Today, I find myself grappling with a decision that has caused quite a stir within the Buffalo Stampede organization. Our team's owner, Mr. Thomas, approached me with a request to help advocate for a new arena. While it may seem like a straightforward task, I made the difficult choice to refuse. It's not that I don't understand the importance of having a state-of-the-art arena for our team and fans. I recognize that a new venue can provide improved facilities, enhanced fan experience, and even attract more revenue. However, there are certain principles that I hold dear, and they clashed with the idea of endorsing this particular venture.For starters, the proposed arena would require significant public funding. As a professional athlete, I am well aware of the dedication and hard work that goes into earning a living. I believe that taxpayer money should be allocated responsibly, prioritizing critical areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It's challenging for me to justify advocating for a new arena when there are pressing needs within our community that remain unaddressed.