West Texas Desert Hawks cease operations

ODESSA, Tx — The West Texas Desert Hawks are the eighth team to shut down operations this season according to a player and an Arena Football League official.

Details remain limited at the time, but a current player confirmed an initial report by Shady Sports Network that the Desert Hawks folded. A league official also confirmed the report and said they are discussing the matter internally.

The Desert Hawks were scheduled to be on the road this week against the Salina Liberty. Liberty’s General Manager Sam Sellers appeared on the ‘Coach O’ Show’ Tuesday and acknowledged the situation but is unsure on who the team will play this Saturday.

“[Tuesday] was kind of a sucker punch a little bit because we’ve been feeling really good about the direction we’ve been going,” Sellers said. “Obviously it was not good at the beginning. Things happen but that’s what I love about the ownership group and the coaches because we just worry about us and do the best we can under the circumstances.”

Sellers noted the league is currently working with the Liberty on scheduling a replacement opponent and believes they will be playing on Saturday.

The news follows after former head coach Chris Siegfried was dismissed from the team on June 9. The team never announced the change but Siegfried hinted on his X account that it was because of the team’s performance over the last few games.

”At the end of the day, we were 3-4. Not acceptable. It’s a business and a tough decision was made.” Siegfried said on one of his posts. “As I sit here, I’m at peace and content because I know I’ve represented myself and my players in a very professional way. But more than that, I know [God] has a plan and I’m excited for what’s around the corner.”

The Desert Hawks faced a brief setback during the beginning of the season when the National Arena League were granted an injunction to prevent the team from competing in the AFL. Both sides later reached a settlement to overturn the ruling which allowed the team to continue playing.

This is 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: acarter@thexonemedia.com

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