CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie has cancelled his scheduled appearance in Montreal on Monday after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Alouettes informed ticket holders of the cancellation via email Sunday.
Ambrosie confirmed the news in a statement on Twitter: “I am disappointed I will not be able to meet with our great fans tomorrow in Montreal. Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, my symptoms are light and I’m feeling well.”
The April 4 stop in La Belle Province was supposed to be part of the commissioner’s annual cross-country engagement tour, called Randy’s Road Trip, in which Ambrosie makes himself available to local media and season ticket holders.
The Western stops of the 2021 tour were largely marred by the controversy surrounding proposed rule changes, with speculation that the league would be converting to four-down football due to pressure from the league’s new data and technology partner Genius Sports. Montreal was set to be Ambrosie’s first appearance since putting out that fire with a promise to remain a three-down league.
The coronavirus pandemic had a devastating impact on the CFL, causing the cancellation of the 2020 season and massive financial losses. However, the league emerged from the 2021 campaign relatively unscathed due to the adherence to COVID protocols. The Edmonton Elks suffered the only major team outbreak of the season, though an undisclosed number of Winnipeg Blue Bombers also contracted the virus following their Grey Cup celebrations.
Major public health restrictions have been lifted across the country, leading to hope that the 2022 CFL season could operate with fewer limitations and no vaccination requirements for stadiums. However, the decline of mask usage as restrictions have lifted has led to a spike in case counts, meaning the future remains uncertain.
The commissioner’s Montreal appearance is slated to be rescheduled at a later date. 3DownNation wishes Ambrosie a speedy recovery.
