originally posted in the ticats forum by member, ExPat;
From today’s Globe & Mail: David Braley, Pigskin Patriarch http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/david-braley-pigskin-patriarch/article1646834/
In case it wasn’t clear to anyone (and I admit I didn’t know all of this stuff), without Braley the CFL might not exist today.
His critics should be forced to acknowledge this when they accuse him of less than noble motives.
Braley has also propped up the CFL financially at its most perilous junctures over the last 30 years as a largely unseen benefactor.
...
Braley likely has no equal in professional sports. Aside from his ownership, he is former chairman of the CFL board and its interim commissioner.
...
When then Ticats owner Harold Ballard, in failing health, couldn't find a buyer, Braley offered $500,000, to be financed with proceeds from the team's five-year sponsorship agreement with Players Tobacco.
...
Braley gave the club to a local not-for-profit corporation but continued to finance the club periodically, and quietly.
“When they couldn’t make the payroll, [then commissioner Larry Smith] would drop by and ask me to write another $100,000 cheque,? Braley said. “And I would say yes.?
And that is why, in November of 1996, Braley bought the B.C. Lions.
“He’s smarter than anyone else in the room, and because of that we all tend to listen to him,? (Bob) Young said of Braley.
Amen DG, he is a true Canadian.
Grims
July 21, 2010, 9:43pm
3
Its only a matter of time til 2 things happen:
Not only has he financially done a lot, he did it smartly. He was a hands off owner and just hired good people and allowed them to do their jobs.
rpaege
July 21, 2010, 9:59pm
4
He's been such an enormous patron for the league I seriously worry about what will happen after he's gone. It also makes me wonder why there aren't more like him. It's not as if there aren't plenty of people around with the money.
tc23
July 22, 2010, 12:42am
6
Yes Thank God,
And thanks to BOB YOUNG !!!!!!!
it depressing that the cfl needed so much from mr braley
Grims
July 22, 2010, 1:01am
8
It is sad the CFL needs Braley and Young but also be thankful we have them.
Imagine what the CFL would be like if Murray Pezzim was in their place! :x
Earl
July 22, 2010, 1:19am
9
Imagine what the Blue Jays would be without Rogers, probably gone south.
Leagues and teams need these sorts of people who have passion for the teams since most teams don't have the luxury of being money maker behemoths like the Yankees or Leafs.
all the more reason to hate rogers
Mr. Braley began his CFL philanthropy back in 1990? saving the Tiger-Cats from extinction . Thank you Mr CFL :thup:
rpaege
July 22, 2010, 2:13am
12
No kidding. He really is Mr. CFL.
