INBOX: Coach Tom Menas is resigning from Albany Empire following a 45-point loss to Jacksonville last night. His statement:

Bane, a 10-year NAL veteran, was 15-for-26 for 177 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in last night's loss. Menas said Bane tweaked his ankle during the game.

My look at the events since Antonio Brown became owner of the Albany Empire Stories by Abigail Rubel timesunion.com/projects/2023/…

John Audino tells me he has decided not to become Albany Empire's latest head coach. Said "it’s just not the right time."

Instead, it'll be Audino's assistant at La Salle, Pete Porcelli. Porcelli was one of the first members of the Albany Firebirds.

Orozco, a fan favorite in Albany who could be counted on for at least one deuce every game, left the Empire for the CFL after the first game.

Hearing that QB Roland Rivers III, who started for Albany against West Texas a few weeks ago, has resigned with the Empire.

#AO1 #RingChasing🦈🦈

Just got off the phone with @NALCommish, who said the league is not preventing Antonio Brown from playing in tonight's game. Brown, though, is not listed on the active roster.

On fourth down on Albany's first possession, Rivers scrambles back 10 yards and connects with Kerry Starks, traded from Jacksonville this week, for a first down. Play is called back due to unsportsmanlike conduct on Albany, however. Fayetteville leads 7-0 after six minutes.

Fabian Guerra with a 2-yard run for Albany's first touchdown. Justino's extra point is good to tie it at 7 at the end of the first quarter.

Albany takes a 21-20 lead off a 10-yard run from Starks.

Fayetteville leads 33-21 with 18 seconds left in the third, converting a strip sack of Roland Rivers into a 7-yard TD pass to Larry Beavers.

Mustangs score again to go up 41-21 with 6:56 left in the fourth. This is one of the quickest NAL games I think I've ever covered.

Rivers keeps it for a 2-yard rushing TD. Extra point is no good. Empire trail 41-27 with 3:13 left.

Albany tries an onside kick, but it's recovered by Fayetteville. Inside The Walls Podcast correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think any team has used the nets strategically to try to get the ball back this season.

FINAL: Fayetteville 49, Albany 27. Empire extend the losing streak to 5 games.

Updated with the score of tonight's game: timesunion.com/sports/article…

Source: UMass will host Albany as part of its 2023-24 non-conference schedule.

Congratulations Dr. MacArthur! 🥳