UFPA: CFL may not play in 2021 OR 2022

[GregParks]

I know some people on this board have no use for them, but the UFPA released a statement on Twitter moments ago as an update on the XFL/CFL situation from their perspective. The link is here:

https://twitter.com/UnitedFBPlayers/sta ... 4094875665

Here is the pertinent info from the post: "...multiple sources, including former and current league coaches and executives, have indicated to us that there is a strong likelihood that the CFL may cancel the 2021 and 2022 seasons as well." (emphasis is theirs)

Interesting they'd make this public rather than circulate it privately amongst the players. Not sure if that'll effect the leverage at all in a possible CFL/XFL partnership or what it means. Cancelling both years would seem to make it difficult for the CFL to return as it is currently situated, but looking for a deal with the XFL may have already been an acknowledgment of that. Also could make it more likely the CFL is absorbed into the XFL in some way. Or, it's all just smoke.

[Tank55]

"We will be contacting management from both leagues" -- maybe that should have already happened? Looks like amateur hour, IMO.

[GregParks]

Yeah, and several CFL insiders on Twitter have posted already that this is 100% the opposite of what they're hearing. Again, if you're the UFPA, not sure why you'd put this out there publicly if you haven't even talked to the league(s).

[Tank55]

Plus ... this isn't really their business, at least not yet. The CFLPA already exists and is operating under a CBA.

[4th&long]

I know some people on this board have no use for them, but the UFPA released a statement on Twitter moments ago as an update on the XFL/CFL situation from their perspective. The link is here:

https://twitter.com/UnitedFBPlayers/sta ... 4094875665

Here is the pertinent info from the post: "...multiple sources, including former and current league coaches and executives, have indicated to us that there is a strong likelihood that the CFL may cancel the 2021 and 2022 seasons as well." (emphasis is theirs)

Interesting they'd make this public rather than circulate it privately amongst the players. Not sure if that'll effect the leverage at all in a possible CFL/XFL partnership or what it means. Cancelling both years would seem to make it difficult for the CFL to return as it is currently situated, but looking for a deal with the XFL may have already been an acknowledgment of that. Also could make it more likely the CFL is absorbed into the XFL in some way. Or, it's all just smoke.

The CFL may want to "scare" fans and players that the Canadian gov is putting their league in jeopardy while USA is moving forward, to put pressure on gov for loan or open up to fans in stands.

Could be softening up the fan base that things are bad and they will need to abandon some unique Canadian FB rules (3 downs, Extra large field etc). Or letting the players know they may be called upon to share in the losses.

Or it could just be UFPA trying to be relevant.

More of this will be happening over the coming weeks and days.

[Tank55]

The UFPA has no standing with the CFL. We, of course, bargain with the CFLPA. The claims being made in its name on our upcoming season are false. We plan to play this year. We intend to play this year. And we are working very hard towards playing this year. 1/2

That includes working towards provincial and federal approvals for our health and safety plan. 2/2

https://twitter.com/CFL_PR/status/1371874732933545992

[MarkNelson]

As Tank pointed out, the CFL has spanked the UFPA for their initial post:

The UFPA has no standing with the CFL. We, of course, bargain with the CFLPA. The claims being made in its name on our upcoming season are false. We plan to play this year. We intend to play this year. And we are working very hard towards playing this year. 1/2

That includes working towards provincial and federal approvals for our health and safety plan. 2/2

The UFPA responded that their information came from players and GMS in the CFL.

[Tank55]

I'm surprised the CFL bothered to say anything. UFPA says they're just trying to put out information for the players, but again, that's the CFLPA's job. It's very strange.

[4th&long]

As Tank pointed out, the CFL has spanked the UFPA for their initial post:

The UFPA has no standing with the CFL. We, of course, bargain with the CFLPA. The claims being made in its name on our upcoming season are false. We plan to play this year. We intend to play this year. And we are working very hard towards playing this year. 1/2

That includes working towards provincial and federal approvals for our health and safety plan. 2/2

The UFPA responded that their information came from players and GMS in the CFL.

Bottomline is its Mid-March 2021, people are getting frustrated and unsettled. The XFL, CFL, covid, gov delays all add up to angest. The XFL has been more about talk talk talk or less. Cancel 2021, pause 2022...Now the CFL is involved.

Speculation will run wild, and with all the NDAs, many won't trust league officials if they ever cough it up.

[Tank55]

It's not the rumor mongering that's weird, it's that it's coming from a players association that has no relationship with the league.