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Outlaws Moving Out??
Worrying news for Outlaws fans…
This publication has received an unconfirmed report which seems to suggest that Outlaws owner/GM, ukpatfan, is actively seeking to re-locate the franchise.
Outlaws Owner/GM: Ukpatfan
Wednesday, a prominent Wichita businessman Jerry Atrick contacted the Wichita Eagle sports desk with some surprising information.
Mr Atrick takes up the story:
“I had headed into Charlotte, Carolina for a business meeting with a client and Tuesday evening I took the client downtown to a swanky French restaurant – Chez Primates Capitulards.
Well, we were enjoying a swell evening when I noticed two well dressed guys sat at a corner table who looked kinda secretive. They were whispering, kept patting each other on the shoulder and at one point this one guy pinched the other fellas face and give it a friendly wobble!
Now I’m a man of the world and it’s the 21st century so I thought nothing of it, but my client dropped his fork when he recognised the fella sat facing us as Robin Money the Mayor of Charlotte.
A scandal brewing there I thought, then just as I was chowing down on my escargot, the other guy gets up to go to the rest room and walks past our table. Well, I nearly choked when I recognised him as ukpatfan, the Outlaws owner.
What the hell was he doing in Charlotte chatting up the Mayor?
It was then that I caught a glimpse of a glossy brochure open on their table. I could see what looked to me like stadium plans and some fancy football uniforms.
The penny dropped but I guess the Mayor saw us watching because he got the maitre d’ to move them to a private room out of sight.
Now I’m not an Outlaws fan, but I know they’ve been struggling with attendances lately and Charlotte don’t have a football team. You do the maths."
We stress this is an uncorroborated report and the restaurant would not confirm the names of any patrons eating at their establishment.
Over the course of Wednesday, the Eagle made several efforts to speak with ukpatfan but initially our calls went unreturned with the front office stating ukpatfan was ‘away on business’.
Finally, we received this statement from ukpatfan’s press secretary:
“Ukpatfan would like to thank the Wichita Eagle for their continued coverage of the Outlaws.
During this first season in charge of the franchise, several important steps have been made with regards to the playing staff and roster.With a solid draft behind us and with additional draft picks in the next couple of years, the team can look to the future with optimism.
However, it remains true that attendances are low and are falling despite improving our standing this season. There is a parochial feel to the franchise and that must change if we are to achieve success in the league.
As a result I am considering all options as I examine the best way forward for the franchise as a whole.”
We contacted the Commissioner’s office seeking clarification on whether a relocation would likely be authorised and received this communication from the Commissioner:
"The league rules are quite clear. If a franchise submits stadium rebuilding plans to its host city and these plans are turned down, the franchise then becomes eligiable to seek a move if that is so desired.
The previous owner of the Wichita Outlaws had stadium plans rebutted by the city and as a result, the present Wichita owner is entitled to make overtures to any city currently without an IFL franchise.
The Commissioner’s office has not received any formal request from Wichita to relocate, however the office is aware that ukpatfan has sought clarification on his position.
Any subsequent request to relocate the Outlaws franchise will be subject to league rules and authorisation from the Commissioners.”
So there you have it sports fans. It looks like the writing is on the wall for football in Wichita.
Unless, there is a marked upturn in attendances at Kansas Stadium, it appears ukpatfan is seriously considering moving the franchise to pastures new.
This publication has always supported the Outlaws and we recognise that the past few years have been difficult times for the Outlaw nation. Now is the time to pull together and for the community to show that Wichita deserves to keep it’s IFL team.
Watch this space for more news as this story unfolds.
Thought an article would be more interesting than a one liner in the off-season transaction page.
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