diff --git a/server/src/main/java/org/atmosphere/nettosphere/NettyWebSocket.java b/server/src/main/java/org/atmosphere/nettosphere/NettyWebSocket.java
index 881f950..ce9cbfa 100644
--- a/server/src/main/java/org/atmosphere/nettosphere/NettyWebSocket.java
+++ b/server/src/main/java/org/atmosphere/nettosphere/NettyWebSocket.java
@@ -146,7 +146,6 @@ public void close() {
 
     public void recycle() {
         if (headers != null) headers.clear();
-        channel = null;
     }
 
     /**