Wednesday, January 15, 2020
The Canadian Football League Welcomes New Owners
I realize
that they are still in the process of eliminating teams from
competition south of our borders. Last weekend, The Kansas City
Chiefs disposed of the Houston Texans, despite falling behind 24-0 in
the first half. Other survivors include the San Francisco 49ers, the
Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans. Last Monday night, the NCAA
Championship was decided with Louisiana State University outlasting
Clemson.
A week ago,
I received a bulletin from the CFL indicating that the Montreal
Alouettes had been purchase by entrepreneurs Sid Spiegel and Gary
Stern. Without getting into any heavy financial analysis, the
Alouettes had fallen on hard times, financially, and had been taken
over by the league. Not the first time the CFL has had to rescue a
franchise.
Ottawa had
seen such activity in previous years, and the names Glieberman and
Chen come to mind. Several years ago, the Argos were in dire straits,
with Harry Ornest owning the team at one time. Players were advised
to cash their cheques before the ink dried. At one time, one owner
divided his time between the two teams he owned. And yes, a decision
was made to expand into the American market. Remember when the
Baltimore Stallions hoisted the Grey Cup as CFL champions? Did not
compute.
The Western
contingent has always been the most stable in the CFL. Calgary,
British Columbia, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, and Edmonton have helped
carry on the great traditions of the CFL.
Many of us
remember great times of the CFL, and great players. When reflecting
on the purchase of the Alouettes, Stern recalled the hay days of the
team. “There have been so many great players spanning so many eras,
from Sam Etcheverry to Hal Patterson to Peter Dalla Riva to Wally
Buono to Anthony Calvillo and Ben Cahoon-this is as humbling as it is
exciting”.
When Spiegel
and his son-in-law Stern placed their offer for the team on the CFL
table, hearts were pounding, I am sure. CFL Commissioner Randy
Ambrosie indicated his pleasure: “These gentlemen emerged with the
best offer in hand, and the best interests of the Alouettes and
their fans at heart.
The Spiegel
family has deep roots in the Quinte Region. Crawford Metals, located
near the rail yards in central Belleville, is one of the main
components of the organization. There are also several locations of
Crawford Metals throughout the country. The original Belleville
Plaza, on Dundas Street in the east end of the city, was a project
spear-headed by Mr. Spiegel. Joe Burke's Men's Wear was a staple at
that location for many years. I may have sold you a pair of socks on
Christmas Breaks at the store.
The CFL has
been a great place for young Canadian players to get their feet wet,
in professional football. Many players have stayed in the league
throughout their careers. But it has always been a place for American
athletes to play the game. There is a strict quota on the number of
Americans permitted on each roster. I dare say, if that were not the
case, you would not find many Canadians on the fields of the CFL.
The latest
blurb from the CFL has league officials scouring the planet for
talent, conducting clinics for a CFL combine in March. Micky Kyei and
Sebastien Sagne, both receivers, qualified in the first clinic.
William James earned a spot at the stop in Sweden. Other January
clinics will take place in Paris, Florence, Bristol, and Frankfurt.
In February, they will assess players in Tokyo, Osaka, Copenhagen,
and Mexico. The CFL Chief Financial Officer and Head of Football
Operation Greg Dick said, “We were impressed with the calibre of
athletes we saw on display”.
All of this,
in mid-January!! Before you know it, there will be fields, barren of
snow, covered in stripes up to the 55 yard line!!
All the best
to the Spiegels and the Sterns.
James Hurst
January 14,
2020
# posted by James Hurst @ 4:25 PM 
