Arena Football League contracts AAL2 team to play for Philadelphia Soul hours after giving release forms to former players

PHILADELPHIA — The Arena Football League is under fire for its recent handling of the Philadelphia Soul heading into its first game of the season.

On Saturday, the Soul announced it hired Tyrone Washington as its new head coach. Washington, who was previously part of the Dallas Falcons of the American Arena League (AAL2), was tapped as coach following the sudden resignation of Pat Pimmel.

The league or team did not share any details behind Pimmel leaving the organization. The AFL took over ownership of the Soul a few months ago.

A source close to the Soul confirmed with Arena Insider that most of the players were given termination forms on Friday that were effective immediately. The terms of the release outlined that the player is entitled to any payment and free to sign with another team, but reasons why they were released were not given.

Following the releases, multiple sources claim the AFL contracted the Dallas Falcons to play for the Soul and covered travel expenses ahead of its game against the Louisiana Voodoo in Lafayette.

Agent Tristen Burnett, who represents former quarterback Joe Mancuso, posted on X that his client is currently home with his family but a few players from the team were still roped into playing.

“Three players to be exact were coerced by the AFL and thrown on a plane to get down there,” Burnett said. “Three out of the 30 they had on the roster were from the old [Soul] team and the other players believe they were promised more money in exchange to help the AFL.”

The league did not cancel Saturday’s game but stripped the broadcast from its Arena Football League LIVE schedule. The Soul’s roster was also removed from its website.

As of Saturday night, league officials did not return our request for comment.

Arena Insider has been in talks with individuals around the league accusing the AFL of similar claims and mistreatment. Their names will be hidden for privacy reasons and the story will be released at a later date.

This remains a developing story and more details will be released as it becomes available.

About Author

Anthony Carter

Anthony Carter is the founder and publisher of X1 Media and Arena Insider. Carter grew up in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Elizabethtown College. He’s a former news anchor, reporter and producer. Carter is also a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Want to connect with Anthony? Send him an email: [email protected]

See author's posts