It’s now the third week of August and still no definitive word has come from the Canadian Football League regarding a potential 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The potential moving target date for kick-off of the possible six-game schedule would be early October. However, there have already been four deadlines pass — July 23, which was shifted to July 24, July 31 and August 14 — without any final decision on whether the CFL will play or not.
That leaves the players in a holding pattern for now, but “it’s not contentious,” according to a source. That’s reason for optimism, and another source said it’s possible the league could be in position to make an announcement by Tuesday,” reports Postmedia’s Dan Barnes.
But there is optimism now where previously there was mostly doubt and uncertainty. It sounds like there is still too much to do in too short a time frame, but sources suggest the CFL is on the verge of pulling it off.
The CFL Players’ Association has taken strides towards a coronavirus collective bargaining agreement with the league office. The CFLPA sent a memo to its union membership which stated progress was being made with the CFL.
Both sides are awaiting word from the federal government on a $30 million interest-free loan that would make the shortened schedule possible. That loan has received a boost based on the positive response of Health Canada officials to proposed Winnipeg hub city protocols, but the fed are taking their time.
It’s the fourth quarter and the clock is ticking down on the CFL.
