MLL: Powell Brothers Sit Out 2009 Lacrosse Season

In an unexpected twist to the fallout created by the MLL league contraction, it appears that all three of the Powell brothers will be sitting out the 2009 season of Major League Lacrosse.

Based on the MLL transaction wire, all three of the Powell Brothers “did not report” to their teams as of the April 1st contract deadline – which means they are ineligible to play for anyone for the remainder of 2009.  I’ll break it all down below, based on reports released by the MLL.

Note: DNR = “Did Not Report”

Mikey Powell: The Boston Cannons released Mikey Powell.  The MLL reports: “As DNR-Contract players, neither the Cannons nor another MLL team can re-claim these players during the 2009 season; the next opportunity for a team to claim their rights is the 2010 Supplemental Draft this fall.”

Ryan Powell: Ryan Powell was assigned to the Denver Outlaws (same team he was on last year), but never submitted his contract.  “MLL assigns RYAN POWELL to the Denver Outlaws DNR-Contract Inactive List and thus he is not eligible to compete in the 2009 League Season.”

Casey Powell: Casey Powell was assigned to the Toronto Nationals after the Rochester Rattlers closed up shop and moved to Canada.  “MLL assigns CASEY POWELL to the Toronto Nationals DNR-Contract Inactive List and thus they are not eligible to play in the 2009 League season.”

This news is a big disappointment to professional lacrosse.  Clearly these guys had their reasons for making the decision not to play this season, but it does not reflect well on the sport of lacrosse when the three most legendary brothers of all time are not on the field.

6/10/09 UPDATE: Ryan Powell was quoted during the Team USA tryouts this week as saying that Mikey Powell decided to pursue his music career, and that is why he was not participating in lacrosse this year. “I know Mike’s very serious about his music. That’s his decision,” Powell said. When asked about the whereabouts of his other brother, Casey, he stated: “A lot of people have been asking about CP (Casey Powell) here, but I don’t know.”