Arena League

Storm unloads Toliver, Saunders

By FRANK PASTOR
Published March 31, 2005

TAMPA - Call it addition by subtraction.

In the two days before Wednesday's trade deadline, the Storm unloaded a 2004 All-Ironman selection and its 2002 team MVP in exchange for a pair of players who likely will not suit up for it this season.

But in trading receiver/defensive back T.T. Toliver to Nashville Wednesday and receiver/linebacker David Saunders to Grand Rapids Tuesday, Tampa Bay rid itself of a couple of perceived malcontents and cleared room under the salary cap to sign a free agent down the road.

"It was a situation where a change needed to be made," Storm coach Tim Marcum said. "That's all."

Marcum, who cannot have contact with his team until April 4 because of salary-cap violations in 2003 and '04, received permission from the league to speak with opposing coaches and general managers in the days leading up to the trade deadline.

The Storm (4-4) acquired the rights to defensive specialist Fred Booker from Nashville (1-7) and lineman Paul LaQuerre from Grand Rapids (1-7). Booker was on the Kats' exempt list because he is currently employed by the New Orleans Saints. LaQuerre was on the Rampage's refused to report list.

The Storm expects to replace Toliver with some combination of Anthony Derricks, Lynaris Elpheage and Clif Dell, who filled in when Toliver missed four games with a knee injury earlier this year. Rookie Ronney Daniels will take Saunders' place.

"These are talented guys who need to get an opportunity to get in there and play," said interim coach Dave Ewart.

Toliver, a member of the Bucs' 2002 practice squad, is one of the top all-around players in the league but appeared to wear out his welcome in his fourth season in Tampa Bay. Nashville coach Pat Sperduto said he didn't anticipate any problems after speaking with Toliver.

"I have no reservations," Sperduto said. "I believe he's going to come in with a positive attitude and a confident attitude, and he's going to help us win football games. That's all I told him, and that's all I expect from him."

Neither Toliver nor Saunders could be reached for comment.

[Last modified March 31, 2005, 01:28:16]