Through yet another hectic off-season of indoor football, another bombshell has been dropped on the sport that many used to love.
Champions Indoor Football (CIF) prevailed over the Indoor Football League (IFL) in court, temporarily blocking the West Michigan Ironmen and Bloomington Edge from participating in the IFL season, according to KSJC.com.
CIF wins Legal Battle vs. IFL, actions to be determined
Both teams were previously members of the CIF, and signed with the IFL during the off-season.
The teams notified the CIF in November of their intentions to go to the IFL, according to KSJC, which would break the league affiliation agreement that both signed.
The CIF sought a temporary injuction on Tuesday, which was granted by district judge Patrick Tott.
A permanent injuction will be issued if the CIF posts a $250,000 bond with the court, and a hearing on that will be scheduled at a later date.
Obviously, this is not fantastic news for an IFL fan to hear, as the league might drop to six teams with the future of West Michigan and Bloomington being uncertain.
Per a West Michigan player that asked to remain anonymous, members of the Ironmen have not been notified of anything from the team whatsoever, and some have even started looking for other teams to play for in 2018.
Though it does not look great for the IFL at the moment, a few things could happen that might keep both teams around.
For one, the CIF may not pursue a permanent injunction, which could just mean that they dont want to put up that amount of money to keep the two out of the league. It also might be an indication that the two leagues settle the deal outside of court.
No matter what happens with the entire situation, it must be noted that the sport is in such a sad stage, that owners are preventing two teams from playing in a separate organization, just so that they can say that they won an argument.
Keep following LWOS Indoor Football for more on this developing story.
Update: The West Michigan Ironmen have offered the CIF and want settle outside of court. The CIF has not responded. (February 1, 2018 | 3:20 p.m. CT)
Update: West Michigan Players are carrying on with camp, and have arrived in Muskegon. (February 2, 2018 | 3:34 p.m. CT)
Muskegon bound tomorrow!!
— your moms favorite kicker (@Jimmy_allen15) February 2, 2018
