[discostu]

NFL Europe was created to be the NFL's farm system. It's failing miserably. On the other hand the CFL and Arena League are doing a pretty good job of training marginal players and injecting them in the NFL.

The NBA has been experimenting with using the various semi-pro leagues as a farm system, but it's not working too well either.

They don't have their heads up their posteriors on this, but making a farm system isn't just a matter of waving a wand, it takes a lot of organization and effort and a little luck.

[You Dirty Rats]

It also takes tons of money; why do that when the NCAA will do that for you?

[mhking]

On the other hand the CFL and Arena League are doing a pretty good job of training marginal players and injecting them in the NFL.

That's why the NFL has put plenty of money into both leagues. Several NFL owners are tied to Arenaball teams, and the NFL has a joint marketing agreement with the CFL (I just wish they had come up with a US television contract for the CFL this season!).