Chicago Fire announce no Ring of Fire Induction in 2011

The contents of a Chicago Fire press release:

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After consultation with the six current "Ring of Fire" members, the Chicago Fire will not induct a new member to the "Ring of Fire" in 2011. Only six former Men in Red have been bestowed the prestigious "Ring of Fire" honor to date.

In addition, the "Ring of Fire" selection process now mandates that any new inductee must be a former Fire player/executive for a calendar year before induction.

The "Ring of Fire" tribute began in 2003 in an effort to honor members of the Chicago Fire who have made the team a successful organization and who displayed the qualities the club embodies: leadership, dedication and integrity and in accordance with the Fire tenets of Tradition, Honor, Passion.

The Fire's unique Hall of Fame, the first created by a Major League Soccer club, began in 2003, when former Fire midfielder and captain Peter Nowak became the inaugural member. The Chicago Fire, in consultation with the current "Ring of Fire" members, will select the next honoree.

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There had been a great deal of speculation that Chicago Fire original C.J. Brown might be inducted into the Ring of Fire before the Wednesday, June 22nd game against the team Brown currently is the assistant coach for, Real Salt Lake. That speculation can be put to rest and with the new 'calendar year' rule, Brown will not be eligible for induction until 2012. In my opinion, there is no question that C.J. Brown will be the next member of the Ring of the Fire. It's just a matter of when the team wants to make it happen.