None of the principals are confirming it officially, but The Telegram has learned that what has been anticipated for the better part of a month will take place Wednesday morning when the St. John’s Edge will reveal they have signed Newfoundland basketball star Carl English.
The Edge, who begin their inaugural National Basketball League of Canada season Saturday, would not confirm the signing, but did say they will hold a press conference Wednesday morning at the Swilers Club to “make an announcement.”
When reached Tuesday afternoon shortly after the Edge news release about the Swilers get-together, English also would not offer comment other than that he would “touch base with you tomorrow morning.”
There has long been mutual interest between the NBL Canada expansion club and the 36-year-old English, the former U.S. college star and Canadian national team guard who has played in professional leagues in Europe for the last dozen years. However, discussion and contemplation have been stretched for weeks out as the team and player looked to determine how English could fit into the team’s payroll structure and as to what exactly his role with the Edge would be.
English has routinely drawn six-figure annual salaries as a professional and the Edge’s payroll for an entire season is just $170,000 for a 12-player roster. However, it has been suggested that hurdle could at least be reduced in size by having English take on other duties, perhaps with regards to coaching, management and/or community relations.
