Orlando Predators fined $1.2 million after expulsion from Arena Football One, owner pushes back and threatens legal action
4 min read
ORLANDO, Fla. — The owner of the Orlando Predators is pushing back against Arena Football One officials days after the team was expelled from the league and issued an invoice.
On March 4, Predators owner John Cheney informed the league in an email that he is “considering multiple paths forwards” because of a lack of sponsorship support and significant cost overruns.
“[Those options] include selling the Orlando Predators, ceasing operations for the 2025 season, and departing from AF1.” Cheney said in the email.
The news sent shockwaves around the league with many teams immediately issuing statements of reassurance to fans of its commitment this season. Hours later, Billings Outlaws owner and current AF1 chairman Steven Titus was furious with the decision in an explosive press release on behalf of the league, which included immediate termination and expulsion.
“This is a staggering betrayal of trust by someone we had come to know and trust,” Titus said on March 4 about Cheney. “In all my years in the arena game, I have never seen someone act with so little regard for their fans.”
The Predators organization was then fined $1.2 million dollars from the league.
“There will be fines levied against the ownership group to recoup the losses that they have thrust upon their partners, and we will pursue every avenue to ensure these debts are satisfied.” The league said in the press release.
In the initial email, Cheney noted that he consulted with stakeholders about the financial struggles and would the provide league officials with a more detailed update later. However in a publicly shared letter on March 7, Cheney explained that a decision to depart AF1 was not official and the comments shared by the league were damaging.
“Despite this, the league through its official social media accounts and website, issued an inflammatory, defamatory, and disparaging statement that has caused significant harm to the Orlando Predators brand as well as to me personally.” said Cheney.
Cheney also directly responded to Titus, stating his comments were, “outrageous and false” and requested the statement from the league to be retracted and the fine to be voided.
“[The invoice] is inconsistent with the League’s handling of other teams that have exited in recent weeks,” Cheney said. “Additionally, I never submitted a formal withdrawal from the league, as I was actively evaluating options. In fact, in the past two days, two additional groups have come forward, including one with a strong desire to participate in the 2025 season. Mr. Titus’ reckless statements-made via official league communication channels have now placed the league and its member teams in a position of legal liability for defamation and damages.”
Cheney issued three requests from the league in response to the decision or he plans to pursue legal action:
– “An immediate public retraction of Mr. Titus’ statement.”
– “A cease and desist on any further statements regarding the Orlando Predators without my express authorization.”
– “Immediate voiding of the $1,200,000 invoice, as it was issued improperly and without justification.”
The rest of Cheney’s letter is below. This remains a developing story and more updates will be shared as it becomes available.
“Furthermore, my premature removal from League membership, coupled with the unprofessional manner in which this entire situation has been handled including sloppy cut-and-paste errors and mismatched fonts on the League’s website reflects poorly on the League’s integrity and professionalism. This is no way to treat a committed business partner.”
“I entered discussions with the League in good faith, transparently sharing available information and seeking counsel on the best path forward. Instead of constructive engagement, I have been met with mismanagement, falsehoods, and harm to my business and reputation. I strongly urge the League to immediately engage in a resolution process to correct these missteps and move forward amicably.”
“However, if this matter is not addressed in a timely and satisfactory manner, I will have no choice but to pursue all available legal remedies against the League and its member teams for defamation, damages, and improper termination of membership. If Mr. Titus is authorized to speak on behalf of the League, then the League and its members will be held accountable for his actions.
“As a long-standing Arena Football partner, I take great pride in this sport and our community. It is deeply disappointing that Mr. Titus has misrepresented the League and tarnished its credibility through these actions. I look forward to speaking with Mr. Kurz about potential paths forward, including the opportunity for the Orlando Predators to play this season. This letter serves as formal notice of my claims and demands.”
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: ac*****@th**********.com
About Author
