The Canadian Football League Players’ Association has corrected an issue with the Toronto Argonauts.
The union sent a memo out to the entire membership regarding the matter.
To CFLPA Members and all Registered CFLPA Contract Advisors,
It has been brought to our attention that the Toronto Football Club has acted in a manner contrary to assurances given to us by the CFL.
Recently we had a CFLPA member return an executed contract to the team after receiving a written offer by the Toronto football club. A number of days later, after requesting payment as per the terms of the contract, the player was informed the club had not signed nor registered the contract and essentially “stuck it in a drawer”.
The CFLPA advises that all players and advisors request fully executed copies (signed by both parties) of standard player contracts when negotiating with member clubs. Although this questionable practice was addressed in our last round of collective bargaining with an understanding that these practices would stop, regrettably this action was defended by the CFL and the member club.
With this information, we believe it is inherently important to inform you of this situation so that you can ensure it doesn’t happen to any more members and allow you to take the necessary precautions and immediately request signed copies of all contracts once executed.
The agreement was signed by the player between free agency and May.
