Casey Powell, the first-overall selection in the 1998 NLL Draft, has decided to take a sabbatical from the Rochester Knighthawks in order to concentrate on his job with equipment maker Warrior Lacrosse, and will not play in the upcoming season.

Knighthawks general manager Jody Gage confirms in today's Rochester Democrat & Chronicle that Powell is planning to sit out this season.

"We understand his decision," Gage said. "We're not upset."

Gage is not ruling out a Powell return during the season, but the Knighthawks are planning to play without him. Under NLL rules, Powell can only play for the Knighthawks this season, and if he decides to re-enter the league next season with another team, the Knighthawks have the right to match any offer.

"If he wants to come back this year, we'll have to look at the situation," Gage said. "We'd have to evaluate it at that time."

Powell, who now lives in Boston, was "very professional" regarding his sabbatical, which initially came up during last month's scouting combine for Major League Lacrosse, a field lacrosse league due to begin play next summer. By sitting out the NLL season, Powell hopes that a nagging knee injury will heal in time for the MLL season.

"He wants to focus on getting his career with Warrior going in Boston," Gage said. "He's trying to pave his way. He's never taken any time off since graduating (from Syracuse University) and he needs some time for himself.

"We won a championship without him (in 1997), so life goes on."