As usual the Commissioner’s State of the League Address on Friday of Grey Cup week was a mixture of general commentary and specific facts about the CFL. I find the facts portion more interesting.
I was surprised when Randy Ambrosie said that TSN broadcast numbers were up in 2018. Overall he said there were five per cent more viewers. He was excited about a 15 per cent increase in the 18-49 demographic.
He said that since the CFL adopted padless practices during the season there were 10 per cent fewer injuries across the league.
I asked about a change to the ratio rules so that Canadian quarterbacks would count as nationals. I have found it hard to accept the Riders do not get to use Brandon Bridge as a non-import. Ambrosie said the fans would like a change and the league would be talking to the players. I saw no indication the league will push for a change.
The league is looking to continue moving the season earlier. In 2020 the Grey Cup will be played a week earlier.
It has yet to be determined where the 2020 Cup will be played. The decision is not going to be made until early in 2019. For preparation the decision should have been made by now.
The Riders are one of three bidding teams but I think the odds are against them. It will be hard for the league to have the Grey Cup played in the West for three consecutive years.
Ambrosie said they are now looking at bids rather than picking hosts. The CFL is trying to enhance the returns from the Grey Cup.
The Commissioner said that he considers Hamilton is ready to host the Grey Cup. He quickly added he does not want to short circuit the bidding process.
On the concussion issue Ambrosie said there are four million concussions a year in North America with most coming from falls.
He said research is showing recovery from concussions can be affected by an individual’s mental health. As an illustration he said it can take longer to recover from a concussion if you are depressed.
He expressed an opinion that players are showing more willingness have taken a hit to seek help. I thought of Zach Collaros, cleared by concussion protocol advised the Riders he was not feeling right. It kept him from the playoffs.
On the new rules with regard to limiting compensation for non-players he said the league was dealing with such expenses as they had been the fastest growing area of team costs.
The league did build in what he called a bogie. For teams that fire the head coach such as the Argos with Marc Trestman but still owe him salary for the next season that salary will not count against that season’s expense limits. Unlike released players the salaries of coaches and general managers are guaranteed through the end of the contract.
Watching the Commissioner and the president of the League of Mexican Football sign a letter of intent at the Grey Cup felt surreal.
