The St. Louis Battlehawks released 15 players to get the team roster down to 58 players. (Photo courtesy: XFL.com)
Cedric Williams
Senior Editor
The first round of roster cuts were due over the weekend in the United Football League, and that meant the St. Louis Battlehawks had to cut 15 players to make it down to the league-mandated number of 58 players.
The players cut by the Battlehawks included:
- DE Mandy Alonso
- WR James Bostic
- CB Montrae Braswell
- S Anthony Cioffi
- DE Marcus Cushnie
- DE John Daka
- TE Kemore Gamble
- CB Prince Charles Iworah
- WR Kevon Latulas
- K Andrew Mevis
- OG Christian Olmstead
- DE Jadrian Taylor
- OT Jazston Turnetine
- CB Anthony Witherstone
- DT McKinley Williams
Head coach Anthony Becht released a statement on social media to express his gratitude and respect for the players the Battlehawks decided to release.
“I understand the anger, sadness, disappointment that may be directed at me… and for some the disbelief. I will say that I respect each and every player for the hard work they put in each and every day and will do everything I can to help moving forward. Love all you guys.”
– Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht
While Cioffi was out of football for a while, the 29-year-old veteran safety has been a solid performer for the CFL and USFL. In 2022 with the Tampa Bay Bandits, he made 36 tackles, one sack and one interception. He also played three seasons in the CFL, compiling 119 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions in 43 games.
Another notable defender on the list of cuts is Daka (DE), who played for Wade Phillips’ Houston Roughnecks last year and contributed 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He could be a guy to watch who might find his way onto another UFL team.
In other news for St. Louis, the team placed Sage Doxtater (OT) on injured reserve Sunday. Doxtater started and played in five games for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL last year, also spending time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.
The final round of roster cuts for UFL teams will take place on March 23.