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Post by David on Jun 6, 2016 17:05:21 GMT -8
 (image courtesy of Colin Mulvany / Spokesman-Review)
6.6.16 -
On Monday, the Spokane Empire received some bad news regarding star RB Trevor Kennedy, who is out for the rest of the 2016 Indoor Football League season.
The Empire confirmed to Spokane's SWX that the rookie out of MercyHurst University (PA) will not suit up for the remainder of the 2016 season. X-Rays on Monday revealed that Kennedy suffered a broken leg in Spokane's 51-41 victory over the Billings Wolves. He's scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday and will be out for 8-10 weeks. The team also confirmed that it's the same leg which he has broken in the past.
The injury brings a sad ending to an otherwise outstanding rookie season for Kennedy. Originally a try-out player in the team's mini-camp, he was converted from his natural position at wide receiver to running back by head coach Adam Shackleford. This season, Kennedy was leading the IFL in rushing yards (720) and rushing touchdowns (28). He also was 4 rushing touchdowns away from tying the league record set by Green Bay Blizzard RB LaRon Council in 2012
The loss of Kennedy is an unfortunate and tremendous blow to the Empire's high flying offense. Kennedy, while listed as the team's running back, was technically classified as the team's offensive specialist; he could not only rush the ball, but was a threat in the passing game as well as returning kickoffs.
Currently, the only backup to Kennedy is DB Josh Ferguson, but since his primary position is on defense, it should be expected that the Empire will bring in a running back. The likely candidate to replace Kennedy is Andrew Pierce, whom the team signed early this past off season and currently holds the rights to. Pierce, who spent the 2015 season with Shackleford in Tri-Cities, was an All-IFL selection with 415 rush yards and 21 touchdowns. He was originally slated to be the team's starter, but he jumped at the chance to play in the new Major League Football spring league before the season started. With MLFB suspending operations, Pierce returned to Spokane, but did not suit up and was placed on the Refuse to Report list.
If Pierce does not return, the Empire could turn to RB Washaun Ealey, who signed with the team in early February, but was released prior to the season opener.
- DKH
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Post by David on Jun 6, 2016 17:06:32 GMT -8
SCtoC sent this out to Kennedy after the first news broke he was out for the season. He was the first person to "like" the tweet.
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Post by Nevadanut on Jun 6, 2016 19:30:41 GMT -8
I hope it says I have my priorities correct when I am more concerned about Trevor than I am about how the Empire will fill his position. He has retweeted countless articles and tweets from all of us. I feel like I know these guys and I feel upset about this. I am behind Trevor 100%.
Get better and I can't wait to see you out on the field next season!
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Post by David on Jun 7, 2016 0:29:15 GMT -8
I hope it says I have my priorities correct when I am more concerned about Trevor than I am about how the Empire will fill his position. He has retweeted countless articles and tweets from all of us. I feel like I know these guys and I feel upset about this. I am behind Trevor 100%. Get better and I can't wait to see you out on the field next season! It's a huge blow for the Empire, I agree. I also can agree with you with the concern about Trevor. You could see the concern at the Spokane Bench when Kennedy was carried off the field; the entire offensive unit was gathered around. Like I said on the FAN Show - there's a real family vibe around this team, and you could sense they were truly concerned about one of their own. I hope this isn't the last we see of him in an Empire uniform and that he suits up again for them in 2017. He's a special player and deserves to be a star, whether it's in Spokane or in the CFL/NFL. |
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Post by DiamondThief on Jun 7, 2016 10:52:52 GMT -8
I was sad about this until I saw TK's tweet to Heidi last night. Throughout this season, while being the featured player on the team, he has always held himself respectful of fans and those giving the Empire press. I, for one, am appreciative that he and the team have been so kind to us this season. It shows a lot about this team and its players. Pure class.
When Kasey set up this forum, she kept our youngest sister in mind. Monika was five and a half at the time. She wanted this site to be a place that is family friendly and not have to worry about what Monika would see if she were looking over one of our shoulders (which she has a great propensity to do!).
TK and the Empire embody exactly the type of players and teams we wish to focus on here. You all may never know how important these things are to Kasey and myself.
Trevor Kennedy will be back. I hope it is in an Empire jersey, but I have faith he will be back. I will always root for the player and person he is.
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Post by David on Jun 7, 2016 12:49:48 GMT -8
According to the Spokesman-Review, Shackleford said that Trevor would "still be a big part of this team off the field."
Shack also mentioned that DB Josh Ferguson is going to play Ironman football and will be the primary running back this week. RB Andrew Pierce, who is on the Refuse to Report list, would have to sit out 3 weeks if he joins the active roster. The Empire will likely wait and take advantage of the bye week in the playoffs to bring him in.
But Trevor tweeted Heidi? That's awesome. He's definitely a class act individual and hope the best for him in his recovery.
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Post by Nevadanut on Jun 7, 2016 17:40:11 GMT -8
He also followed me!
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