Winnipeg Free Press reporter Jeff Hamilton calls it how he sees it.
Hamilton used his knowledge to provide his take on the discussions between the CFL and XFL.
“The transparency thing is absolutely ridiculous. And the only major announcement that comes out is the fact that the CFL is now in bed with the XFL, and that this could be the future,” Hamilton said on Winnipeg Sports Talk.
“I keep hearing these things come out, and mostly from TSN, let’s be clear: it’s the broadcaster that’s just pushing all this narrative. I love those guys, but it’s becoming embarrassing — these guys know exactly what’s going on.”
Owners from both leagues have agreed to work together to identify opportunities to innovate and grow the game of football. The Rock has stated he’s excited for the ‘unique opportunity’ the CFL and XFL ‘can potentially create together.’
“It sounds like a lot of these conversations as Randy Ambrosie was billing that he was working hard towards 2021 from the beginning, if that has all been about talking to the XFL, and not coming up with plans to save the three-down league, I don’t know what’s going on here. The reality is, I don’t think that’s been the case,” Hamilton said.
The most recent incarnation of the XFL lasted just five games before the COVID-19 pandemic put their season on hold, which led to Vince McMahon filing for bankruptcy and selling. RedBird Capital, Dwayne Johnson, and Dany Garcia were selected as the winning bidders. It cost $15 million and the goal is to make the XFL a stable league in the future, which could include an agreement with the CFL.
“What you think you’re getting involved in with the XFL, it might be a situation where it’s that or no football, but I don’t know 100 percent that the gamble is worth it,” Hamilton said.
“It’s the CFL fans that drive this league that you’re alienating, what are you walking into? You’ve told teams they can’t talk about the XFL conversations. What’s the game plan? 2021 is going to be filled with XFL talk.”
