DR. CFL

Normally you start into a negotiation with a strategy , a plan. Throwing a turd at a wall and hoping it sticks isn’t much of a plan. You want to make business partners nervous ( because potentially that’s what you are asking of the government), you ask for a ridiculous amount of money, with no detailed explanation outlining how it is to be used. Then to add a little icing to the cake you then acknowledge how poorly historically that business is done. Next up see if you can get registered as a charitable foundation.

Bad owners aren’t necessarily stupid owners. Ask Dunnigan when he tried to sue the Birmingham team owner that just happened to own Fed Ex. The football team was a separate business entity that went out of business and was dissolved.....you are chasing wind.

Dave Naylor works for TSN....he is a reporter and columnist...what’s the big fuss about?

The plight of that extensive lists of Commissioners was the fact that they were operating at the mercy of a number of controlling private owners. Not a position of power and likely a source of great frustration.

The government has set up that committee for exactly that reason....the CFL won’t be the only sports entity looking for money.

The irony of this situation is fans are fans....by definition they are subjective in their reasoning....that’s what makes sports franchises successful...often when they win or lose. Those people having to formulate a business plan are objective minded people. Often they list two columns...one is the pros/ positive attributes ( reason the business will succeed) and cons / negative attributes ( the reason a business will fail). The government has legitimately asked for a business plan to outline the details that demonstrate a step by step process outlining how this will work. No different than what a bank requires before investing in a business or project. We know what the sentimental subjective fan wants. We know what the objective business investor wants. The jury is now out.

The challenges of formulating a plan: 1 )You don’t have an agreement with the PA on the basis of a reduction of the number of games. 2) Logistically planning requires a known fixed start up date as all arrangements work backwards from that...you don’t know a date. 3) you don’t know if provincially, regionally or in all the cities what the rules will be and if you will be able to hold games. 4) Will players entering the Country be required to self isolate for 14 days? Where and at who’s expense. 5) What will the requirements for testing of players, coaches and staff be ? Costs associated with that and justification to others who are unable to be tested. 6) what happens when a player, coach or staff member tests positive? Normal requirements are that that individual and anyone who has been in close proximity are required to self isolate for 14 days. 7) what is the projected lost revenue on the basis of a reduction in games, associated reduction in TV revenue, reduced revenue from social distancing in venues, reduced concession revenues. what are the projected increases in costs associated with all extra precautions that will need to be put in place? Those are just some starters that government will want factored in. It is understandable that they want a detailed business plan.

No doubt those 3 western teams can likely hang in. The Montreal situation is fragile to begin with. While Toronto is under the umbrella of MLSE that also encompasses all there sports franchises and a major loss or revenue likely with significant overhead. A major concern for the CFL is what appears to be a communication breakdown with the CFLPA. Even an attempt to play an abbreviated season likely brings questions as to how that impacts the CBA and player contracts. Like all pro leagues the fact that they are spread over a wide number of a States/ Provinces and jurisdictions makes it difficult for any one plan that covers all the restrictions and guidelines for startup. Another significant issue is the fact the CFL can’t survive playing in empty stadiums. Time will tell and unfortunately the clock is ticking.

How about losing a few pounds Wade? Not looking very healthy Bud.

Given the CFL has no answers I’m curious as to what information they provided you with? You would hope that season ticket revenue be held in a trust. I know that the CFL has indicated that the refunding of season ticket money is up to the individual teams.

The SkyDome does not meet NFL stadium guide line requirements . Who’s building the new stadium?

I don’t dispute that. But a large number are Americans. Given the financial state of the country are Canadian tax dollars going to be used to pay Americans not to work? It will be interesting.

The other interesting aspect is asking a Canadians to contribute when a significant number of the employees are Americans. This will be interesting. If the 2020 season is cancelled are people then getting paid not to work? One of those damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

It would be interesting to hear the CFLPAs take on that?

I think it isn’t just an impact on players with one year deals. These are all contractual employees you have to believe that any adjustments to games played and prorated salaries likely voids any contract. That has to be a concern moving forward.

The combination of injuries and the defence from last year being almost dismantled ( whoever you want to blame that upon) and now a new coach is going to change any of that? Seriously? Oh and PS....as great as #37 has been he has been equally weak....you get one or the other with him it seems.

The key to Hall’s playoff success was finally playing a REAL safety that could cover.

Sort out the secondary meant finally having a safety that can actually COVER and make plays....significantly lacking for a number of years....sorry Loeffler lovers but he couldn’t cover.

DC’s are only as good as the players they are given to use. When Ritchie Hall had no MLB and no #5 he was a bum....then he gets players and wins the Cup....go figure. Urban Bowman’s quote...”good players make you look good...bad players get’s you fired” RIP Urb.

The bigger issue is if ( and that remains a big if) ditto for when a 10th team gets added how much further will the Canadian player pool be diluted?

DC in Edm as well as ST

Having a successful on field product is the best sales tool. Excuses for failure in French doesn’t cut it.

Because speaking French will guarantee that the hire knows football? Please not Ma(choke)ca

The CFL officiating conspiracy theory remains alive....the refs are bias. Seriously....how many of you theorists have officiated any sport. It isn’t easy and clearly it is a thankless job. See you in Calgary.....