Orridge stepping down as CFL Commissioner today; TSN

[paulwoods13]

Yeah, being a lawyer is meaningless. A bag boy would be just as qualified in a role as complex as a commissioner.
No one said THAT qualifies him, but it's not like you just roll out of bed to become a lawyer. It can say something about your abilities.

It can say something about your knowledge of the law (albeit there are many different types of law, and no one practises or is expert in all of them), and it certainly can say something about your ability to learn and think through complex subjects. You clearly need to be smart and hard-working to get through any reputable law school and be called to the bar. But does simply doing so say anything about your ability to attract new customers, increase revenue, grow a business? I'd say No.

If we need a commissioner to negotiate a lot of contracts and fight a lot of legal challenges, then a lawyer might be best choice (altho, again, what type of lawyer -- real estate? tax? corporate? labour? estate?). But if we need someone to provide leadership and pull together a group of disparate stakeholders who compete aggressively against one another, and to develop sustainable new streams of revenue, what evidence is there to support appointing a lawyer over someone who has actually done those things, or has demonstrated the aptitude/potential to do so? I'm sure Climie is a smart and accomplished lawyer, but has he done anything in his career that suggests he could grow this business into one that is profitable in all markets and provides a better living for the players?

[ArgoGabe22]

If we need a commissioner to negotiate a lot of contracts and fight a lot of legal challenges, then a lawyer might be best choice (altho, again, what type of lawyer -- real estate? tax? corporate? labour? estate?). But if we need someone to provide leadership and pull together a group of disparate stakeholders who compete aggressively against one another, and to develop sustainable new streams of revenue, what evidence is there to support appointing a lawyer over someone who has actually done those things, or has demonstrated the aptitude/potential to do so? I'm sure Climie is a smart and accomplished lawyer, but has he done anything in his career that suggests he could grow this business into one that is profitable in all markets and provides a better living for the players?

And what has Pinball done that everyone keeps throwing his name at every job possible? No former player has been a commissioner in any other sport but for some reason CFL fans and media are calling for former players like Pinball, Forde, Climie and Suitor.

[BATKINSON001]

And what has Pinball done that everyone keeps throwing his name at every job possible? No former player has been a commissioner in any other sport but for some reason CFL fans and media are calling for former players like Pinball, Forde, Climie and Suitor.

we want people who knows ow the league and the Canadian game inside and out and be someone that the fans can get behind and support.

[ArgoGabe22]

we want people who knows ow the league and the Canadian game inside and out and be someone that the fans can get behind and support.

If that's the only requirement to become Commissioner, there must be hundreds of candidates out there.

[Jayahre]

we want people who knows ow the league and the Canadian game inside and out and be someone that the fans can get behind and support.

Orridge, Cohon, John Tory, Tom Wright - none of them knew football or the Canadian game. They were all CEO type people, Orridge negotiated the Olympic rights for the CBC and with FIFA for the World Cup. Cohon was an NBA executive and head of international development.
Bettman is head of the NHL he didn't know anything about hockey but he got them a huge TV contract. He probably saved every struggling team in the NHL.

The last time we had an ex CFL player as the commish we gained the Las Vegas Posse, the Barracudas and lost the Ottawa Roughriders.
The new commish will be someone that CFL fans have never heard of. They will possibly come from the NBA or MLB and they may not be Canadian.

[Jon Gonzo]

And what has Pinball done that everyone keeps throwing his name at every job possible? No former player has been a commissioner in any other sport but for some reason CFL fans and media are calling for former players like Pinball, Forde, Climie and Suitor.

There is a reason for it. Reason is; it has worked before.

The CFL's longest tenured and glory years Commish was Jake Gaudaur, who won two Grey Cups as a player and played for the Argos, Als and Ticats.

Larry Smith and Bill Baker were also former CFL Players.

Larry Smith is a Lawyer and Senator. Doug Mitchell is Lawyer. John Tory is a Lawyer and a Mayor. Orridge is a Lawyer from Harvard.

So yes, Law is a benefit that has aided many, many executives, including in the CFL.

Pinball Clemons has been a Grey Cup winning Player & Coach, he has been in the Front Office as a VP and President and has sat on the board as a Governor

He's in the HOF, had his number retired and is one of the most popular players to ever play in the CFL. He is one of the best and most sought after motivational speakers there is and the press absolutely falls all over him. The Conservatives have been begging for Pinner to run for years now. There's a chance he'll be a future Senator.

I think the question would be better stated as "what HASN'T Pinball accomplished that he ever set his mind too?"

[Will]

It can say something about your knowledge of the law (albeit there are many different types of law, and no one practises or is expert in all of them), and it certainly can say something about your ability to learn and think through complex subjects. You clearly need to be smart and hard-working to get through any reputable law school and be called to the bar. But does simply doing so say anything about your ability to attract new customers, increase revenue, grow a business? I'd say No.

If we need a commissioner to negotiate a lot of contracts and fight a lot of legal challenges, then a lawyer might be best choice (altho, again, what type of lawyer -- real estate? tax? corporate? labour? estate?). But if we need someone to provide leadership and pull together a group of disparate stakeholders who compete aggressively against one another, and to develop sustainable new streams of revenue, what evidence is there to support appointing a lawyer over someone who has actually done those things, or has demonstrated the aptitude/potential to do so? I'm sure Climie is a smart and accomplished lawyer, but has he done anything in his career that suggests he could grow this business into one that is profitable in all markets and provides a better living for the players?

That's what having capable legal counsel is for.

[argos1873]

It can say something about your knowledge of the law (albeit there are many different types of law, and no one practises or is expert in all of them), and it certainly can say something about your ability to learn and think through complex subjects. You clearly need to be smart and hard-working to get through any reputable law school and be called to the bar. But does simply doing so say anything about your ability to attract new customers, increase revenue, grow a business? I'd say No.

If we need a commissioner to negotiate a lot of contracts and fight a lot of legal challenges, then a lawyer might be best choice (altho, again, what type of lawyer -- real estate? tax? corporate? labour? estate?). But if we need someone to provide leadership and pull together a group of disparate stakeholders who compete aggressively against one another, and to develop sustainable new streams of revenue, what evidence is there to support appointing a lawyer over someone who has actually done those things, or has demonstrated the aptitude/potential to do so? I'm sure Climie is a smart and accomplished lawyer, but has he done anything in his career that suggests he could grow this business into one that is profitable in all markets and provides a better living for the players?

Well, I was mostly comparing him to Duane Forde as that was who was also mentioned. Not to every other potential candidate. And I added that he is a lawyer, because I believe it is an asset that helps him, not hurts him. In no way am I advocating for Climie, he was just mentioned as someone to consider along with Forde, and if it were between those 2 I would be prefer Climie, and him being a lawyer, helps. I also wasn't advocating that lawyers need be only considered.

I agree with you by the way, I only think you are not understanding what I'm saying. To sum up, I like Climie over Forde, I don't think either will ever be considered, and Climie being a lawyer helps him due to the skills required to become one, but doesn't automatically qualify him. Apologies if I didn't make that clear.

[paulwoods13]

To sum up, I like Climie over Forde, I don't think either will ever be considered, and Climie being a lawyer helps him due to the skills required to become one, but doesn't automatically qualify him. Apologies if I didn't make that clear.

No apology needed, just a minor disagreement/misunderstanding between friends.