Erie News Now has confirmed that as of today, Professional Football of Erie, Inc., operating as The Erie Explosion, will be suspending football operations for the 2016 season. After we made repeated calls to team owner Bill Stafford over the weekend, the organization issued a statement this afternoon.  According to the statement, the decision to suspend operation of the team involves player safety. It reads, "After being unable to secure medical staff for the season, it was decided the best interest was to temporarily suspend all football operations."

In the written statement, the organization thanked all of its dedicated fans, sponsors, volunteers, players and staff.  They call the suspension temporary and say they hope bring indoor football back to Erie for the 2017 season.

We will have much more on this story on Erie News Now tonight.