R.I.P. GR - GRAND RAPIDS OWNER, COACH STEPS DOWN

GRAND RAPIDS — Owner Eric Walsh announced Monday night that he would be leaving the league effective immediatly. Head coach Logan Foster also announced his resignation, and will explore further options for the Winter 2014 season. Foster has already been linked to the Defensive Coordinator vacancies in Dallas and Kailua.

The SFL will begin accepting applications for relocation effective immediatly. Applications must be sent to simulationfl@gmail.com before Wednesday September 24 and the following must be provided to the league office:

1) A statement from the owner, ownership group, or owner and coaches group for the league office and current owners on why they feel their organization would be the best fit for the league, what that group can bring to the table to the growth and success of the SFL, any prior experience in sim football in any capacity, their current understanding of league rules and operations, and any further information they would like to provide that might be helpful in the vetting process.

2) It is not required, but will deeply help the cause, if the team's city, name, uniforms, colors, uniform code, stadium, and any other franchise relocation information, screenshots and photos are included. The more prepared a team is to jump at the opportunity, the more likely the team will be in keeping up with the day-to-day operations of a franchise.

Prospective owners are encouraged to ask as many questions on their mind as possible that they have on league rules and regulations. The more owners know going in, the better.

The Grand Rapids Rollers spent three seasons in the SFL, going 2-6, 3-5 and 3-5, missing the playoffs in all three seasons. Previously, owner Eric Walsh competed in the WAFL under the Las Vegas Diablos. The Diablos made the playoffs one of the two completed seasons, losing in the first round to the Louisville Wolfpack. Before that, the Rollers were a part of the WAFL testing phases on Backbreaker and competed in many "Walsh Bowl" rivalries over the years with Orlando Intimidators owner Kyle Walsh (unrelated). The Rollers final game was against Orlando, a 34-30 loss on Saturday.

"Eric Walsh has been one of the longest standing members since sim football under my direction was founded in Oct. 2009," Commissioner Cameron Irvine stated. "He has been a part of many wild moments over our history and simply just was unable to find the energy and passion to compete in the new SFL. He will be greatly missed, and our league will only become stronger with the foundation of energy and uniqueness Walsh brought to his franchise. Maybe one day, the Walsh Bowl will return."

Statement from Eric Walsh:

"It's with a heavy heart that I resign as owner of the Grand Rapids Rollers. I've had a wonderful time with all of you. I enjoyed this league from the Backbreaker days to the NCAA days all the way to the APF 2K8 days but I'm done. It's just not fun for me anymore. I've lost the passion for the league. I apologize to commissioner Cameron Irvine for leaving like this but my decision is final. I will miss the Walsh Bowl, I'll miss the banter in the chat but I've had enough. Sorry everyone, you're all great people but you need a more driven and committed member. I am not that man."

Statement from Logan Foster:

"Today the Grand Rapids Rollers officially announced the resignation of Head Coach Logan Foster. Posting a 3-5 record and being just one win away from reaching the franchise's first playoff berth, the Roller Defense was among the SFL's best in Summer 2014 but lackluster offensive production was the bane of Foster's tenure in Grand Rapids. We expect to see Coach Foster on a SFL sideline for the Winter 2014 Season. (courtesy SimFootballWeekly)"

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