Parity

At this point, two games have been played in the 2002 AFL season. I have one thing to say about it so far: It's obvious that there is parity in the Arena League.

We don't have the same type of parity that the NFL has. In the outdoor game, each team has strict rules pertaining to the salary cap. As most of you know, this is to prevent the wealthier teams from buying up the talent. Such as the situation that baseball has where one team, I won't mention the name but it begins with a Y, has the money to fill up it's roster with all-stars. In the AFL there exists a cap of sorts, but this one is brought on by the fact that every team in the league is losing money. Teams cannot afford to have a roster full of great players and that seems to be resulting in parity throughout the league.

Right now there are two teams that are 2-0, and two teams that are 0-2 and the rest are 1-1. Last years' Champions, the Grand Rapids Rampage are 1-1. Most of the usual powerhouse teams are at 1-1 and a few of the newer franchises are strong too. The prime example of this is the Toronto Phantoms. Parity exists in the AFL even without it being enforced by rules.

The team in this league that has been most effected by this "salary cap" is the Orlando Predators. The coaching staff, most notably Les MosLeshas had more success that any other team in finding talent. Consider the long list of stars that were discovered by the Predators organization (in no particular order):

1. WR/LB/DB Barry Wagner - probably the greatest player ever to set foot on an arena floor. He was found playing semi-pro ball.

2. FB/LB Paul McGowanMcGowanis day the most dominant FB/LB in the game, especially on defense and special teams.

3. QB Pat O'Hara playing QB for Toronto.

4. QB/WR Connell MConnell Maynorgh he was brought in the league by the Tampa Bay Storm, the Predators made him a star.

5. K Jorge CimJorgeiCimmadevillald-be HOFer hasHOFered for several AFL teams and may still be kicking somewhere in the AFL.

6. OS Robert Gordon - Now the star OS for the Detroit Fury

7. OS Joe Douglass Douglasse Star OS for the Chicago Rush

8. DS Damon MasDamonConsistanConsistentlyue leader in tackles and a dominant DB against the rush.

9. WR/DB/LB Ty Law - Tyso discovered by the Preds plaPredssemi-pro ball, he is now the best player who plays both sides of the ball for the Toronto Phantoms.

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