‘It’s almost a nightmare:’ Riders players frustrated waiting for agreement

There’s currently no deal between the CFL and CFL Players’ Association, which has stretched the players’ work stoppage to four days.

It’s starting to take a toll not only on the players but on representatives involved in the discussions.

Since Sunday, players have been practising and working out on their own in order to stay game ready for whenever an agreement is reached and training camp officially opens.

Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker and player representative Brett Lauther said the players’ association just wants a fair deal.

“I don’t really know what (CFL officials) are trying to accomplish or what the point is,” Lauther said. “I just don’t know why we don’t come to an agreement on something that is fair on all sides. (I’m) just tired of the same old song and dance.”

The back and forth has been exhausting, he said, and as bad as the players want to get back on the field, they don’t want to accept any deal.

“It’s almost a nightmare right now,” Lauther added. “As much as we want to get something done, we can’t just sign something because it’s become challenging. It still has to make sense, it still has to be fair, and we’re at this point for a reason. We’re not just going to fold and roll over.”

Lauther said players want to make sure they are compensated fairly, as they don’t get a piece from one of the league’s lucrative deals, a $50-million agreement with TSN for TV broadcasting rights.

According to Lauther, one of the biggest frustrations through the ordeal is that players have been away from their families and are working hard, even though they aren’t getting paid.

“I have a lot of stuff on the go and I’m trying to keep the players informed. I haven’t even talked to my girlfriend in like three days, and I’m also not sleeping at this point, so I’m pretty tired,” Lauther said.

But it’s not only Lauther, as some other players are sacrificing big moments in their personal lives.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo came to Saskatchewan early for team events and to be ready for camp, but his wife Laura is back home in Nevada and pregnant with their first child. Lauther said every player has their own family lives that they’re giving up to be here, away from home.

“Now there is less time for myself to communicate with family or friends. I’m not really doing stuff on my own schedule anymore. I’m still getting my training and everything else in, but I’m getting pulled in 500 other directions,” Lauther said.

Even though players are conducting their own workouts over the past couple of days, the Riders’ scheduled pre-season game Monday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers likely will not go ahead.

While some reports indicate the CFL and CFLPA may be nearing an agreement, Lauther said even if a deal is reached quickly, teams won’t be able to ramp up fast enough to be ready for a game as it would put too many players at risk of getting hurt.