CFL, CFLPA could lower the number of Canadian starters: sources

[AngeloV]

DAVIS: Ratio must stay the same to preserve essence of CFL:

https://3downnation.com/2019/03/16/d...ssence-of-cfl/

Agree 100%

[OV Argo]

They may or may not be, despite what Ramsay's tweets said. What's said for public consumption in bargaining is often different than what's said behind closed doors (at the table AND in caucus). However, I'm pretty sure the two parties agreed at the outset to refrain from bargaining in public; if so, then both sides have a right to be mad about this. It's also possible one side planted the story (regardless of its veracity) to advance its interests at the table. My money's on mgmt if that happened. It's also possible someone on either side -- and not necessarily someone in position to actually know what has been discussed -- went rogue. Again, until someone with a more accomplished track record of breaking stories based on unidentified sources comes out with something similar, I'm viewing this as little more than noise, and miles away from being a done deal. And again, this is less than ONE WEEK into bargaining, with the CFLPA finally employing a strong negotiator (Georgetti) and players talking tougher than in past go-rounds. Even if a majority of PA members would like to see the number of NATs (or NAT starters) reduced, why would the PA show its hand this early? I've been hyper-critical of their failure to bargain well in the past, so I guess it's possible they would screw things up again, but it seems far less likely with Georgetti on their side.

Trial balloon - by either the CFLPA, or, the BOG/GOBs ?

[1971GreyCup]

What is it that makes the CFL special? Is it the 3 down, 12 man and other different rules? Field size? The Canadians. If the league wants to survive and grow it has to answer these questions.


I re-watched the “Heroes of the Game” (link below) and note a big part of the history of the game was the Americans that came to Canada and made their name and stayed here. Let’s not forget that the CFL was built on the likes of Americans like Jackie Parker, Warren Moon and Doug Flutie. What makes the CFL different was that it was built on the shoulders of Canadians like Russ Jackson, Terry Evanson, Neil Lumsden and Jim Young.

For that reason, I’d be favour of any change in ratio due only to to a reclassification for International (with an asterisk) for those committed to the CFL and local communities.

I’d also rethink the ratio for Canadian designations result of being born in Canada but learning football 100% in the USA.

I’d consider a new position outside of International, International* and Canadian to grow the game outside of North America.

CFL Tribute Grey Cup (1987)

https://youtu.be/hDvqCJn1Mwc

[paulwoods13]

Trial balloon - by either the CFLPA, or, the BOG/GOBs ?

Entirely possible. But almost certainly not something both sides are already making clear they are willing to do.

[Neely2005]

This is a total joke and a disgrace if they go through with it. It's the *Canadian* Football League, dammit.

Beyond that: a dangerously slippery slope once the precedent gets set to reduce the number of homegrown players. https://t.co/ZrfV5SrhUD

— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) March 16, 2019

What do Doug Flutie, Anthony Calvillo, Bo Levi Mitchell, Mike Reilly, Pinball Clemons, Damon Allen, Milt Stegall, Merv Fernandez, Angelo Mosca, Don Matthews, George Reed, Ron Lancaster, Warren Moon, Garney Henley, Allen Pitts have in common?
All of them are American. https://t.co/fXF1FOOvAE

— steve simmons (@simmonssteve) March 16, 2019

[AngeloV]

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if someone on the leagues part fed this as misinformation to Dunk to get the PA fighting among themselves. If twitter is any indication, the American players and the Canadian players have a huge difference of opinion here.

[Argo57]

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if someone on the leagues part fed this as misinformation to Dunk to get the PA fighting among themselves. If twitter is any indication, the American players and the Canadian players have a huge difference of opinion here.

Could be Angelo, once again the CFLPA appears as fractured and vulnerable as ever.

[Neely2005]

Rick Campbell says Canadian talent is great but maybe the ratio should go down anyway:

https://3downnation.com/2019/03/17/r...o-down-anyway/

[Neely2005]

Fourteen Tweets that show just how divided the CFLPA is on the ratio:

https://3downnation.com/2019/03/17/f...-on-the-ratio/

[Neely2005]

You have the AAF and XFL, neither have a ratio and both also pay in USD. Why don’t you just play there? 🤮💀🖕🏽

— Andrew Harris (@andrewharris33) March 17, 2019

[Neely2005]

Timely tweet Dunk, Obviously a tactic to divide the players. But since we are on the subject. Ratio stays for reasons I’ve explained in the past. But I’d like to see the ratio be included in management and coaching staffs. To grow the game on all levels within the country. ☠️🏈

— Calvin McCarty (@calvinmccarty31) March 17, 2019

[AngeloV]

Agree 100% with McCarty.

Without Canadians, this league may as well just be another crappy spring American league, because you will never see anything close to roster stability if you can freely replace the entire roster with cheaper options every year. The American players complaining about what they make compared to Canadian starters don't seem to understand this.

Dumbest tweet I read yesterday was a complaint about a 6th lineman making more than a starting RB or LB. I call BS on this. Maybe on the entry level deal, but an American good enough to get a 2nd contract after his entry is not making less than a 6th o-lineman.

[Neely2005]

Agree 100% with McCarty.

Without Canadians, this league may as well just be another crappy spring American league, because you will never see anything close to roster stability if you can freely replace the entire roster with cheaper options every year. The American players complaining about what they make compared to Canadian starters don't seem to understand this.

Dumbest tweet I read yesterday was a complaint about a 6th lineman making more than a starting RB or LB. I call BS on this. Maybe on the entry level deal, but an American good enough to get a 2nd contract after his entry is not making less than a 6th o-lineman.

Agreed. None of the American players grew up hoping to play in the CFL. Most of them had probably never even heard of the CFL.

Most Americans go home after the season and/or after their CFL career is over. There's nothing wrong with that but most American players aren't going to be as invested in the league as Canadian players are.

Lots of dumb Tweets:

I never said I was more important then a line man... they just shouldn’t b highest paid ! They don’t put in half the work a QB/WR/MLB/S do.. not one position wouldnt work without the other position beside him so that point u made was trash ... https://t.co/vBamREA9es

— brandon banks (@speedybanks87) March 17, 2019

All the athletes on field put in hard work but it’s definitely levels to it ! They wake up and learn a blocking scheme that’s it ! Ask what a qb has to learn and do day in and day out ?! Idc what our lineman think they kno Im a team player and will do anything for them ! https://t.co/QZ5sFKRNXj

— brandon banks (@speedybanks87) March 17, 2019

[doubleblue]

This ratio thing has stirred up a hornets nest again. I surprised we haven't seen a Poll by now.

We've got these people. I'm never going to another game.


These guys. Get rid of the ratio.


These ones. Get rid of the Imports.




These ones. The world is coming.




CFLPA.



Randy.




Me. I'm going and watching no matter what happens.

[R.J]

This ratio thing has stirred up a hornets nest again. I surprised we haven't seen a Poll by now.

We've got these people. I'm never going to another game.

This one is my favourite, because there's so many people saying this on twitter, and yet I'd be willing to bet they pay no attention to USports Football...

[AngeloV]

Agreed. None of the American players grew up hoping to play in the CFL. Most of them had probably never even heard of the CFL.

Most Americans go home after the season and/or after their CFL career is over. There's nothing wrong with that but most American players aren't going to be as invested in the league as Canadian players are.

Lots of dumb Tweets:

I never said I was more important then a line man... they just shouldn’t b highest paid ! They don’t put in half the work a QB/WR/MLB/S do.. not one position wouldnt work without the other position beside him so that point u made was trash ... https://t.co/vBamREA9es

— brandon banks (@speedybanks87) March 17, 2019

All the athletes on field put in hard work but it’s definitely levels to it ! They wake up and learn a blocking scheme that’s it ! Ask what a qb has to learn and do day in and day out ?! Idc what our lineman think they kno Im a team player and will do anything for them ! https://t.co/QZ5sFKRNXj

— brandon banks (@speedybanks87) March 17, 2019

Banks' tweets regarding hard work make me laugh. Is this not the same guy that quit in the last minute of a Grey Cup game because he had a TD called back? He may be very fast, very quick, but definitely not the sharpest tool in the drawer.

[Neely2005]

WAR ERUPTS OVER CFL CANADIAN RATIO DECREASE:

http://www.rodpedersen.com/2019/03/w...ratio.html?m=1

[Neely2005]

You ‘Merican #CFL guys kill me...Talkin’ bout they so much better than CDN’s/shouldn’t be a ratio LMFAO. Y’all REALLY think CDN citizens gonna come out to watch a league full of #NFL rejects without any local Canadian boys? 🤣 sheeeeit...league would fold in 3 yrs ya big dummies

— Ricky Foley (@Foley4Real) March 18, 2019

[Stevoman]

Well, this all blew up quickly! The comment that had me shake my head the most was Duron Carter calling out Ricky Foley and asking what exactly Foley had done in this league!

I fully acknowledge that the CFL needs American talent in order to make this league work but it also needs Canadian depth at all levels (players, coaches, management, etc.).

The Americans that come to the CFL that have been humbled and embrace not only the CFL, but the country itself, are the one's that help make the CFL so special (not the ones that are only trying to get back to the NFL). When you combine that kind of attitude from an American player with homegrown, Canadian players, then you have the making for a very unique brand of football and a very special league.

[R.J]

You ‘Merican #CFL guys kill me...Talkin’ bout they so much better than CDN’s/shouldn’t be a ratio LMFAO. Y’all REALLY think CDN citizens gonna come out to watch a league full of #NFL rejects without any local Canadian boys? 🤣 sheeeeit...league would fold in 3 yrs ya big dummies

— Ricky Foley (@Foley4Real) March 18, 2019

I give Foley credit for seeing both sides of the coin though.

weren’t you an nfl reject too? Stop it. Cfl isnt even a Canadians first choice league. I don’t care about ratio whatsoever. Have as many Canadians as you want but if he is a backing me up at my position. No way he should be making more than me. Period. No other league does that.

— Anthony Orange (@AJJefferson) March 18, 2019

Tottally agree...CDN backup can’t be making $100-150k and starting vet American making 60k. That’s a problem

— Ricky Foley (@Foley4Real) March 18, 2019