No Bear sightings in AFL

The Arena Football League kicks off its 20th season this weekend. Still considered a fringe sport, it has gained more acceptance in recent years. As it tries to shake its minor league image, the AFL has expanded to 18 teams, gotten a broadcast television package (on NBC) and on Feb. 8 will be the subject of an EA Sports video game.

But, sadly, there are no former Missouri State Bears in the league as it kicks off the 2006 season. Tacoma Fontaine made a big splash in 2004. A standout year as an offensive specialist got him on the AFL All-Rookie Team as a member of the Austin Wranglers.

But perusing the league rosters, it appears he - and every other former Bears - is out of the league. Shame.

So, who to root for? Back it the day, the team here at Briggs Stadium was the Orlando Predators. I actually attended a Las Vegas Sting vs. St. Louis Stampede game at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas back in the late '90's - but both those programs have folded.

The league has a new team in Missouri, with the Kansas City Brigade replacing the New Orleans VooDoo. But the Show-Me State bond isn't enough to break-up me and my current AFL flame - the Dallas Desperados.

Why? It's simple...the Desperados are owned by the Dallas Cowboys. Hey, those ties run deep. The Cowboys have been my NFL team since I was about 4 years old. How could I turn my back on their AFL offspring?

Plus, the Despos have Missouri ties. Backup quarterback and holder Chris Greisen is a former Northwest Missouri State Bearcat, while former CMSU Mule (and Cowboy) Colston Weatherington is an OL/DL on the roster. Western Illinois product Rob Johnson (a WR/LB) is currently on injured reserve.

Dallas kicks off their 2006 season Sunday - ironically against the Kansas City Brigade.

You know, I was all set to throw my support completely behind the Brigade. They are, after all, a Missouri team and KC is just a short drive away. But then they went and paired the name "Brigade" with a Stealth bomber for their logo. Huh? Whatever happened to planes coming in squadrons? It might seem picky to you, but as a uniform/logo freak it was enough to keep me loyal to Big D.

Dallas and KC kick-off Sunday at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast in KC, but not - unfortunately - on NBC.