AFL extends health insurance of Rampage, others

by Brian VanOchten | The Grand Rapids Press

Monday March 02, 2009, 6:15 PM

The Arena Football League continues to send signals it is preparing for a 2010 return.

The league put off an announcement on its future until March 31, but has agreed to extend health insurance benefits to players in the meantime, according to Grand Rapids Rampage placekicker and alternate union player representative Brian Gowins.

"This is falling in line with the most optimistic plan we thought was possible," Gowins said. "We're going to have a continuation of benefits but at a reduced rate."

Rampage general manager Scott Woodruff confirmed the league has extended benefits to the players.

AFL acting commissioner Ed Policy told The Press last Friday the league has made "a lot of progress" in its effort to come up with a restructured business model that could allow it to to move forward with a possible return for the beginning of the 2010 season.

Gowins said the one-month delay is a positive sign for the league.

"Some people might look at it as a stay of execution for the next month, but I don't look at it like that," he insisted. "To me, it's a very good sign of progress."

E-mail Brian VanOchten: bvanochten@grpress.com