Bill Polian isn’t thrilled about the latest news surrounding the Alliance of American Football.
Co-founder and Head of Football for the first-year startup league, Polian responded to AAF owner Ton Dundon’s decision to suspend all operations on Tuesday.
“I am extremely disappointed to learn Tom Dundon has decided to suspend all football operations of the Alliance of American Football,” Polian said in a statement. “When Mr. Dundon took over, it was the belief of my co-founder, Charlie Ebersol, and myself that we would finish the season, pay our creditors, and make the necessary adjustments to move forward in a manner that made economic sense for all.
“The momentum generated by our players, coaches and football staff had us well positioned for future success. Regrettably, we will not have that opportunity.”
Dundon, also the owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, invested $250 million into the fledgling league in February, but suggested that without help from the NFL Players’ Association, the AAF could be forced to shutter. Despite a TV deal and limited star power, the league has struggled to gain a financial foothold in its quest to become a developmental league for the NFL. What the league did have going for it was its app, which provided a real-time experience to consumers as well as tracked biometric data. According to The MMQB, the perception is that Dundon insted in the league because of his interest in the app’s gambling potential.
Through eight weeks of the regular season, former big league flameouts like Trent Richardson, Matt Asiata and Johnny Manziel have looked for a road back to the NFL, though hope for the AAF being that avenue is waning quickly.
“I sincerely regret that many that believed in this project will see their hopes and efforts unrewarded,” Polian, the former GM of the Bill, Panthers and Colts said. “They gave their best for which I am deeply grateful. Unfortunately, Mr. Dundon has elected this course of action.”
While eight teams’ worth of players could very soon be looking for work — Manziel offered some veteran wisdom on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon — Polian is committed to being a part of whatever the next step may be.
“My thanks go out to all who made our football product so competitive and professional,” he said. “I am certain there are many among them destined for future success in the NFL and I look forward to doing all I can to help them in their quest.”