Atlanta Steam: Football or 'Joke'?

The opening kickoff for the Atlanta Steam's first game in Gwinnett had not even taken place, when the comment was made. And the fallout continued after the contest.

A Suwanee Patch commenter said of the Legends Football League:

This is, by far, the worst excuse for a sport I believe I have ever seen. Really? It's the equivalent to jello wrestling and wet t-shirt contests, but in a team environment.

Another comment followed after the first game:

What a joke. It must be free to attend. Surely no one would pay to see this!!!!!

The comments were directed at the Atlanta Steam, a women's pro football team in the Legends Football League. The Steam played its first game in Gwinnett on Saturday, defeating Omaha.

The league recently was known as the Lingerie Football League. A recent rebranding also meant "performance wear" for uniforms. And the league is not shy about its chief marketing appeal. Team names for other franchises include Temptation, Sin and Passion.

But comments also have included support.

No it's no joke. My daughter plays on this team. It's fast paced and fun to watch. ... I personally do not understand why people have such a hard time with this league. What's the difference in watching the cheerleaders of pro teams in their skimpy outfits. Or beach volleyball players. These LFL players are lean, mean fighting machines. And beautiful too!!!

Media reports have estimated the Gwinnett Arena crowd at about 2,000 people for the Atlanta Steam's opener. The team has one more home game scheduled, for May 18. Tickets are $15-75.

-- What's your take on the Atlanta Steam and the LFL? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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