"An Open Letter to AFL Fans" is issued

Today the AFL issued this statement to their loyal fans, here it is straight from the AFL's website:

Arena Football League fans,

There have been a number of stories and statements regarding what Arena Football League players receive in return for their hard work and exciting play on the field. While we always strive to better ourselves as a League, we do feel that our players receive a high level of care in return for what they deliver to our fans. This includes game salary, housing, meals, and workmen’s compensation insurance coverage for a package that totals an average of well over $3,000 per player per month.

While discussions continue with the union, the AFL feels it is important to let the record show that this is where things currently stand. We will continue to demonstrate appreciation and respect for our fans and we thank you for your dedication over the past 25 seasons!

Sincerely,

The Arena Football League

Now, this comes off as a big joke in my opinion. It's good that the AFL issued anything at all to the fans, but to do so almost a week after all this strike business came about isn't good enough. Fans were left desperately waiting for any sort of resolution after being sprung with the news that the AFLPU was looking to strike in order to insure better contracts for all the players. More information came from the pompous Brett Bouchy, managing partner of the Orlando Predators, than the AFL at a time when some sort of effort should have been made in order to inform their fanbase just days before the regular season was set to begin. 

I'm not saying either side did the right thing, but this 132 word message does little to ease my worries regarding the future of the AFL. If something substantially doesn't get done before next season, I can see this type of situation occurring on a yearly basis which would kill the league. Forget about growth, the AFL must fine tune what's already here before even thinking about how to promote the league to a larger audience. Let's just hope this happens so that 25 years of great arena football isn't thrown down the drain due to incompetence.