Tag: Vince McMahon

XFL: Seattle Dragons player tested positive for COVID-19

The Seattle Dragons had a player test positive for COVID-19, aka the coronavirus, after he played in the team’s final two games.

The XFL, which has shut down operations for the 2020 season, announced that a player on the Seattle Dragons tested positive for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.

The player, who remained nameless, played in both of the team’s most recent games on February 29 and March 7. They self-reported symptoms on Tuesday and have been in quarantine ever since, and the results came out on Friday.

It’s unclear if this player’s symptoms played a part in the league’s decision to cease operations. However, considering the decisions made by the NCAA, the MLS, the MLB and the NBA, it’s unlikely the XFL would have continued playing regardless.

Playing in their first rebooted season since 2001, Vince McMahon’s XFL was enjoying a successful campaign, with lucrative tv deals and rule changes that had many fans interested in the product on the field.

However – recovering from a partial season and all the lost revenue from ticket sales, concessions and tv will be difficult, especially with the league pledging to pay their players in full despite not completing the season.

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XFL suspends 2020 season due to coronavirus pandemic

The XFL announced Thursday it has suspended its season after five weeks.

The XFL has fallen in line with other sports. The league announced Thursday it has suspended play for the rest of the 2020 regular season due to the pandemic impact of the coronavirus.

Commissioner Oliver Luck commented on the decision, which was addressed in the league’s tweet.

The league made it through half of its first season. The Houston Roughnecks were the best team, going 5-0. Television ratings started strong and started to fizzle as the season continued.

However, the league had some innovations that were well-received, such as the newfangled kickoff. The broadcasts also featured incredible access on many levels, via the coaches, players and replay booths. Sideline reporters also conducted interviews with players and coaches during the games.

Meanwhile, another company run by XFL boss Vince McMahon — WWE — will not cancel/postpone WrestleMania 36 … yet. The event is scheduled for April 5 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

The company released a statement:

WWE ISSUES STATEMENT ON WRESTLEMANIA 36 STATUS

BY F4W STAFF | @WONF4W | MAR 12, 2020 2:48 PM

WWE has issued a statement on the current status of WrestleMania 36.

“While we remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that it is cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues,” WWE said. “The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay.”

Friday’s SmackDown will air on FOX but not from Detroit, where it was scheduled.

“Friday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance,” WWE said. “The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan.”

Reasons to believe in the rebirth of the XFL

The XFL is back and there was promise in the league’s first weekend.

Luck — Oliver Luck, actually — is on Vince McMahon’s side and it gives hope to the second incarnation of the XFL.

Rather than partner with an Ebersol, again, the WWE impressario hired Luck as his commissioner for this go-round at a spring league. In his first run he teamed with Dick Ebersol and NBC, which led to grandiose ratings on opening night and an 100-yard circus following it, which resulted in the end of the league after one season.

McMahon watched Ebersol’s son, Charlie, launch the AAF in 2019 and saw it sink faster than the 2001 version of the XFL. Meanwhile, this verison of the XFL took its time in reaching kickoff and the results have been good football, enthusiastic fans and reasonable results.

The kickoff

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Start with the kickoff. A completely unique look that could give the NFL something to think about. Talk about a 100 percent turnaround from the first go-round when the coin toss turned into a demolition derby.

Then

Now

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XFL introduce game ball it will use in 2020 season

The XFL released the first look at its game ball for the 2020 season on Monday.

The XFL has been spreading the news about its 2020 season in spurts. The league displayed the ball it will use in its season for the first time on Monday.

Per the league site:

  • The points of each football are wrapped with ‘X’ marks in white and the team’s primary color. This design allows receivers to track the ball easily.
  • Patent-pending, “X-Pebble” grip technology will help players control the ball with a feel that enables a tight spin on throws, and also allows ball carriers to enhance their ball security.

XFL OFFICIAL BALL DETAILS

  • Design and Production Partner: Team Issue (Dallas, Texas)
  • Size: Standard professional football size
  • Texture: Patent-pending “X-Pebble” exterior grip technology
  • Game Usage: In every XFL game, the team on offense will use the ball featuring their team’s custom look and color scheme.
  • Dimensions: Prolate spheroid
    • Long circumference: 28 to 28 1/2 inches
    • Short circumference: 21 to 21 1/4 inches
    • Weight: 14 to 15 ounces
  • Colors: Traditional red leather – the ball will be brown on game day after pre-game leather conditioning 
  • Retail Price: $125 plus shipping and handling
  • Unique Features:
    • “X-Tips”: painted Xs wrap both points of each football in white and the team’s primary color
    • X-Pebble technology grip: exte

It won’t be the same as the one it used in its first incarnation.

4 Feb 2001: Eric England #99 of the San Francisco Demons celebrates with the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Extreme at Pac Bell Stadium in San Francisco, California. The Demons defeated the Extreme 16-15.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport