Presumably these guys are all top athletes who know what their bodies can and cannot take to perform at a professional level. Since none broke any laws or team rules, it seems to me that Concerned Fan had no reason for concern. Did any of the players report seeing Concerned Fan out late to his boss? Of course not. What one does in one's private life doesn't matter as long as it doesn't affect one's performance at work. Maybe there is more to this story. I hope so because it seems pretty bush league to cost players there livelihoods because they were living their lives.

Personally, if I saw a player out late I would spend my energies making sure the player was having a good time and that he had a way to get home safely.

Mr. Pickup - What a crock of crap you just laid out. Granted each is entitled to their own opininion. I've sympathized with you in regards to the current Cincy situation and can't understand how you can battle NR the way you do, then come on this board to defend the Blast. Just sounds like your trying to get in on one side by throwing bombs and working to get into the other side with sugar and honey. The organizations are quite similar. Ya, I know the drill, now your going to tell me how they're not different. Baloney. Just because they may be your friends, doesn't mean they're doing the right things. This was certainly not the right thing and neither were the reasons for the release of some players in the past. Best wishes to your Cincy project

StunnedFan, great post you hit the nail right on the head as to what occured. Just a final note on the situation, the ones who are back to training with the team had to grovel and apologize to get their spots back. The reason the other three have not been let back is due to a refusal to apologize. After chatting with one of the young lads, he asks why do I apologize if I have broke no rules according to the league, my contract, or team policy. This could be a bit of stubborness, but do you really want to swallow your pride and apologize for a actions that you have done in the past with no reprocussions or anybody from above telling you not to do that. Pride is a hard thing to overcome, espically when that is all you have left, and not a jeresy to pull on tommorow night.

regards

Stunned Fan thanks for the true in depth report regarding the 'released' players.

Should this information not be coming from the Blast and more importantly from the coach???

You might like to know that Bartram is also mentioned on the website as the Blast Summer Camp Director for 2003, has his release affected this position?

My informants tell me that Soccer is not just a job for him, he has travelled from England to live and work in Indianapolis, it is his passion, it is his dream. He has given up everything he had in England to make a new start in America and will no doubt regret he has been released because he had a meal and a couple of beers to unwind after a game. Are you trying to tell me that the coaches never go for a beer after a game???? Those who want to know should check out Cats Bar on North Shadeland Avenue!

I do not think the Blast players should have been released, a verbal warning would have sufficed and perhaps a couple of games on the bench.

'Concerned Fan' are you proud of yourself and your achievement?

I just wanted to ask some qustions about this post.

Did "c-fan" actually write in to the club and tell the club that he saw players were drinking, or did the club read it on this board and then fire the players.

Because if your owners read and believe what they see on public forums, then your troubles spread past your coach.

I am not condemning or condoning anyone. But if anyone had bothered to look at the time on Concerned Fan's post, you would notice that it was not posted until several hours after the practice where the players were cut. Therefore the Concerned Fan post could not have had any influence on the decision.