VIEWS FROM THE PENTHOUSE

One of the most important positions in the CFL has been left open ever since Mr. Lysko was fired from his commissioner late in the winter.   Since then owner of the BC Lions has taken over the internship role and has done a half decent job to date (mainly because there has not been many issues to deal with).  However, sooner or later this job needs to be filled, as there are many issues the league needs to clean up.  Also, the credibility of the league is once again under fire as an owner of a franchise is also in control of this great league.  I am here today to submit my resume to the league.  I am not a rich businessman nor a lawyer or anyone else who sits in big leather chairs on the top floor of big buildings.  However, I am a long time fan of this league that loves the game and hopes it will be around for years and years to come.  That being said I have compiled a list of things I would do once hired as the CFL commissioner.

First order of business is to meet with all board members and ensure they are on the same page.  Many times in the past every owner and board member comes into the season with their own agenda which may not always be best for the league.  This would stop immediately as all board members would not only be asked to but also be expected to follow my direction which would be looking at the league as a whole and ensure all teams are working to improve the league in general.  Once the league is completely stable and viable then the owners personal business would quickly be met.  It starts at the top and if everyone works as one things will fall into place.

Next step would be looking at improving attendance throughout the league and trying to reach the teenager to thirty year old generation that is desperately been missing in all stadiums.  I would look to work with local college teams to get those college students to the game.  Perhaps holding double headers on Saturdays where the college team would play in the afternoon followed by a CFL game.  Give discounts to all fans that buy tickets for both games.  In between games when players exchange rooms and warm-up, etc. I would hold a big tailgate party in a field or parking lot near by.  Have a concert with a local band or big name Canadian star, BBQ’s, beer tents and games for the kids.  Hold this once or twice in a year and very quickly you will get the attention of this generation gap.  You can even do it when archrivals are playing against each other.  For instance have a game between McMaster and University Of Toronto followed by a Ti-Cat and Argo game.  This plan would wrap up at Grey Cup where the Vanier Cup would be played on Saturday followed by the Grey Cup game on Sunday.  Not only does the CFL reach out to the younger crowd but college football in Canada also benefits.

I would also look at the job Garth Drabinsky has been doing in Toronto and seriously look at implying this league wide.  Mr. Drabinsky may have a shaky past but there is no arguing that he has at least sparked some interest in Toronto.  His marketing plans may have not been executed that greatly to date but his ideas in bringing interest to the game in Toronto is bang on.  His connections in the entertainment world can also be very valuable to this league.  I would hire Mr. Drabinsky to work with every team in the league to develop a similar marketing strategy to Toronto’s.  I would hire competent people in each city that would work with Mr. Drabinsky to ensure his plans are executed to the fullest.  This may be costly to the league and franchises to begin with but it is my belief that you have to spend money to make money.

Finally, I would look at the salary cap issue that has haunted this league for the past few years.  Teams have been allowed to break the cap without any major penalty.  I believe the salary cap is important but if we have a rule it will be followed and strict punishments will be handed out if they are not.  I may look at raising the salary cap a bit more so we do not have valuable players retire to become carpenters or to do other things, as they are able to make more money in another trade.  But once the limit is set then it must be adhered to.  I think if someone is caught above the salary cap a harsh punishment would be that they are unable to sign any free agents for the following year.  That means they are not even able to negotiate with their own free agents so if their players receive a better offer elsewhere they are unable to match it.  Also, taking away draft picks for the following year can also be put in place which would hurt any violators for the upcoming year and make them think twice of going over the cap.

These are just a few ideas I would install when I become the commissioner of the CFL.  These are my views from the Penthouse and let me tell the view from here is good.

Tydoggz

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