16 September 2000 – On September 10, something unexpected happened that would affect the Chicago Enforcers and the XFL.
The XFL’s first GM of a team in its league, Ken Valdiserri resigned.
Personally, I saw that this might have happened, what with all the rampant rumors going around in July that Bryan Harlan, and Valdiserri were involved in a betting scandal while working for the Chicago Bears. But that story had been quickly dropped, and was never mentioned again. It seems to me, that Ken Valdiserri’s resignation had something to do with this betting scandal. The official press release claims Valdiserri resigned due to personal reasons. I don’t buy that for one second.
A few days later, on September 12, the Chicago Enforcers named the replacement for Valdiserri. They had hired Rich Rose as Acting GM for the Enforcers. When, I first heard about Rich Rose, I didn’t know a thing about him. With the press release of his hiring, I was able to learn more about him. But when Billy Hicks, XFL’s VP of Administration, said that Rose was with the XFL since day one, I was stunned. I mean I had never heard of the guy.
Here is some info on the Enforcers new head honcho, Mr. Rich Rose. He served as a Senior Consultant of Special Projects for the XFL. Rose started his own sports consulting practice in 1998 with Time Warner/HBO, MSG, and Top Rank and the International Group as some of his clients. Mr. Rose also was the President and COO of Caesar’s World Sports in Las Vegas in 1988. In 1978, Mr. Rose served, for 10 years, as founder and President of Lapin & Rose. Lapin & Rose was a bicoastal public relations firm specializing in publicity and marketing of sports and special events.
Now we know about the “new guy” in town. So, LET’S GET READY FOR SOME XFL FOOTBALL!
XFL Press Release 12 Sep 00
Rich Rose Named Acting General Manager for the Chicago Enforcers
Chicago, IL, September 12 – The XFL announced today the naming of Rich Rose as Acting General Manager of the Chicago Enforcers football team.
“We are very comfortable with Rich serving as the Acting General Manager for the Enforcers,” said Billy Hicks, Vice President of Administration for the XFL. “Rich has been with the league before day one, having helped develop the XFL business plan. With Rich and the current Enforcers coaching and front office staff working together, everything will go smoothly in Chicago until a permanent General Manager is hired.”
Rose, who serves as Senior Consultant/Special Projects for the XFL, started his own sports consulting practice in 1998 with such clients as Time Warner/HBO, Madison Square Garden, Top Rank and the International Management Group. He also served as President and COO of Caesars World Sports in Las Vegas for 10 years before starting his company. Prior to that, he served for 10 years as founder and President of Lapin and Rose, a bicoastal public relations firm specializing in publicity and marketing of sports and special events.
“We have a great coaching and front office staff already in place in Chicago,” said Rose. “Mike Keller, our Vice President of Football Operations, and myself have already met with Dick Butkus and his staff, as well as the front office staff, and it will be business as usual for the Chicago Enforcers.”
Sunday September 10, 4:42 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
Ken Valdiserri Resigns From XFL Chicago Enforcers
STAMFORD, Conn. & CHICAGO-Sept. 10, 2000–The XFL announced today that Ken Valdiserri has resigned as Vice President and General Manager of The Chicago Enforcers due to personal reasons.
“Our commitment to bring exciting XFL football to Chicago continues,” said Basil V. DeVito Jr., President of the XFL. “With the coaching staff and front office that we have assembled, The Enforcers will provide Chicago football fans with something special.”
