2019-20 Stamps and CFL off-season thread

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by jayswin

This is a rosey Canadian view of what the CFL means to the NFL, haha. This isn't the 90's/early 2000's. Now a days the NFL gets what - a dozen players that battle for legitimate spots in training camp, and then 3-4 that make active rosters? All of them replacement level or slightly above? That is as close to literally nothing as you can get.

But it wouldn't really be the CFL anymore...not saying if it would work or not but in this scenario they are playing NFL rules and somehow affiliated with NFL teams...they would be some interest, more than the current CFL anyway.

On another note if the CFL folds lol at those brand new stadiums in the middle of butt #### nowhere the usual suspects are always bragging about

[jayswin]

There's no "lol" to any of this situation if you're Canadian. It's a very difficult time for second tier professional sports leagues.

[Crown Royal]

With how the seasons are staggered, that opens up the possibility to having the CFL (with NFL rules) as a summer league. It would likely result in a shorter CFL season and the games to take place May/June through August. It would work well as a place to send new draft picks and other players that are expected to spend the year on the practice roster to get quality reps in that they do not currently get, before the NFL season starts.

However, since NFL teams would need to share CFL franchises, the league would have to be run by the NFL itself and not the actual NFL franchises, which I think would mean the franchises who ultimately would have to vote to approve such a thing would be less interested in pouring money into the CFL as they wouldn't be able to have control of the usage and development of the players.

[tvp2003]

I don’t see any reason why the NFL would have any interest in “running” a league in Canada. Their “minor league” is the NCAA and they have no shortage of star and non-star players to pick from.

Assuming the CFL does survive this, it certainly puts a bigger microscope over how the league and its teams are doing. I think the players could benefit from this, although there will likely be some short term pain in the meantime...

[The Familia]

Personally, if the CFL dies I think that would signal the end of my professional sports interest. I really haven’t missed sports all that much during this break. I can’t stand basketball, baseball, golf, auto sports, curling and a host of other things. While I obviously follow the Flames and like hockey, the direction the league and the uselessness of the Flames themselves has really turned me into a casual fan.

The CFL is the only league that I follow very closely and have a connection with. I appreciate the Canadian nature of the league, it’s history, and the fact that no one playing is a millionaire. I would actually be pretty choked to see the league fall apart. As I mentioned in a post a few pages back, if there is one league worth saving and receiving some government assistance, it’s the CFL.

[White Out 403]

Originally Posted by dino7c

But it wouldn't really be the CFL anymore...not saying if it would work or not but in this scenario they are playing NFL rules and somehow affiliated with NFL teams...they would be some interest, more than the current CFL anyway.

On another note if the CFL folds lol at those brand new stadiums in the middle of butt #### nowhere the usual suspects are always bragging about

Garbage post. Very Toronto-esque.

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by White Out 403

Garbage post. Very Toronto-esque.

Sure garbage post and would hate to lose the CFL but it would be ironic seeing how many edmonton, rider and bummer fans rag on Calgary for having to play at McMahon and how they marvel at their shiny stadiums. All would sit empty but at least McMahon could be demolished without a second thought.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Crown Royal

With how the seasons are staggered, that opens up the possibility to having the CFL (with NFL rules) as a summer league. It would likely result in a shorter CFL season and the games to take place May/June through August. It would work well as a place to send new draft picks and other players that are expected to spend the year on the practice roster to get quality reps in that they do not currently get, before the NFL season starts.

However, since NFL teams would need to share CFL franchises, the league would have to be run by the NFL itself and not the actual NFL franchises, which I think would mean the franchises who ultimately would have to vote to approve such a thing would be less interested in pouring money into the CFL as they wouldn't be able to have control of the usage and development of the players.

That would be really dangerous from a players safety standpoint. Having players playing a massive collision sport like football for lets say 32 weeks would really not be a good idea.


The NFL doesn't need full time developmental. There are likely hundreds of college football players that granduate each year, and the ones in the top three rounds or more are incredibly polished players. So the league picks from a pool of mature players each and every year.


They don't need a league that focuses for 18 games on the fundamentals of football. If you don't have it you're not getting looked at its not worth the effort with another crop of players coming next year.


When the NFL had developmental leagues in Europe it really didn't create a bounty of players.


If you can't stick to a special teams position or get some development on the practice roster your not worth investing in.


The NFL and football development doesn't equate to hockey or basketball where you need minor league development.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

College players age out, and the ones that don't make the NFL need to go somewhere. Right now, that's the CFL and there's more than a few college stars that became NFL late bloomers after a stint in the CFL. Not sure there's much else out there at that level.

I also agree that if anything happened to the CFL, you might see a formal NFL Reserve League established out of the CFL with some US teams tossed in. Markets and franchises are established. The downside is that a lot of die hard CFL fans might reject NFL div 2 status and you may not see much in the way of attendance.

I’m a CFL fan of over 50 years and have had season tickets for 35 years in part because we have our own unique game. I wouldn’t support an American version with American rules. Our game is awesome. I’d agree to give up the money I’ve already paid for what might be a lost season to save the league I love.

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

I’m a CFL fan of over 50 years and have had season tickets for 35 years in part because we have our own unique game. I wouldn’t support an American version with American rules. Our game is awesome. I’d agree to give up the money I’ve already paid for what might be a lost season to save the league I love.

i would agree if the ownership was a different structure like some community ownership, i wouldnt give up a dime to this ownership group. i do agree with you, i have great memories of this team and even the old broken down stadium

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

i would agree if the ownership was a different structure like some community ownership, i wouldnt give up a dime to this ownership group. i do agree with you, i have great memories of this team and even the old broken down stadium

My team is community owned and I’d let them keep the money for this season if it meant the CFL would then survive.

[Yoho]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1259574139821555712

[Joborule]

Yeah, there's just no way the CFL can pay back $150 million to pay back the loan they're asking for. The league doesn't make enough for theme to generate enough revenue to cover that cost, while covering expenses, and making a profit. A bailout is a more appropriate term

An interesting point brought up in that article is that it could open up a can of worms, since every other league that may not be financially viable, are gonna be asking for government assistances also. It's a slippery slope if the government does finance the CFL.

[CaptainCrunch]

Um Cynamon was a terrible owner. He literally sucked the life out of the franchise and hired incompetant boobs to run the team for it so, screw you buddy.


And yeah ironic that the CBC that's a constant rating, financial and advertising failure and literally nobody is watching their flagship programs is showing shade. I guess they want alls the government money.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Joborule

Yeah, there's just no way the CFL can pay back $150 million to pay back the loan they're asking for. The league doesn't make enough for theme to generate enough revenue to cover that cost, while covering expenses, and making a profit. A bailout is a more appropriate term

An interesting point brought up in that article is that it could open up a can of worms, since every other league that may not be financially viable, are gonna be asking for government assistances also. It's a slippery slope if the government does finance the CFL.

Not every other league has the history and cultural significance of the Grey Cup. Not every other league is as different as the CFL.


If the government can flop out $500 million dollars for the arts, they can flop out some money for a league that employs Canadians coast to coast while generating tax revenue and keeping otherwise abandoned stadiums in business.

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Not every other league has the history and cultural significance of the Grey Cup. Not every other league is as different as the CFL.


If the government can flop out $500 million dollars for the arts, they can flop out some money for a league that employs Canadians coast to coast while generating tax revenue and keeping otherwise abandoned stadiums in business.

The two paragraphs can conflict each other though in why other leagues - lets say women's pro hockey leagues for instance - could argue that if CFL gets funding, they should too.

They may not have the prestige as the CFL may have, but they would be providing jobs across the nation just like the CFL does. And that will be the big selling point in why the government should help out the CFL. So why shouldn't the government help out the others if it's about ensuring jobs don't get axed?

Continuing with the women's league example since it's relevant right now, they could say with the league being active that not only will it provide jobs, but it will push the stature of women in hockey (and sports in general) further. They could argue that has more significance than the Grey Cup and history of the league since it promotes gender equality. And that's the flavour of choice with the current Trudeau government.

The CFL will likely get its funding, but others are gonna be coming out expecting that same.

[calgarygeologist]

I'm not a CFL fan for a few reasons but primarily I don't like the playing schedule and I don't like the three down format. I posted my opinion in the XFL thread after talking with my buddy about the demise of the XFL and I would have encouraged a merger/partnership/whatever between the CFL and XFL. I think it would be great to see a 20 team, North American League that plays April to August.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Joborule

The two paragraphs can conflict each other though in why other leagues - lets say women's pro hockey leagues for instance - could argue that if CFL gets funding, they should too.

They may not have the prestige as the CFL may have, but they would be providing jobs across the nation just like the CFL does. And that will be the big selling point in why the government should help out the CFL. So why shouldn't the government help out the others if it's about ensuring jobs don't get axed?

Continuing with the women's league example since it's relevant right now, they could say with the league being active that not only will it provide jobs, but it will push the stature of women in hockey (and sports in general) further. They could argue that has more significance than the Grey Cup and history of the league since it promotes gender equality. And that's the flavour of choice with the current Trudeau government.

The CFL will likely get its funding, but others are gonna be coming out expecting that same.

Sure except the woman's pro leagues were a bust before the Covid Virus hit, they were pretty well in shut down.



The CFL by missing a possible entire season is in jeopardy of folding.


As well which league has more of an impact from a employment and tax perspective.


The CFL is far more relevant and historically significant then the woman's league.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Joborule

The two paragraphs can conflict each other though in why other leagues - lets say women's pro hockey leagues for instance - could argue that if CFL gets funding, they should too.

They may not have the prestige as the CFL may have, but they would be providing jobs across the nation just like the CFL does. And that will be the big selling point in why the government should help out the CFL. So why shouldn't the government help out the others if it's about ensuring jobs don't get axed?

Continuing with the women's league example since it's relevant right now, they could say with the league being active that not only will it provide jobs, but it will push the stature of women in hockey (and sports in general) further. They could argue that has more significance than the Grey Cup and history of the league since it promotes gender equality. And that's the flavour of choice with the current Trudeau government.

The CFL will likely get its funding, but others are gonna be coming out expecting that same.

Weird example as women's hockey was pushing all of these things before covid and was getting 10-100 fans a game and providing a couple dozen jobs nationwide, mostly unpaid.

The CFL is not as strong as it needs to be but your comparison was like Joe's convenience store with a single location in 6 cities comparing itself to Safeway in importance, stature and ability to provide jobs.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by jayswin

There's no "lol" to any of this situation if you're Canadian. It's a very difficult time for second tier professional sports leagues.

silver lining?

I wouldn't hope for it, however I think it was ridiculous to build those stadiums for a second (at best) tier league that isn't very stable at the best of times