agent acquisitions in the weeks to come. Watch out for the new L.A. team because on paper they look competitive.
Oh, and you better enjoy Clint Dolezel while you can because my prediction is he will be in an NFL uniform and flourish like Kurt Warner did.
Till next week, I`m Pete Porcelli.
Pete Porcelli was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2000 season.
