Sunday, Sep. 20, 2009

Fever in holding pattern with rest of arena football

By Ben Reynolds, Herald staff writer

KENNEWICK -- Teri Carr wants to put an end to all the rumors.

Problem is, she can't do that just yet.

Carr, who recently announced that she and her husband J.R. have once again resumed ownership of the Tri-Cities Fever, wants to make some sort of announcement about the team's status next week.

But, according to several sources, some things are yet to be worked out with the new league. The Fever, which has played in the arenafootball2 league the past three seasons, will play arena football again next season against some familiar opponents in what will be a two-tiered league with some teams joining from the defunct Arena Football League.

Compared to the doubt about the franchise remaining in the Tri-Cities that was prevelant as last season wound down, knowing there is going to be football in the Tri-Cities should be enough for most fans.

Still, no one really knows all the particulars of the new league, and some teams have indicated that they won't be a part of it.

In the past month, Manchester has suspended operations, Peoria and Mahoning Valley have folded and Rio Grande Valley appears to be the latest team to shut down.

According to multiple reports, there are several other franchises on the fence waiting to see the particulars of the new league before they commit.

The franchises that have committed to the new league are in a holding pattern, awaiting the league to unveil its model. Doug MacGregor, now a minority owner of the Fever, said he expected to make an announcement by the end of the month. An owners meeting is scheduled for Sept. 28.

In the meantime, some teams are moving ahead with their plans for 2010.

The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz are holding their first open tryout later this month, while Spokane is conducting its season ticket drive.

Spokane, which has led the af2 in attendance the past three seasons, is expected to make the jump to Tier 1 of the new league and will play larger market teams.

-- Pat O'Hara's coaching contract with the Fever expired earlier this week, as did all the contracts of af2 coaches. O'Hara went 3-8 for the Fever last season after taking over for Richard Davis, who was fired after an 0-5 start. O'Hara has expressed interested in returing next season, and Teri Carr has said she would like to have O'Hara back.

-- Former Fever wide receiver Phil Goodman recently signed to play for the expansion Wenatchee Valley Venom of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA). Goodman played in five games for the Fever last season before being traded to Central Valley for quarterback Ryan Porter and receiver Finas Rabb.

-- Former Fever assistant general manager Travis Vance was recently hired by Trademark Sports Group as the vice president of football operations. Trademark, headed up by Kevin Jinks, tried to buy the Fever, but had its offer declined. Jinks said he is in negotiations to buy another team and expects to make an announcement later this month.

* Ben Reynolds: 509-582-1509; breynolds@tricityherald.com