RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - The Rapid City Marshals are ceasing operations effectively immediately, announced team ownership Friday afternoon.
Team co-owners Wes Johnson, and his sister, Rebecca Chapman shared this statement on social media:
“The Rapid City Marshals regretfully announce the cessation of operations, effective immediately. This decision stems from a lack of leadership from previous Arena Football League (AFL) league officials and their unfulfilled promises rendering it impossible for the team to sustain its operations.
This difficult choice follows a recent incident where players refused to take the field and a subsequent last-minute game cancellation, eroding trust between the players and the organization. Coupled with unmet financial obligations, this has become an insurmountable obstacle, leaving the Rapid City Marshals with no viable alternative but to cease operations.
Wes Johnson, co-owner the Rapid City Marshals, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, "We understand the struggles and frustrations our players have faced with us and with the league. As an ownership group, we feel that the league put us in a terrible position. We hoped we’d be able to find a way to survive, but unfortunately that is not the case."
Reflecting on the team's journey, Johnson added, "My sister and I invested in this team out of a deep love for football and a desire to build a lasting legacy here. We believed that joining the AFL would be a great opportunity for our team, this community, and arena football for many years to come. We are devastated to find ourselves in this position."
The decision to cease operations affects not only the team but also its fans, sponsors, and the wider community. The Rapid City Marshals extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the team throughout its journey.
Johnson further expressed appreciation, saying, "There are numerous individuals and companies in this town who stepped up and supported us through sponsorship, trade agreements, you name it. This community has been good to us, and even in our struggles, they were here to lend a hand. We can't thank them enough for their patience and understanding."
Regarding ticket reimbursements, The Monument will handle refunds for games not played. Credit card payments will be automatically refunded within 7-10 days. For cash or other payment methods, checks will be mailed to the address associated with the ticketing account.”
As Marshals co-owner Wes Johnson noted in the team’s statement, this move comes as a result of a major turn of events over the last two weeks.
On Saturday, May 11, the Marshals forfeited their home game less than an hour before kickoff against the Billings Outlaws. Rapid City players held out from competing after failing to receive their full salary as promised in their contract.
Fast forward to last Friday, May 17, half of the Marshals roster left the team. On Wednesday, May 22, the remaining players were cut by team ownership, one former player told Black Hills Fox.
This is a developing story.
Copyright 2024 KEVN. All rights reserved.
