March 20, 2001
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (March 20, 2001) - In a continuing effort
to shore up the offense, the Birmingham Thunderbolts claimed
offensive tackle Eric Bateman today. Bateman is the third
offensive lineman acquired by the Bolts in as many weeks.
Bateman was a territorial selection of the Las Vegas Outlaws.
He was drafted by the New York Jets in 1998 and has also spent
time with the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and the
Barcelona Dragons. The Bolts have until 4 p.m. central time
Wednesday to clear a roster spot for Bateman.
Birmingham is looking for protection for quarterback Jay Barker,
who was sacked seven times in the loss to Las Vegas last week.
Despite playing just five quarters of football this season,
Barker has been sacked 10 times.
The Bolts look to end a four-game losing skid when they travel
to Chicago Sunday. The game will kick off at 6 p.m. CT and
be televised by UPN. |
