Simon Fraser University alumni are not letting the 58-year-old football program go down without a fight.
According to the Canadian Press, the SFU Football Alumni Society will file an injunction against the school on Wednesday in B.C. Supreme Court to reinstate the football program after it was unceremoniously terminated last Tuesday, April 4. School president Dr. Joy Johnson announced that effective immediately, Simon Fraser was discontinuing its football program after the Lone Star Conference announced it would not renew its football agreement with the school.
“Given Simon Fraser University’s long and proud football history, this is a difficult decision, and not one taken lightly,” Johnson said in a statement when the decision was announced. “I want to thank all the student-athletes and coaches, past and present, for being part of that history. However, the football landscape has changed significantly in recent years and we no longer believe we are providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes.”
Simon Fraser spent just one season in the LSC after previously being a member of the Great Northwest Atlantic Conference in NCAA Division II from 2010 to 2021. The Red Leafs played in U Sports from 2002 to 2009 and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1965 to 2001.
The injunction filing is the latest show of support from the Canadian football community to revive the program. Former CFL players and SFU alums Doug Brown and Glen Suitor have spoken up about their disappointment in the university’s decision.
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie penned a letter to U Sports leaders hoping they would provide an exception to their rules and allow SFU to play as a single sport member, while B.C. Lions owner Amar Doman has urged fans to keep the pressure on.
Most recently, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association penned their own letter urging Dr. Johnson to reconsider the decision.
