Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings quarterback Gary Cooper said Tuesday he has left the team after being removed as starting quarterback.

"I was informed last night that I'm not starting," Cooper said.  "They had (their) reasoning, but couldn't believe it."

Cooper, who starred at Grambling State University and Booker T. Washington High, said the BattleWing coaching staff told him he was "not a good enough leader."

Cooper said he believes the coaches were looking for a reason to start backup quarterback Steve Panella.

"I'm going out there, playing, leading the league in some stats. Some of the guys are upset," Cooper said.

Cooper said he had no ill will toward BattleWings backup quarterback Steve Panella, who is expected to start on Saturday at Rio Grande Valley.

"I'm not going; I told them to trade me or cut me," Cooper said.  "If they want to keep me on the roster and block me from going to another team, that is their business. But it's all just coming out of nowhere and a lot of guys are upset."

BattleWings General Manager Butch Bellah said Cooper is still on the active roster and has not been released or traded.

Head Coach Jon Norris said Cooper is still a member of the BattleWings if he changes his mind and wants to rejoin the team.

"It will be evaluated at that time," Norris said.  "He's a good young quarterback, a good kid. We expect him to be a man and a good team member."  

Cooper is tied for the AF-2 league lead with 271 passing yards per game.  He is also second in the league with 27 total touchdowns and, overall, is in the top two in eight statistical categories.

KTBS' Tim Fletcher contributed to this report