PITTSBURGH, PA (October 4, 2013) – The Pittsburgh Power have traded wide receiver Mike Washington to the Spokane Shock for quarterback Arvell Nelson and offensive lineman Ben Ossai.

Washington (5-8/175/Hawaii) is the Power’s all-time leading receiver with 365 receptions, 4,446 yards and 105 total touchdowns. The Aliquippa, PA native joined the Power for the 2011 inaugural season and set 11 Power franchise records in his three years with the team.

Nelson (6-5/225/Texas Southern) will backup starting quarterback Tommy Grady, but is expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. In his 2013 rookie season with Spokane, Nelson appeared in 17 games and played quarterback, receiver, and jack linebacker. He completed 16-of-20 passes for 162 yards and 5 touchdowns, rushed for 4 touchdowns, and hauled in 9 receptions for 6 touchdowns. Nelson also made 16 tackles on defense.

Ossai (6-6/315/Washington), a three-year AFL veteran, was a standout on the Shock’s offensive line and has also spent time with the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions in the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

“Trading Mike was an extremely tough decision to make, but for the future of this franchise – it was what had to be done,” said Power Head Coach Derek Stingley. “We are in the process of building a team that will win, not once, but continuously. Mike will be missed. He is a true professional with a great approach to the game, and our organization wishes him well,” Stingley remarked. “With the additions of Nelson and Ossai, we are thrilled to get two players that will have an immediate impact on our team,” added Stingley.

The Power kick off their fourth Arena Football League season in March, 2014 at CONSOL Energy Center.

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