The Spokane Shock of AF2 are beaming with their signing of smooth WR Mutsumi Takahashi, formerly of the New York Dragons. Takahashi was the first Japanese-born player to play in the AFL. From OurSportsCentral.com:

Takahashi made his AFL debut for the Dragons on May 16th against the Dallas Desperados, amassing 164 all-purpose yards. Prior to his experience with the Dragons, Takahashi played for the Cincinnati Swarm in the af2 under Coach Shackleford.

"We feel like we got the best international player available," Shackleford said. "The fact that he wants to continue his Arena Football career in Spokane really says a lot about the organization. He is a special player that our fans are really going to enjoy watching."

The Spokane Shock announced today that DB Nygel Rogers has re-signed with the team for the 2008 season. Rogers, 6'1 210, is the eighth member of the 2007 Western Division Champions to re-sign with the team.

In his rookie season of Arena Football, Rogers finished second on the team with 8 interceptions (returned for 78 yards) and 17 pass break-ups and third in total tackles (69). In week 13, he was selected as the af2's ADT Defensive Player of the week after recording 5.5 tackles and 2 interceptions against the Boise Burn.