Arena League Creates Trust for Lucas Family

Plans to honor Avenger lineman Al Lucas and to help his family were announced Wednesday, when players and staff paused to remember him with a private memorial attended by the Lucas family.

The Avengers held a memorial service for Lucas, who died of an apparent spinal cord injury while making a tackle on a kickoff return during Sunday’s game, and heard David Lucas, his father, and De’Shondra Lucas, his wife.

“They told us that Al would want us to move on with our lives,” Coach Ed Hodgkiss said. “It was inspiring to hear them talk.”

Said receiver Greg Hopkins: “This was good for us today.”

The Lucas family will hold a wake Saturday at Northeast High in Macon, Ga., with the funeral Monday. The Avengers, who play at Nashville on Sunday, will attend Monday’s funeral.

Meanwhile, the league, in conjunction with the Avengers, announced the creation of the Al Lucas Trust, with donations being accepted by the Arena Football Players’ Assn., 2021 L Street NW, Washington, DC, 20036.

The league also said there would be a moment of silence before each of the eight AFL games this weekend.

“The spirit of Al Lucas will always be wherever Arena Football is played,” AFL Commissioner David Baker said. “We will constantly consider tribute activities and efforts that commemorate Al’s love for our game.”

The Avengers are planning a tribute to Lucas for the next home game, April 23 against Chicago.

The league also announced the Hero award, given each year to the player who best exemplifies the AFL’s mission statement for both on- and off-the-field accomplishments, will be re-named the Al Lucas Award.