"The Case of the Missing Jersey" or "Finder's Keepers, Loser's Weepers?"

Calling Sherlock Holmes, calling Sherlock Holmes. Or at least Rocky and Bullwinkle? Last October, New York Sharks owner and former quarterback Andra Douglas loaned her game jersey to the Sports Museum of America. It was displayed amongst thousands of other sports memorabilia including the Heisman Trophy and many items from tennis great Billie Jean King. Unfortunately due to financial issues, the operators of the museum are declaring bankruptcy and have shut the doors to the museum.

With the museum closing, you would think that it would be a simple task for Andra to pick up her jersey, but no! The people in charge of liquidating the museum's assets sent out a letter stating that all items not covered by a loan agreement would be sold. Fortunately for Andra she did have a loan agreement in writing but the letter sent by the liquidators also stated that all items covered by a loan agreement could be returned for a $1,500 processing fee. This was deemed by Andra to be totally unacceptable as there were no such strings attached in the original loan agreement.

At this point, the jersey is still being held hostage at an undisclosed location as negotiations start.

Maybe we need Perry Mason instead?

2009 Roster is Released

The New York Sharks have released their roster for the 2009 season. Retirement, injuries, and the economy have taken a toll on the team with only 24 players returning from last season's squad. But on the plus side veterans Kathy Holloman, Suzette Crumley, Mandy Oppel, Blessing Withers, Teri Farley, and Missy Marmorale will be suiting up again after missing last year. Also Tia Hopkins a 3-year veteran with the Miami Fury will be joining the team this year.

Whatever happened to ... Junko Tanida?

Junko Tanida was a star wide receiver for the New York Sharks from 2005-2006. She comes from Yonago, Japan but loved playing tackle football so much that she moved to the United States during the football season.

Tanida first started playing for the California Quake in 2002 and was named to the league's all-star team as a wide receiver. She then played for the Sacramento Sirens in 2004 and played against the Sharks in the IWFL Championship game that year.

The Sirens' offense was mostly geared towards their potent running attack and Tanida decided to move to a team that emphasized the passing game. This led her to move to Brooklyn where she hooked up with the Sharks based on the reputation of quarterback Val Halesworth. Tanida's pass catching skills paid off for the Sharks as she caught 5 touchdown passes and led the team in yards per reception. In 2006, she led the team in reception yards and receiving touchdowns.

On April 23, 2005, she shined in front of fellow countryman, Rocky Aoki by catching 2 touchdown passes of 30 and 39 yards. Aoki, the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain had performed the ceremonial coin toss at the beginning of the game.

Since her Sharks playing days, Tanida has moved back to Japan and has gotten married. She is also pregnant and is expecting around July.

Sharks Player of the Week

The New York Sharks are proud to announce a new sponsor, PORWERADE ZERO. Powerade Zero is the zero calorie sports drink. They will be sponsoring the Powerade Sharks Player of the Week. After each game, Sharks radio announcers Pat Brown and Dave Maxwell will select the Sharks player that made the most impact in that game. They will announce their selection during their post-game show on WFNradio.

Mulli-Talented

New York Sharks quarterback Karen Mulligan is featured in an article in this month's The Long Island Pulse magazine. You can read it on-line at: http://www.lipulse.com/newsite/LILife/Living/marnysharkswomensfootball/tabid/745/Default.aspx