PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM: SHARKS RECEIVER & CAPTAIN DEVIN WILSON

JACKSONVILLE, FL - The following statement is from Sharks Wide Receiver & Team Captain Devin Wilson. 

First and foremost I want to sincerely apologize to NAL official Gary Vaught for the unfortunate incident that occurred on Saturday, July 16, 2022 in San Antonio, TX. I also want to apologize to the National Arena League, the Jacksonville Sharks organization, my coaches and teammates, and all the fans. I want to be clear and express that the intent of my actions were never to target or injure anyone.  That is not in my character.  Furthermore, as my own father has been a professional referee for over 30 years, I certainly would never intentionally disrespect an official.  Arena football is a very fast paced game, with split second decisions made during each and every play. Because I am recovering from an injury and playing through the pain of a torn MCL and meniscus, coupled with other factors during that play, I could not avoid contact with Mr. Vaught. But I want to be clear—it was unintentional! I will continue to communicate privately with the NAL Commissioner and my organization to further explain what occurred during that unfortunate play from my perspective.  I have played the game I love since I was 5 years old.  I have NEVER been part of anything like this in my entire career and I have always played by the rules.  Again, I want to express my sincerest apologies to Mr. Gary Vaught.  

Devin Wilson #1
Jacksonville Sharks