Each teams receive an equal share of the 150 M relief
-That would guarantee the total of players salaries as per cap and football ops
-Play, largely without fans in a made for TV season.
-Play a schedule of 2games/week. culminating in a 8 team 3 day tournament in Vancouver in November
-Games are 2 hours running time. Two time outs per team. Clock stops
-No blocking except at the line with players having to block standing up
-Linemen are eligible
It would be a league almost free of injury eliminating the need for costly paid injury lists. Teams can play 2x week.
Comments?
I love the CFL. I don't want the government spending $150 million on some weird, half-assed version of football. Just cancel the season, save some money, and lets hopefully get back at it next year.
My fear is that the league will fold if it goes black. What owner can absorb a 8-9 M. hit to cover payroll.?
No way can players and Football ops remain under contract without being paid.
Flag football could be a way for CFL create a new brand of football. It is played all over NA now,
It would be better than no football, even though it's not "real" CFL football.
I might suggest they stick to standard rules for 7-player flag football, even though it would leave most of the linemen out of the game.
Hopefully, those players out of work will be assisted by the government, either directly or indirectly via whatever amount they end up loaning to the league. Maybe payment for this replacement league could be separate from the standard CFL contracts, with payment tied to whatever TSN would be willing to cough up for it?
What's your thinking with the 8-team tournament though? Was that just a typo and you meant 9 or would you propose eliminating the one worst team from contention?
BTW, I'd really like to see flag football spread at the CCAA and even USports level. This could be a way of getting more exposure for the sport, which wouldn't hurt.
If CFL cannot reach a deal with CFLPA on not paying salary for games not played the teams can just cut everyone and only be out the amounts paid out in guaranteed bonuses … cut losses significantly …
If they cut the players would they keep some football ops guys? Some Coaches? And start roster building all over again whenever the stadiums to open? Be comfortable with a 5m loss.
I am not advocating that they do it … but just saying that if push comes to shove and no deal can be reached with the CFLPA then an option to reduce losses is to release everyone … it is a “nuclear option” but it is also the leverage the CFL has in talks with the CFLPA … it would be the most exciting offseason in CFL history as teams rebuild … might change the way teams spend money (e.g., Mike Reilly might not get quite so generous a contract) … I expect something will get worked out …
GMs and HCs may be a different story as firing them may not save money … expect teams would “operate” with minimum staff … possibly under the existing programs to maintain employment.
I think people would see flag football for what it would be intended to be: a temporary but fun distraction to tide fans over during a global pandemic.