UFL commissioner Huyghue steps down

Tuesday's resignation of United Football League commissioner Michael Huyghue won't alter the league's intent to play a fourth season, according to Bill Mayer, who funds the UFL-champion Virginia Destroyers.

Huyghue's departure "is maybe no more complicated than (the relationship) had run its course," Mayer, a New York financier, said by phone from Miami. "We're going to be there playing in September at the Sportsplex."

Mayer said he and the UFL continue to address outstanding debts, including to Destroyers players and coaches who've not been paid in full for their championship victory last October.

"I understand our obligations, and I wish we didn't owe money," Mayer said.

Nonetheless, Mayer said the UFL will "clean up" that situation and will play even if only with the four existing franchises: Virginia; Omaha, Neb.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Las Vegas. He said an effort, led by former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville, to gain new capital and place a fifth team in San Antonio, Texas, is proceeding.

What Mayer described as inefficient centralized decisions from the UFL office in Jacksonville, Fla., contributed to reported losses of more than $100 million since 2009.

Mayer, who said he continues because the UFL is a "good football product," said emphasis on local operation will cut individual franchise losses to "tolerable" levels.

He's estimated the Destroyers would lose approximately $3.5 million in 2012.

John Wuehrmann, the Destroyers' assistant general manager, said he believes Mayer and the UFL will meet their obligations.

"It's just a matter of when," he said. "I got into this knowing it was a start-up league, and that there could be financial issues that arose now and again. I understand the dedication and the effort that the owners are putting in to make it work.

"Is it uncomfortable sometimes? Sure. But I trust the owners because they're trying to do it for the right reason, because they love football."

Tom Robinson, 757-446-2518, tom.robinson@pilotonline.com