Storm 2002, Changes Keep Coming
(April 15, 2002)

Another Tampa Bay Storm season is upon us and lets hope that history does not repeat itself. The last few seasons have seemed to generate plenty of changes for the Storm and this year is no exception. A new owner, new players and coming next year a network television contract for the Arena Football League. As the 2002 season begins this Saturday night at the Ice Palace, the question is will this Storm season have a different result.

There is a trend the Storm need to stop. They seem to play well in the regular season, but get embarrassed in the playoffs. Has the franchise not recovered from the 62-31 Arena Bowl thrashing by Orlando in 1998? Two years ago it was a 34-24 loss to Orlando and before that a lopsided 41-19 loss to the Predators. Last year, the Storm started the season 7-0, finished 10-4 and were humiliated in the first playoff game by Indianapolis 68-31. Something has to give.

The biggest off-season news was the surprise announcement that the Tampa Bay Storm had been sold. Michigan businessman Thom Hopper had purchased the team for a league record price in excess of $12 million. Peter "Woody" Kern was sort of an absentee owner, and Hopper plans to relocate to this area, so that may be a plus. He said all the right things at the press conference announcing the sale. "I know I purchased the jewel of the Arena Football League. It'll never leave Tampa." Hopper also stated, "To bring the championship back to Tampa, that's the number one thing, and I think all of us are on the same page."

The personnel changes almost resemble the Bucs losses. James Bowden and Tommy Henry traded. Andre Bowden left via free agency and Robert "Pig" Goff released. Bernard Edwards, Gunner Twyner and Harvey Middleton gone.

Coming back to Tampa Bay are Lawrence Samuels, who had spent a year with New Jersey, and Melvin Cummingham, who is returning from an injury. Newcomer Carlos Johnson may have the inside track as offensive specialist. One interesting signing was Scott Milanovich, who played one game at quarterback while with the Buccaneers from 1996 to 1999. Since leaving the Bucs, Milanovich had played in NFL Europe and the XFL. Lineman Carl Simpson went to Florida State, was a second round draft pick of the Chicago Bears and spent six seasons in the NFL.

John Kaleo will begin the season as the staring quarterback. Last year's backup Shane Stafford, Scott Milanovich and John Fitzgerald, who was selected in the dispersal draft from Houston, will play backup roles. Expect the Storm to cut of trade at least of the QBs this week.

Some other news of note include a new television deal for Arena football. Next year the indoor game will be broadcast on NBC. One concession was made to get the major network exposure, the season will now begin in February. One other quick item, Jay Gruden had a good preseason in his comeback attempt. The former Storm quarterback, after five years in coaching, is now Orlando's QB. That should be interesting to watch, especially when the Storm and Predators match up.

Will change be good for the 2002 Tampa Bay Storm? The safe guess would be no. They'll go on a winning streak, struggle for a stretch, then collapse in the playoffs. They'll have to prove otherwise.