7 months ago
It's a game of toughness, speed, and fun, but two Central Georgia teams are finding out it's also a game that costs more than blood, sweat, and tears to keep running.
About a month ago, 13WMAZ Sports introduced you to a semi-pro football team out of Cochran called the Middle Georgia Pitbulls.
After five weeks into the season, the organization is finding out that finances may have them dogged-out before the season is even over.
When co-owner of the team, Ivory Thompson, dreamed up this team, he never thought an off-the-field opponent would take the bark out of his ball club.
Ivory says, "We're trying to do something positive for the community and Middle Georgia area, and all we're asking for is a little help."
Ongoing expenses finally came to a head when it forced the team to cancel a home game on July 18th.
"A whole week of practice and hard work and dedication just went to waste because we couldn't play the game," says Business and Marketing Executive for the Pitbulls, DaShawn Rumph.
Costs like renting a place to play, emergency staff, security for the games, and travel far outweigh the restraints of this nonprofit organization.
Ivory adds, "Basically, I have come $2000 out-of-pocket just trying to get things started."
Two counties over, the Georgia Pain is preparing for their first game, and before they strap it up, budget concerns are sacking their dreams, too.
Georgia Pain Head Coach Darnell McNeil says, "We've talked to certain businesses, and they're not interested because we're a semi-pro football team. They feel like it's a risk trying to help us get started."
McNeil says the team is active in the community and keeps guys doing positive things and out of trouble, and all he wants is a little support.
"We are not paying our players. They're out here for the love. Hopefully in the future, we can get enough sponsors to pay these guys. They work very hard. We want to get them to college or pro football," says McNeil.
Regardless of how things play out with finances, the players say they won't give up on the sport they love.
Starting Pitbulls runningback and former Dublin Irish player Lee Mack says, "I expect us to keep practicing and keep holding together. God will make a way for us. It will fan out."
Both teams are out of town this weekend.
The Pitbulls head to South Carolina to play the Low Country Assassins. The Pain kick off their season opener.
If you want to support these local teams, call 478-538-1944 for the Pain, or 478-308-1554 for the Pitbulls.
