League suspends Grady
Former Albany QB, likely retired, blasted NAL team’s ownership
The National Arena League announced it has suspended quarterback Tommy Grady indefinitely following comments he made that were critical of the Albany Empire’s ownership.
The move could be more symbolic than anything since Grady, 36, said he is probably retired from football.
Grady declined to address the suspension when reached by phone on Friday.
“I loved playing there,” Grady said. “I don’t want to ruffle any feathers or anything. It is what it is.”
Grady said Wednesday the past season with the Empire was
“by far the worst experience of my career of an organization” even though Albany won the NAL championship. He said he hasn’t been paid a championship bonus due to him.
But Empire majority owner Ron Tridico said Thursday that wasn’t true.
“All players were paid per NAL contract any bonuses due,” Tridico said. “We don’t owe any players any money at all. I don’t even know where this is coming from, to be honest with you.”
The Empire issued a news release Friday that included a statement attributed to league commissioner Chris Siegfried.
“I have confirmed with the Albany ownership group that all Empire players were paid what was contractually guaranteed,” the statement read. “Making false comments about a team or it’s (sic) owners is considered conduct detrimental to the league and is grounds for suspension. If a player has a legitimate complaint, they should contact the league immediately and file a grievance. This is how most professional sports leagues operate, and the NAL is no different.”
Grady said Friday he didn’t have a championship bonus written into his contract. He declined to say whether he had
a handshake or verbal agreement with Empire ownership.
“I don’t want to cause any more problems between me and the Empire,” Grady said. “I enjoyed my time there. I wish them all the best. I really do. I wish the team has a ton of success because their fan base deserves it. I don’t want to make any more comments about the team ... It is what it is. I don’t need the money. It’s not a big deal.”
Empire head coach Tom
Menas said this week he had a cordial exit interview with Grady right after the season.
“Tommy and his family had already made the decision to move to Arizona and that we were going to be parting ways,” Menas said. “I gave him a firm handshake, thanked him for everything he’s done for this game and for us, told him I know you’re going to be hitting a lot of golf balls and keep in touch, have fun and enjoy yourself and do whatever you do.”
Menas said he wouldn’t be surprised if Grady signed with another team. But Grady said he isn’t interested in playing in the NAL again because it is moving back to “Ironman” rules where most players — not the quarterback — will have to play both offense and defense.
Grady indicated that could make it more risky to play quarterback because some players who are defensive linemen by trade will also have to play offensive line and pass protect.
“Then you’ve got defensive linemen blocking defensive linemen,” Grady said.