October 22, 2010

The 4 Ball League, a proposed 4-on-4 fullcourt basketball league hoping to start in the Carolinas and neighboring states in the spring of 2012, are publicly showing support (and engaging in shameless marketing) for Athletic Propulsion Labs, whose Concept 1 shoes were banned by the National Basketball Association for creating an "unfair advantage."  The shoes in question supposedly increase jumping height instantly. 

The 4 Ball League would like to take this opportunity to declare those and other sneakers perfectly legal in the 4BL.  "I would rather players use performance-enhancing shoes than performance-enhancing drugs," says 4BL Commissioner Dennis Justice.  "It is absurd of the NBA to protect more well-known shoe companies who themselves manufacture shoes with implications of better jumping abilities.  APL only seems guilty of being more upfront about their claims."

The news doesn't mean just anybody can play in the proposed league, whose rules are designed to encourage "fast-break" basketball" by playing 4-a-side basketball on full-sized courts, along with other rule changes to speed up play and increase scoring. 

"Wile E. Coyote can bring his Acme shoes with the springs at the bottom if he wants.  However, if he has no game, he still isn't playing," Justice joked.  "But I wish APL well with their free publicity."

For more information about the 4 Ball League, visit www.the4bl.com or join our Facebook group.