Biletnikoff Jr. amends one comment

In my business, it’s not easy to get in touch with a coach who has just been fired (or hired, for that matter). The last thing they want to do is re-hash the details of their dismissal for a newspaper article. Fred Biletnikoff Jr., fired as Shock offensive coordinator, not only took my call Monday at the Las Vegas airport en route to his Bay Area home, he spoke candidly about the situation. I should point out that Shock majority owner Brady Nelson, who never ducks an issue, good or bad, also returned my call earlier Monday.

Biletnikoff Jr. phoned me Tuesday to express his thanks for quoting him accurately in the article, to reiterate that he hopes the Shock win the AFL title this season and to amend one statement he made on Monday (“It’s probably time to get back to real football. Eleven men, take out those silly nets.”) Biletnikoff Jr. said he made that comment in haste and regrets it. He said he loves arena football and has dedicated much of professional career to the sport.