The Canadian Football League Players Association has yet to ratify the latest CBA proposal from the league, which CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has stated is final. In the deal, the number of true starting Canadians will drop to six with the a “naturalized” American filling the 7th non-import spot.
Riders’ player rep Brett Lauther isn’t happy with the prospect of losing a Canadian starter.
“Canadian players are important in markets like Winnipeg and Saskatchewan but just bigger picture in Toronto and BC it isn’t the same feeling. I don’t want to lose Canadians but sometimes there is some give and take involved with this union,” said Lauther.
The 31-year-old kicker was asked why was the league was so worried about rules changes and improvements instead of hammering out a CBA?
“Realistically the CBA should be done before free agency. This deal should have been done a long time ago!”
Lauther doesn’t believe the union is feeling pressure because of a league-imposed deadline . ” It’s the like 5th time it’s been their final offer so that won’t change guys opinions or concerns.”
The CFLPA has until 10 pm Saskatchewan time on Thursday to ratify the deal or be locked out. Which would mean the cancellation of pre-season games starting Friday.
