Oh no!

[Will]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TorontoArgos</a> QB MacLeod Bethel-Thompson has been sent home and is being held out of practice today because of attending the <a href="https://twitter.com/Raptors?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raptors</a> game at his team’s request. It’s a violation of CFL Covid protocol, which states he must now quarantine 4 days. Game day is Sunday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNDaveNaylor/status/1466806092768370689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[cfl-cis fan]

<iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" class="" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="Twitter Tweet" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyY XRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWx sfSwidGZ3X2hvcml6b25fdHdlZXRfZW1iZWRfOTU1NSI6eyJid WNrZXQiOiJodGUiLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3NwYWN lX2NhcmQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib2ZmIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsb H19&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1466806092768370689&lang=en&origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argofans.com%2Fshowthread. php%3F6630-Oh-no!%26p%3D157211&sessionId=a6807a4eac4db05786a0d42aa0f5b9550cd7e743&theme=light&widgetsVersion=9fd78d5%3A1638479056965&width=550px" data-tweet-id="1466806092768370689"></iframe>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



While this is a stupid rule, some one is in charge of this team and activities. Where does the blame lie. While players are held responsible for their actions on the field, should coaches and staff not also be held responsible for this....
<iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.21f942bb866c2823339b839747a0c50c.htm l?origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argofans.com" title="Twitter settings iframe" style="display: none;"></iframe><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;" title="Twitter analytics iframe"></iframe><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.21f942bb866c2823339b839747a0c50c.htm l?origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argofans.com" title="Twitter settings iframe" style="display: none;"></iframe><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;" title="Twitter analytics iframe"></iframe>

[paulwoods13]

And meanwhile, according to Madani (so take it for what it's worth, but IMO his reports are usually accurate), Masoli is unvaxed but will of course be playing.

If Argos end up playing this game without MBT, my lifelong love affair with the league and the team might finally be over. The org should not have placed their most important player at risk of getting quarantined, so that's on us, but the league needs to come to its senses as well.

[AngeloV]

If he was there on the request of the team, I'm guessing these are nothing but mind games being played by the Argos leading up to the game. Guessing today's practice is closed being the last one before the game (tomorrow is just a walk through). This would make the Ti-Cats have to prepare for a different type of QB in Pipkin as well as MBT. I will believe he isn't playing when I see it.

[Mightygoose]

If this is true then how can this oversight happen? It's a lose-lose situation.

Go with the rules: We're significant underdogs and it may cost us the season

Make an exception: The optics look bad as the league is giving different rules to the Argos

[argofan81]

Does anyone have a link as to what the actual league CFL protocols are? I know at the beginning of the year you basically were not allowed to go anywhere vaccinated or not but I *think* there were changes during the season if the players were fully vaccinated. Not trying to say that MBT didn’t break protocols, just curious as to what the actual protocols are?

[Will]

Does anyone have a link as to what the actual league CFL protocols are? I know at the beginning of the year you basically were not allowed to go anywhere vaccinated or not but I *think* there were changes during the season if the players were fully vaccinated. Not trying to say that MBT didn’t break protocols, just curious as to what the actual protocols are?

Good question. The provincial protocols have certainly evolved, but I don't think the league ever amended them.

[ArgoGabe22]

Nothing wrong with an altercation at a bar/restaurant though, if you're a Rider.

[shayman]

Hmm, I wonder how the league found out.

https://twitter.com/speedybanks87/status/1466750657273151490

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wow when I tried to go to raptors game the <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cfl</a> told me I couldn’t go ! I ain’t snitching but shit fishy ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Protocol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Protocol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tier1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tier1</a> <a href="https://t.co/iVuowKAPI1">https://t.co/iVuowKAPI1</a></p>&mdash; brandon banks (@speedybanks87) <a href="https://twitter.com/speedybanks87/status/1466750657273151490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Joe Barnes]

And meanwhile, according to Madani (so take it for what it's worth, but IMO his reports are usually accurate), Masoli is unvaxed but will of course be playing.

If Argos end up playing this game without MBT, my lifelong love affair with the league and the team might finally be over. The org should not have placed their most important player at risk of getting quarantined, so that's on us, but the league needs to come to its senses as well.

I agree with this sentiment 100%! We have been begging MLSE to do something to promote the team and this game, and they finally did! It is not MBT's fault that he attended this 'gathering' and was being reckless, the prevention of which is the intent of the rule. He was told to attend by his employer. If the league can't see past the 'letter of the law' in this case, I don't know what to say. Though it looks bad no matter what choice the league makes.

[SkalbaniasGhost]

Jacob Ruby and the CFLPA have got to be watching this situation intently.
Does Randy take the fall for this?

[DanTheFan]

My brother brought up an excellent point regarding the consistencies of COVID protocol between leagues. Nazem Kadri attended a Raptors game on Tuesday night, and played the Leafs the next day. Why doesn't the NHL view this as a breach of protocol? Is it because they were playing in the same arena? What makes the NHL more aware of what is risky behaviour compared to the CFL?

I'm fully prepared for a game where Pipkin is the starter, but definitely won't be happy about it. Not pinning it on MBT fully since he was answering the call of the higher-ups. I was wondering how this would play into next season hypothetically as I can't remember his contract status. If someone at MLSE put him up to it, AND he has played his last game as an Argo, would the team have a lawsuit on their hands? Sunday's game is where he can prove he's a money quarterback, and if he's kept out, then what?

[Jon Gonzo]

Just test the guy for heavens sake! Complete non-sense to risk a teams whole seasons' effort on something that means absolutely nothing, should he test negative. If he tested positive, well that's a whole new story. We have the technology and know-how to make this go away. There's a solution if the the League and CFLPA are brave enough to find it. If they don't, to me, its time for Ambrosie to go away.

[AngeloV]

I'm sure the fact that he was there at the request of his owners will play a big part in him being allowed to play on Sunday. He wasn't being reckless just for the sake of being reckless. He was doing something his owners requested, so he really should not be punished for this. Again, I guarantee (not a Patrick Levels guarantee though) that he will play.

[Wobbler]

"McLeod Bethel-Thompson, four other Argos must quarantine two days, record negative PCR test to play East Final" (https://3downnation.com/2021/12/03/mcleod-bethel-thompson-four-other-argos-must-quarantine-two-days-record-negative-pcr-test-to-play-east-final/).

Medically reasonable, but it sounds like the league is bending its own rules. I don't expect that to go over well outside of Toronto.

[AngeloV]

Well, the league has made their decision. 2 days quarantine, 3 negative tests and he is eligible to play. 4 other Argos were at the game too. Dexter McCoil, Charleston Hughes, Jeff Richards and Llevi Noel. Noel injured anyway, and the rest have to follow same quarantine and test rules as MBT.




https://www.cfl.ca/2021/12/03/cfl-issues-decision-status-argos-qb-mcleod-bethel-thompson/

[Jon Gonzo]

So the league has ruled, and if he passes two tests and quarantines from now till game time, he's a go. No meetings or practice for Mac, but rational minds prevailed. This is the CFL, I worried

[matthew]

Oh just let the guy drive on the left side of the road until he head-ons someone! All good till then right?


Just test the guy for heavens sake! Complete non-sense to risk a teams whole seasons' effort on something that means absolutely nothing, should he test negative. If he tested positive, well that's a whole new story. We have the technology and know-how to make this go away. There's a solution if the the League and CFLPA are brave enough to find it. If they don't, to me, its time for Ambrosie to go away.

[Mightygoose]

I think it's the best compromise that they can come up with. If he tests negative then there's no risk. The protocols we're dated anyways IMO, as long as MBT is fully vaxxed (I'm assuming he is) then why can't he go to a Raptor game like anyone else.

[matthew]

Us making the 2012 100th Grey Cup engendered copious amounts of conspiracy theories that of course were unwarranted.

This however, is a bit more cut and dried and you're right, outside of the city the sentiment is sure to be "I guess its Toronto's world and we're just playing in it"


"McLeod Bethel-Thompson, four other Argos must quarantine two days, record negative PCR test to play East Final" (https://3downnation.com/2021/12/03/mcleod-bethel-thompson-four-other-argos-must-quarantine-two-days-record-negative-pcr-test-to-play-east-final/).

Medically reasonable, but it sounds like the league is bending its own rules. I don't expect that to go over well outside of Toronto.

[Jon Gonzo]

Oh just let the guy drive on the left side of the road until he head-ons someone! All good till then right?

No, cos that is dangerous and could cost a life. Testing proves this safe. There is no test that proves driving on the wrong side of the road will ever be safe. No harm in testing players when we can. Safety first.

[Will]

What a mess this Friday, December 3, 2021 has been!

MBT was 'requested' to attend the game? By whom? Was this person aware of the CFL's COVID protocols? Don't the Argos themselves have someone ensuring compliance?

We can comment on the merit of the protocols, and whether the league should've adapted to changing parameters. Nonetheless, this will not put any of the conspiracy theories to bed.

[ArgoRavi]

To hell with Ticats fans and their conspiracy theories. Looking forward to the big game on Sunday.

[Will]

Cannot blame them for being upset.

What if roles were reversed, and Argos were potentially facing Watford instead of Masoli or Evans on Sunday?

[gilthethrill]

Cannot blame them for being upset.

What if roles were reversed, and Argos were potentially facing Watford instead of Masoli or Evans on Sunday?

Nothing MBT or the other Argo players who attended the Raptors game did anything that was even remotely unsafe. I would feel the exact same way if it were the TiCats starting D-Line in the same situation.

[Wobbler]

What a mess this Friday, December 3, 2021 has been!

MBT was 'requested' to attend the game? By whom? Was this person aware of the CFL's COVID protocols? Don't the Argos themselves have someone ensuring compliance?
Hopefully more details will come out, but this does look like a bad self-own by the team. The league probably shouldn't have abruptly "modified" the rules to give MBT the opportunity to play, but the Argos should never have created this situation in the first place.

[RB957]

I am glad this has been sorted out, but agree it doesn't look good. The policy itself sounds questionable. If I understand it correctly, he could have gone to a busy restaurant, the movies, a concert etc. etc., but not a sporting event? Makes no sense, especially when every single person in the venue has to prove they are vaccinated. And if the CFL enforced this rule, the irony would be that MBT could gain entry to the stadium and watch the game, but just not play in it. Again, makes no sense.

And I agree with the sentiment that if the roles were reversed, I would want the opponents to be able to field their best players.

[shayman]

How about this scenario: Pinball comes out and says "Our organization screwed up. It was a minor infraction, but an infraction nonetheless. We all agreed to these rules, so MBT will not be playing on Sunday."

And we lose with honour. Or win amazingly.

That might be better than what appears to be last-minute bending of the rules.

[paulwoods13]

Under the CFL's rules, players are not allowed to attend a mass event in which everyone over the age of 12 had to prove they were double vaxed, and everyone was expected to wear a mask (altho clearly the latter is seldom enforced at sporting events). But players are allowed -- required, actually -- to attend a mass event once a week in which individuals they come into contact with need not be vaccinated.

The no-mass-events rule made no sense as soon as govts started allowing mass events with everyone required to be double vaxed and masked.

As I said above, the Argos have to own this -- someone in the org either ignored or did not know the rules. Either way it's an epic fail that might cost us the championship.

MBT and the others being allowed to play (assuming they follow the protocol and pass the next two tests) is about the best outcome we could have hoped for, but make no mistake -- missing practice today is not "nothing." It was MBT's last chance to run some plays with his receivers before Sunday. That said, I now expect him to go off for 400 yards on Sunday.

What really galls me is that the league watered down the protocol it originally mooted for the post-Nov. 30 period when no one can fly without being double vaxed. Originally the league seemed to suggest that anyone who would not be allowed on a plane would not be allowed to play in the division final or the Grey Cup, regardless of whether or not a plane was needed to get to the game. That seemed the fairest way to deal with the obvious travel differences faced by teams in the West and the East. Instead, it appears everyone on Toronto and Hamilton can play both games, vaxed or not, but unvaxed players on Wpg and Sask are out of luck for the last two weekends. Sounds great for us and the Cats, except it means the two teams are likely to be playing on Sunday against (and alongside) some players who are not vaxed. Which would seem a bit riskier than attending a basketball game where everyone is double vaxed.

[Antwon]

I am glad this has been sorted out, but agree it doesn't look good. The policy itself sounds questionable. If I understand it correctly, he could have gone to a busy restaurant, the movies, a concert etc. etc., but not a sporting event? Makes no sense, especially when every single person in the venue has to prove they are vaccinated. And if the CFL enforced this rule, the irony would be that MBT could gain entry to the stadium and watch the game, but just not play in it. Again, makes no sense.

And I agree with the sentiment that if the roles were reversed, I would want the opponents to be able to field their best players.

I agree, if anything it shows how the rule is out of touch. MBT is vaccinated and went to an event where everyone is vaccinated. Shouldn't get the outcry its getting. I guess he should have went out Sunday night to a bar and got drunk and spent the night in holding....then it's not an issue!!!

If it's true Masoli isn't vaccinated, they should bar him from the game lol!

[paulwoods13]

If the situations were reversed, would I be happy to face Watford instead of Masoli? No. it might be a free pass to the Grey Cup, but I want to deserve the win.

Perhaps there are Ticats fans who feel the same way, but at this point all I'm seeing are people spitting mad about this, which in addition to playing into the usual conspiracy theories suggests some fear of the fully constituted Argos. Which is rather unusual.

[TheHammer]

I am glad this has been sorted out, but agree it doesn't look good. The policy itself sounds questionable. If I understand it correctly, he could have gone to a busy restaurant, the movies, a concert etc. etc., but not a sporting event? Makes no sense, especially when every single person in the venue has to prove they are vaccinated. And if the CFL enforced this rule, the irony would be that MBT could gain entry to the stadium and watch the game, but just not play in it. Again, makes no sense.

And I agree with the sentiment that if the roles were reversed, I would want the opponents to be able to field their best players.

Ticat fans are so starved for a Cup, at this point we don't even care how it happens.

Surely some of you Leaf supporters out there understand!

[TheHammer]

If the situations were reversed, would I be happy to face Watford instead of Masoli? No. it might be a free pass to the Grey Cup, but I want to deserve the win.

Perhaps there are Ticats fans who feel the same way, but at this point all I'm seeing are people spitting mad about this, which in addition to playing into the usual conspiracy theories suggests some fear of the fully constituted Argos. Which is rather unusual.
We just want a Cup. We don't care. I don't see an asterisk beside the '07 Riders for beating Dinwiddie instead of Glenn! It all counts the same.

[ArgoRavi]

If the situations were reversed, would I be happy to face Watford instead of Masoli? No. it might be a free pass to the Grey Cup, but I want to deserve the win.

Perhaps there are Ticats fans who feel the same way, but at this point all I'm seeing are people spitting mad about this, which in addition to playing into the usual conspiracy theories suggests some fear of the fully constituted Argos. Which is rather unusual.

You nailed it, Paul!

[OV Argo]

Riders' star D player L. Purifoy was arrested and apparently had to spend the night in a jail/holding tank after a restaurant fracas after last week's Riders West Semi win; I sure hope they have done all the due & proper testing and contact tracing to make sure everything is Ok there; and I'm sure all the cry-baby Rider fans are as concerned there as they are with the league bending over to let the Argos & MBT off the hook ? ;o)

[argolio]

whatever

[AngeloV]

What really galls me is that the league watered down the protocol it originally mooted for the post-Nov. 30 period when no one can fly without being double vaxed. Originally the league seemed to suggest that anyone who would not be allowed on a plane would not be allowed to play in the division final or the Grey Cup, regardless of whether or not a plane was needed to get to the game. That seemed the fairest way to deal with the obvious travel differences faced by teams in the West and the East. Instead, it appears everyone on Toronto and Hamilton can play both games, vaxed or not, but unvaxed players on Wpg and Sask are out of luck for the last two weekends. Sounds great for us and the Cats, except it means the two teams are likely to be playing on Sunday against (and alongside) some players who are not vaxed. Which would seem a bit riskier than attending a basketball game where everyone is double vaxed.

Can’t speak to the Cats vaccination rate, but Pinball said on overdrive today that all of the Argos players and staff still with the team have been vaccinated fully. Pretty sure the players that were released late in the year were released because they were not vaccinated and of no use to the team if they couldn’t play in December.

[ArgoRavi]

Pinball takes the blame: https://www.tsn.ca/video/pinball-on-bethel-thompson-incident-that-s-on-me~2336762?

[Wobbler]

"I did not ask that question when it was intimated about him. I assumed that protocols - the protocols that we've been following all year long - are in place..."

Pinball is fun and likeable, as always, but this failure won't be publicly addressed.

[AngeloV]

Pinball takes the blame: https://www.tsn.ca/video/pinball-on-bethel-thompson-incident-that-s-on-me~2336762?

He’s taking the blame to cover for someone.

[ArgoRavi]

He’s taking the blame to cover for someone.

Without a doubt.

[Shatto]

It appears Pinball has fallen on his sword for the sake of the organization. He indicates he decided not to intercede after becoming aware that the players were attending the Raptor's game. That leaves the obvious question ---who made the arrangements and notified MBT he was to attend the game for PR purposes. We know it wasn't the coach or GM of the Argos, so it has to be someone in the upper echelons of MLSE itself. The often invisible president, Manning, has been conspicuously absent in this whole situation. Wonder why?

The players should not be criticized for their attendance. After all, if an employee is informed by management that they are to perform a PR function for the organization by attending an event, who are they to question the directive? Especially if the directive comes from upper administration. I doubt we will ever know who made that directive.

This distraction can not have been helpful to the team, as they prepare for this critical game. To lose your starting QB for practices would be especially damaging in preparation for the game. Hopefully the team will overcome these problems and go on to win on Sunday

[Neely2005]

Well the silver lining is this is probably the most media coverage that the Argonauts have gotten in years. They're even mentioning the game tomorrow.

[AngeloV]

It was obvious someone from MLSE’s PR team that made the mistake. Manning or Pinball should have been aware of protocols and stepped in if in fact they were aware of the plan. Having said that, the protocols were put in place to stop players from being reckless. In no way was this reckless and should have been a non story, period.

As for missing practice yesterday and walk through today, I see it has having no effect. All the major work is done before the last practice and walk through before the game. He will still be involved in team meetings via zoom, so no great loss there either. This should have no effect on what happens on the field tomorrow.

[ArgoGabe22]

I think Pipkin should start, just to go after those whining about the CFL’s “rule change”. Argos will still win with Pipkin. Richard suck.

[Stevoman]

Outdated policy. The league needs to be shifting their rules based on rules within the country and so I'd say this is on Ambroise and also someone within MLSE.

[AngeloV]

Outdated policy. The league needs to be shifting their rules based on rules within the country and so I'd say this is on Ambroise and also someone within MLSE.

Not solely on Ambrosie. This is something that the league and PA had agreed upon. If there was to be a change, the PA would have had to be involved in it. Agreed though it should have been changed. When the rules regarding travel were set to kick in on Dec 1, the league and PA should have got together to make any amendments to the policy within reason.

[jerrym]

If Argos end up playing this game without MBT, my lifelong love affair with the league and the team might finally be over. The org should not have placed their most important player at risk of getting quarantined, so that's on us, but the league needs to come to its senses as well.

I get that you are upset but the team is more than MBT and there are more important issues than this, even if it were to cost the Argos a Grey Cup. I have been a fan since 1959 through many awful Argo teams, boneheaded management and a few players who ended up committing significant crimes. None of that changed my loyalty to the team. Human beings make mistakes, sometimes big mistakes. Every sport league, including the CFL, NFL, NHL, and NBA allowed players involved in domestic abuse to get away with no consequences for decades ever, only dealing with it when part of the fan base demanded otherwise. Blacks were not allowed to play in many sports for decades and decades and yet teams and fans rarely protested. Nearly every league ignored violations of drug enhanced performance rules for decades or stopped watching. The CFL at least gave many Blacks a chance to play when the mighty NFL would not. More recently Colin Kaepernick was blackballed and prevented from playing for taking a knee in protest to the killing of Blacks, yet most fans still watched and watch NFL games. Sports teams everywhere fly incredible number of miles without ever questioning how this affects climate change or doing the least to tackle an issue that according to the experts is going to create hundreds of millions of climate refugees, wipe many island nations and most of Bangladesh (population 160 million) off the face of the Earth through sea level rise, and quite likely make much of the Middle East uninhabitable, to say nothing of paralyzing BC through heat waves, wildfires, burnt communities, and just this month floods. Now the floods are causing major damage in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. And global warming damage is going to get much, much worse around the world. Has any sport team really tackled its contribution to the problem? Are you really saying preventing MBT from playing would have been so horrendous, that would stop you watching the CFL?

[OV Argo]

Agreed on much of what you say jerry; but tell you what: if MLSE decides to go to the XFL and succeeds in taking the Argonauts name with them, I will totally cease being an Argo fan (since early 60s) - not a second of attention or a penny spent = matter of principal and standing up for CANADIAN football.

[Shatto]

[QUOTE=OV Argo;157294]Agreed on much of what you say jerry; but tell you what: if MLSE decides to go to the XFL and succeeds in taking the Argonauts name with them, I will totally cease being an Argo fan (since early 60s) - not a second of attention or a penny spent = matter of principal and standing up for CANADIAN football.[/QUOTE

I strongly agree with everything you said. Well put!

[Mocha]

Agreed on much of what you say jerry; but tell you what: if MLSE decides to go to the XFL and succeeds in taking the Argonauts name with them, I will totally cease being an Argo fan (since early 60s) - not a second of attention or a penny spent = matter of principal and standing up for CANADIAN football.

I'm with you on that, too.

BUT

If they take an Argos team to the XFL for a spring league AND keep them in the CFL for the summer-fall, I'd probably watch them all year.

[paulwoods13]

I get that you are upset but the team is more than MBT and there are more important issues than this, even if it were to cost the Argos a Grey Cup. I have been a fan since 1959 through many awful Argo teams, boneheaded management and a few players who ended up committing significant crimes. None of that changed my loyalty to the team. Human beings make mistakes, sometimes big mistakes. Every sport league, including the CFL, NFL, NHL, and NBA allowed players involved in domestic abuse to get away with no consequences for decades ever, only dealing with it when part of the fan base demanded otherwise. Blacks were not allowed to play in many sports for decades and decades and yet teams and fans rarely protested. Nearly every league ignored violations of drug enhanced performance rules for decades or stopped watching. The CFL at least gave many Blacks a chance to play when the mighty NFL would not. More recently Colin Kaepernick was blackballed and prevented from playing for taking a knee in protest to the killing of Blacks, yet most fans still watched and watch NFL games. Sports teams everywhere fly incredible number of miles without ever questioning how this affects climate change or doing the least to tackle an issue that according to the experts is going to create hundreds of millions of climate refugees, wipe many island nations and most of Bangladesh (population 160 million) off the face of the Earth through sea level rise, and quite likely make much of the Middle East uninhabitable, to say nothing of paralyzing BC through heat waves, wildfires, burnt communities, and just this month floods. Now the floods are causing major damage in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. And global warming damage is going to get much, much worse around the world. Has any sport team really tackled its contribution to the problem? Are you really saying preventing MBT from playing would have been so horrendous, that would stop you watching the CFL?

Those issues, as important as they all are, have little or no relevance to this particular issue. My words were said in a moment of anger, and probably not as measured as I'd have liked. But at the same time, if the Argos had been severely punished for doing what fans here and around the league have been demanding for years -- using MLSE's massive resources and fanbases for its other sports teams to promote its football team -- yes, I would have been furious. Clearly MBT's attendance at the game was not a case of deliberately flouting the rules (which are outdated and should have been revised to reflect changing public health directives, but that's a different issue) for personal reasons. It was done at the team's behest to drum up interest in the team and its biggest game in four years. Something we have all been wanting it to do. Someone (or multiple someones) within MLSE screwed up big time in either not realizing this was a violation, or choosing to ignore that fact. Either way, it's a big screwup for which those responsible should be held accountable. But to then penalize the player who did what he was asked to do, and the fans who would face going to a playoff game where their team's chances of winning had been severely curtailed, would have been too much to just shrug off. I've lost a lot of my love of the league in recent years because it is not close to what made me fall in love with it -- a more exciting, wide-open brand of football than is played down south -- and because it is so badly run, with nine franchises all seeming to act solely out of self-interest rather than toward the common good. Doesn't mean I don't still love the Argos. (And for the record, I expect I will continue to love the Argos even if they end up playing in a different league. I would hate to leave the CFL, but in some ways the CFL left me quite a few years ago. Maybe it can return to the fast-paced, action-packed game of the 1980s and '90s, but I'm not seeing much evidence the league actually wants to make the type of changes that would be needed to achieve that.)

[jerrym]

Agreed on much of what you say jerry; but tell you what: if MLSE decides to go to the XFL and succeeds in taking the Argonauts name with them, I will totally cease being an Argo fan (since early 60s) - not a second of attention or a penny spent = matter of principal and standing up for CANADIAN football.


[QUOTE=OV Argo;157294]Agreed on much of what you say jerry; but tell you what: if MLSE decides to go to the XFL and succeeds in taking the Argonauts name with them, I will totally cease being an Argo fan (since early 60s) - not a second of attention or a penny spent = matter of principal and standing up for CANADIAN football.[/QUOTE

I strongly agree with everything you said. Well put!




I'm with you on that, too.

BUT

If they take an Argos team to the XFL for a spring league AND keep them in the CFL for the summer-fall, I'd probably watch them all year.

I also agree that if the Argos are moved to the XFL (which I think would be a way of killing it anyway since I doubt the league, let alone the Argos, would survive) I couldn't be bothered to watch the team as I wouldn't have any sense of attachment.

[ArgoRavi]

The Argos aren't moving to the XFL. That is a ridiculous rumour that makes zero sense.