League Notes

AFL Moves Dallas Desperados From East To South Division

In Philadelphia, Ed Barkowitz reports the AFL is "moving the [Dallas] Desperados to the South Division of the National Conference" after having been in the East Division for the last five season. The move now gives the 16-team league four divisions of four teams after the New Orleans VooDoo franchise folded earlier this month. Meanwhile, the league has "delayed its free-agency signing period indefinitely" and is still looking for a successor for Commissioner David Baker, who resigned in July (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 10/28).

NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH: SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote, "Many have long believed that President George W. Bush, the former [MLB] Rangers managing partner, would have interest in becoming [MLB] commissioner once he's out of office." However, some MLB people "suggest now that Bush should think of another alternative." MLB has "continued to thrive through the country's economic disaster," but Bush's performance in office "has been noticed by his former colleagues" in MLB (SI.com, 10/24).

MULLIGAN MAKER: In Virginia, Dustin Long reported Roush Fenway Racing co-Owner Jack Roush "would like NASCAR to allow Chase teams to discount their worst finish in the 10-race Chase. In essence, he wants a Mulligan so one bad finish -- or even two -- wouldn't immediately eliminate a driver from title contention." Roush: "What that really meant was that until you'd used up your Mulligan, you raced as hard as you could go every lap. It's more exciting if you're able to go as hard as you can" (Norfolk VIRGINIAN-PILOT, 10/27).

MIDWEEK GAMES: In Boston, Monique Walker wrote under the header, "Length Of Season Is An Ongoing Discussion." MLS Revolution coach Steve Nicol has indicated that he would "like to see midweek games eliminated." The Revolution played three Wednesday MLS matches this season and six Thursday games, and Nicol said, "I think that way every Saturday all the teams are going to be healthier and stronger, which means they'll perform better. Midweek games for me just drain everybody, particularly the team that's away from home. I think it benefits the fans, as well, because you get more people to come to games" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/26).