Memo to the AFL: Reschedule the Pittsburgh/Cleveland game

Tim Capper
Sunday June 10, 2012

In all of my years watching the Arena Football League I have seen some crazy stuff. But after seeing what happened on Friday, June 8, 2012 this will be forever the topper.

Pittsburgh 2 - Cleveland 0 (Final via forfeit)

I really don’t care whose fault it was. The AFLPU wanted to make a point, while the AFL HQ stuck by their guns to underpay the players. The only problem is that we as fans were left seeing the carnage: The first forfeited game in league history.

Luckily, I have an idea that can mend wounds and hopefully turn around this 25th Silver Anniversary year. Reschedule the game between the Pittsburgh Power and the Cleveland Gladiators.

Throughout minor and pro sports history, games have been cancelled and rescheduled for many reasons. Hurricanes, terrorist attacks, snowstorms, lightning and earthquakes are just a few of the reasons why sporting events have been rescheduled. I’m sure a little posturing by a Players’ Union is so minor a reason, but yes, a game can be rescheduled for this, too.

Given that both Pittsburgh and Cleveland have finished their bye weeks, it will have to wait until the end of the season. But that’s where it all falls into place.

Week 20 has both the Gladiators and Power at home, and they play within a day of each other. Since they are within a close driving distance, Pittsburgh can travel by bus to Cleveland and play at Quicken Loans Arena on the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (July 23-25). What if the arena is booked you say? Well it is currently available for all three days.

BOOK THE DATE NOW!

If the game is played, it will allow the league to make any corrections to the history books. It will make the playoff tiebreakers fair and possibly allow the Gladiators to get into the postseason. Plus most of all, it will start to heal the wounds suffered by all fans of the league.

Commissioner Kurz, the league has the power to make this happen. The question is, will you do what is right for the league and its fans?

If the league can cancel the 2000 season, due to another labor tiff (February 25, 2000), then to reinstate it 5 days later (March 1, 2000). Why can’t you reschedule one regular season game?

The ball is in your court now Commissioner Kurz. What are you going to do with it?