Training camps have already been delayed around the Canadian Football League, but the first real casualty could come in the form of a preseason game scheduled for Monday, May 23rd, at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
According to TSN’s Dave Naylor, the clock is running out for the game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders to take place on schedule.
“While no decision has yet been made, hearing that Monday’s pre-season game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders won’t happen without a CBA deal done by Wednesday,” said Naylor in a Tweet. “Given that’s two days from now and no bargaining scheduled, it seems unlikely to take place.”
Naylor also shared that there are real monetary consequences for the owners, and the players for missing the game.
“Cancellation of pre-season games will cost teams money as they don’t pay full wages for those games, but receive season ticket revenue, concessions, etcetera,” Naylor said in a second Tweet.
Related: CFLPA Strike Hurts Everyone, But Not Equally
Although a cancellation, even during the preseason would be a kick to the teeth of the fans, there is one member of the Roughriders who has been outspoken about the need for the strike. Kicker Brett Lauther has felt the CFLPA has been taken advantage of for years, and he’s happy the players are sticking up for themselves.
“This is my fourth time through a CBA, I’ve been around the block in the league for a while, and it was something that needed to be done. We’re just tired of taking the short end of the stick and hopefully, something like this leads to a true partnership,” Lauther said. “I’m hoping truly just going forward, because I love this league so much, that players for the next generation and well after my time can stand on our shoulders for what we decided to do.”
“I want to be playing football like everyone else but I’m proud that we finally are the ones sticking up for ourselves.”
Even though there have been reports that the two sides are close, it’s never felt like they have been further apart.
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