The XFL had its season cut short — as did many other sports leagues — by the coronavirus pandemic. Now, comes news the fledgling league decided Friday to suspend operations and lay off its employees.
NEWS: on a call today with COO Jeffery Pollock, XFL employees were just informed that the league is suspending operations and all employees have been laid off. Another sport impacted further by the current COVID-19 crisis.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 10, 2020
The #XFL has suspended its Day to Day operations effective immediately and all team and league employees have been terminated
The statement was read to employees through a conference call by League President Jeffrey Pollack. No questions were taken. Call lasted all of 10 minutes
— Konnor Fulk (@KonnorFulk_XFL) April 10, 2020
The league was in its second incarnation, after the first turned into a circus in 2001. Vince McMahon decided to have another go at football and brought on Oliver Luck as the league’s commissioner.
This go-round provided more interesting football and some great innovations, such as on kickoffs.
The Houston Roughnecks were undefeated through five weeks and produced the league’s first star in quarterback P.J. Walker, who recently signed with the Carolina Panthers.
Some reaction from Twitter:
The XFL just laid me off.
I really think I did some of the best work in social media this year, so this really hurts. If you need someone for social, written content, meme goofin’ or anything at all, I’m your guy.
DMs are open.
Email: baileywrightcarlin@gmail.com pic.twitter.com/FMt79teeMx
— B. W. Carlin (@BaileyCarlin) April 10, 2020
I LOVED the XFL. Loved the people, the passion. The drive.
I was let go today.
I'm now a free agent. I've run social media accts for teams since I was 16. I just helped run a league's website. I'll move anywhere. Let's go. #smsports
TWB342@gmail.com | 609-744-1010 | DM
— Tyler Brosious (@Tyler_Brosh) April 10, 2020
It’s official. As of today, I am no longer an employee of the XFL. While it breaks my heart, I know that the best is still yet to come for me.
So I am officially a #smsports free agent & open to all opportunities. Please RT and help spread the word.
Email: garciag1522@gmail.com
— Gabe Garcia (@MisterGsRoom) April 10, 2020