Arena League

Marcum attempts to help players deal with Lucas' death

By FRANK PASTOR
Published April 20, 2005

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Arena Football League commissioner David Baker and Storm coach Tim Marcum spoke at the funeral of Al Lucas on Monday in Macon, Ga.

Marcum kept his comments short, asking those present from Tampa Bay's 2003 title team to stand, acknowledging Lucas' contributions and thanking his parents "for giving us Big Luke."

Lucas, an offensive/defensive lineman, died of a presumed spinal cord injury sustained during a kickoff in the first quarter of Los Angeles' 66-35 victory over New York on April10 in L.A. As Lucas, 26, bent down to make a tackle, a ball carrier and a blocker tumbled over him. Television replays appeared to show the blocker's leg hitting him in the head.

In addition to Marcum, Storm players Ernest Certain, Clif Dell, Tramain Jones, Kelvin Kinney, Pat O'Hara, Lawrence Samuels, Freddie Solomon, Shane Stafford, David White and Nyle Wiren, assistant Dave Ewart and vice president of operations Rory Rigdon made the trip from Austin, where the Storm played Sunday.

Former Tampa Bay players Basil Proctor, B.J. Cohen and John Kaleo as well as the entire Avengers squad also attended the 2-hour, 45-minute service Marcum described as "quite moving."

"It's just sad to see the grief of Lucas' wife ( De'Shonda) and Al's mom," Marcum said. "Just put yourself in their position, and it's tough to not really feel for those people and to know now is not the time they're going to hurt. I lost both my mom and dad within 22 months of each other, and it's the times afterward when everybody's gone." The Storm helped its players cope in the days before the Austin game. Marcum invited the team's chaplain to read scripture and be available for counseling, and he handed out a Los Angeles Times story that described how Lucas' father, David, met with the Avengers in the days after his son's death.

Marcum's message to his team: "Go on with your life. Go on with your effort because that's what Al would have wanted."

NEW RULE?: It's not in the rulebook, but that didn't stop officials from penalizing Solomon for unsportsmanlike conduct after he spiked the ball off the iron after a fourth-quarter touchdown in the 54-42 victory over Austin.

The Storm recovered the ensuing kickoff at the Wranglers 1, but the penalty moved the ball back to the 11.

Players cannot spike the ball into the boards for fear a wayward throw could hit a spectator. But there is no rule prohibiting players from spiking the ball into the net.

"To come up with crap like that is just amazing," Marcum said. "Imagine someone in the NFL saying, "I think I'm going to change the rule here and throw a flag."'

A MIXED BAG: Fullback/linebacker Jarrod Penright and receiver/linebacker Kenny Christian received mixed reviews for their performances in place of the injured White (quad) and Ronney Daniels (ankle).

Penright rushed for two touchdowns but had several breakdowns on pass protection. Christian caught his first pass but had "the ol' deer in the headlights look," Marcum said. White is available to return Sunday at Nashville. Daniels' status remains uncertain.

WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE? The Storm Surge Fan Club is accepting ballots and registration for its banquet May13. Deadline is April30. To vote or register, visit www.stormfanclub.com or call Will Hudson at 813 631-0410.

STORM FLURRIES: Marcum, a 2001 inductee into the McMurry University Athletic Hall of Honor, spoke to representatives from the Abilene, Texas, school, including the president, athletic director, faculty and alumni, at a fundraiser the night before the game. ... Fans now can watch all Storm practices, walkthroughs and game day activities at the St. Pete Times Forum via a real-time Internet camera. Click on the Stormvision icon at www.tampabaystorm.com

[Last modified April 20, 2005, 02:56:36]