We have an update from the weekend’s players versus management pay dispute story in Corpus Christi.
Today the AF1’s Transaction’s Report listed eight Tritons, including three confirmed holdouts, as being immediately released from the team. The team also suspended two players but it’s unclear if the suspensions or releases are in any way related to the team’s payment issues.
Yesterday morning we reported on a financial dispute between the management of the Tritons and a large portion of their roster that came to light Friday night/Saturday morning after at least six key players on their roster refused to suit up in the team’s ignominious 100-12 loss to the Albany Firebirds.
The six players that were confirmed were Fred Payton Jr, Darius Prince, Quintavious Workman, Isiah McFarland, Dwayne Hollis and Robert Fuentes.
The information that we gathered as far as why the players sat out:
- According to the Times Union’s Adam Shinder, Firebirds Coach Damon Ware was quoted saying the Tritons players refused to play because of “some obligations that were missed.”
Shinder also noted that “rumors had swirled on social media for several weeks concerning the Tritons’ financial troubles.” - According to Arena Insider’s Anthony Carter, the players refused to suit up because they haven’t been paid.
Carter quoted Defensive End Robert Fuentes as saying online, “Players can’t play for free, if they paid up, this wouldn’t have been the outcome.” - According to Indoor Football Insider, some players haven’t been paid in THREE WEEKS.
According to the AF1’s Transaction page, the released players will not have to wait to clear waivers and are immediately able to sign with any other AF1 team.
The released players are:
- Arthur Anderson, Wide Receiver
- Darius Prince, Wide Receiver
- Terrence Ames, Offensive Line
- Isiah McFarland, Defensive Back
- Dwayne Hollis, Defensive Back
- Torrence Williams, Defensive Line
- Reggie Howard, Defensive Line
- Jamell Winn II, Defensive Line
Keep your eyes peeled. Some of these guys will be wearing new uniforms by Thursday. McFarland is currently leading the league in interceptions and Prince is tied for second among the league’s receivers with seven touchdowns.
As you can see, of the released players, only Prince, McFarland and Hollis were confirmed holdouts from Friday. I’ve seen no information or reports linking the other releases to payment issues.
The suspended players were Kicker Aedan Johnson and Wide Receiver Jerron McGraw.
What’s next? Who knows?
There’s still no word as to what’s happening with the other holdouts. As of this posting, Payton, Fuentes and Workman are still on the roster. No word if they’ve been made financially whole or if those negotiations are still ongoing.
At around 3pm (PT) today, the AF1 released the following statement:
“Over the past week, there has been widespread news, rumors, speculation, and innuendo about the Corpus Christi Tritons and their status as members of Arena Football One.
The League is aware of all of this, and more that is not public at this time. We are working with all players, coaches, and teams to diligently gather all the relevant facts and information prior to a final resolution of this complex and fluid situation.
All information provided via theAF1.com is accurate and up to date, including schedules and player transactions.”
The Tritons have yet to release any sort of comment.”
Aside from Fuentes’ post on social media Friday, there’s been no comment from him, Payton or Workman.
Darius Prince posted a farewell to the Tritons fans saying “Thank you Corpus for the memories.”
The Tritons are off until May 12. Right now, they don’t have a full roster.
I suspect this story will continue to slowly unfold over the course of the next week or so.
We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.
