Fox Has "The OC," the AFL Has "The TB"
Adam J Locascio
Wednesday March 15, 2006
Since the Storm’s 64-35 loss to the Dallas Desperados on Sunday afternoon, there has been a great deal of "he-said-he-said" coming out of the confines of the St. Pete Times Forum – enough drama to put any Lindsay Lohan story to shame.
On March 13, the day after the Desperados game, a press release was issued announcing the release of Storm OS Demetris Bendross despite his eight catch, 164 yard receiving performance in the game. The press release sited that "with the salary cap the way it is [the Storm] cannot have the luxury of keeping two players at the OS position." Regular starter, Freddie Solomon, has been recuperating from a foot injury and had spent the previous two weeks on injured reserve.
"[Coach Tim Marcum] told me that I don't respect him, that he was going to let me go so I could play for a coach that I respect," said Bendross at the time.
In other news, an unnamed source close to the team has said that Storm quarterback Shane Stafford has been kanoodling around the Tampa Bay area with socialite Paris Hilton. The quarterback and the hotel heiress were seen holding hands and talking in baby-talk in a booth at a well known Tampa restaurant.
Apparently, the release of Bendross was linked to his disapproval in the play-calling at the end of the first half. The Storm were threatening to score at the end of the half, but two running plays and an incomplete pass forced the Storm to go to the locker room with no points.
ArenaFan.com has also received reports FB/LB Jarrod Penright has broken up with Jennifer Aniston. Penright was leaving a South Beach Club in a huff saying that she’s nothing like the "chick from ‘Friends.’"
But Bendross’ release was never finalized. A second press release was issued asking recipients to "disregard" the notice of his release. Apparently, Bendross was still a part of the team.
On Tuesday, Coach Marcum appeared on his weekly radio show on 620 WDAE in Tampa stating, ""There was a release done early in the afternoon. Things changed. We recalled the release. He was a member of our football team at that time, he is a member of our football team now. Period. I visited with Benny today. All's well."
Huh?
In similar news, WR/LB Lawrence Samuels issued a statement saying that he and Nicole Richey are still friends and he is looking forward to another season of "The Simple Life."
One thing is for certain, we may never get the complete story, but it is evident that there was some kind of conflict between the coach and his specialist.
"Things happen in the heat of battle, with a lot of testosterone flowing... we're all square," Marcum said on Tuesday’s radio broadcast.
And finally, a source close to the couple says that Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson’s marriage has ended due to his infatuation with an unnamed Storm cheerleader. One team official stated that Lachey is actually "Storm Dog," the Storm’s mascot and he secured the job so he can be closer to his crush.
Adam J. Locascio is a financial advisor in the Tampa Bay area and a Board Member of the Tampa Bay Storm Surge Fan Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix and is a six-year season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Storm.
