Dragons Sold to Private Investors
Photo Courtesy of NewYorkDragons.Com
(July 10) In an area with two N.F.L. franchises, New York’s Arena Football League team has toiled in the shadows.
Even within the arena league, the New York Dragons have struggled to keep up. This season’s average attendance, 9,072, ranks 16th of 17 teams. Attendance has declined steadily from an average of 11,922 in 2005.
But Steven Silva and a group of private investors see potential. Silva’s group said Wednesday that it would buy the Dragons from Charles B. Wang, who has owned the club since 2000. The deal, pending league approval, is expected to be announced at the Arena Bowl on July 27. Silva said he would not divulge the sale price until the deal is completed.
“I don’t think it’s completely been sold as something for the entire metropolitan area, the whole New York market,” Silva said in a telephone interview.
The Dragons have played on Long Island since Wang bought the Des Moines Barnstormers and moved them to Nassau Coliseum, home of another of Wang’s holdings, the N.H.L.’s Islanders.
Silva plans an ambitious marketing effort with a new team logo and new colors because, he said, “The Dragons have fallen incredibly far behind.”
Silva, a native of Long Island, is the chief operating officer and president of Chem Rx, a New York-based provider of institutional pharmacy services.
“If you have an opportunity such as this, which is a national league with an ESPN contract and solid fan bases in most of the markets, it’s a strong opportunity,” Silva said.
Parker and Taylor Earn All Arena Honors
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(June 23) The AFL announced its All Arena Team today and two Dragons were named. DB Billy Parker and DL Henry Taylor were both named to First Team All Arena.
Billy Parker finished the regular season with 74.5 tackles, 20 Pass Breakups and 8 Interceptions with 2 returned for Touchdowns.
Henry Taylor lead the team in sacks and finished just one sack short of breaking the Dragons single season record. He had 8.5 total. He also recorded 14 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.
Brown & Adelekan Earn All Rookie Honors
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(June 24) The AFL announced its All Rookie Team today and two Dragons were named. DL Farouk Adelekan and DB Levy Brown were both honored.
DL Farouk Adelekan recorded 30 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble.
DB Levy Brown finished with a team high 93.5 tackles, 13 Pass Breakups and 6 Interceptions. He also had 42 Kick Returns for 790 yards with 1 returned for a Touchdown.
AFL Approves Instant Replay for Playoffs
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(May 10) NEW YORK – The Arena Football League's Board of Directors today unanimously approved the use of instant replay as an officiating tool for the 2008 playoffs. It marks the first time in the AFL's 22-season history that instant replay will be used.
"The coach's ability to challenge a call on the field that could ultimately decide the outcome of a game is not only great for the game, but is also great for the fans," said Dallas Desperados Chief Operating Officer SHY ANDERSON, who also serves as Chairman of the AFL Rules and Competition Committee. "We are able to make this happen because of the great partnership that we have with the leader in sports broadcasting – ESPN. We are extremely proud that the AFL continues to improve its game for the fans where possible."
Each coach will have a total of two (2) challenges per game that can be used at anytime during regulation. An additional challenge will be granted if the game requires overtime. Challenges remaining from regulation will not "roll over" into overtime.
Coaches will be equipped with a red "challenge" flag to be thrown on the field to alert officials that they wish to challenge a play. No play may be challenged after the ensuing play has begun.
Reviewable plays include: scoring, change of possession, fan interference and, at the referee's discretion, game administration.
Once a review begins, the referee will have 90 seconds to determine whether the call on the field will be upheld or if there is "indisputable visual evidence" to overturn it.
Use of instant replay will be conducted throughout the playoffs beginning on Friday, June 27 and culminating with ArenaBowl XXII on Sunday, July 27.
Garcia Named Offensive Player of the Month
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(MAy 1) Aaron Garcia led all AFL quarterbacks in touchdowns (29) and posted the second-highest passer rating (125.1) to lead the New York Dragons (5-4) to a perfect 4-0 record during the month of April. Garcia ranked fourth in completions (101) and completion percentage (68.2) while leading New York on its first four-game winning streak since 2006. His best performance of the month came in Week 8 as Garcia completed 22-of-26 passes for 254 yards and seven touchdowns as the Dragons defeated the Tampa Bay Storm (3-5), 66-47, at St. Pete Times Forum. New York has a bye in Week 10 but travels to Staples Center to face the Los Angeles Avengers (3-6) on Saturday May 10th at 10:30PM. The game can be seen LIVE on MSG+.
Dragons Make More Roster Moves
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(March 27) The Dragons made more moves on Thursday trading WR Damien Groce to the Georgia Force for OL Steve Franklin. WR Jeremiah Pope was activated from the injured reserve and later placed on waivers. OL Dartangon Shack was recalled to the team a couple days after being placed on waivers.
Dragons Waive Davey
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(March 26) The Dragons placed Quarterback Rohan Davey on Recallable waivers according to Tuesdays Transaction Reports. Aaron Garcia will get the start Sunday vs the Dallas Desperados.
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