Riders look to end seven-game slide in showdown against Stamps
16h ago
Riders take on the Calgary Stampeders for the first time this season on Friday.
The CFL announced Friday afternoon that it will no longer mandate the use of its new microchipped footballs on kicking plays.
The news comes after members of the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) were outraged that the balls were being used despite players and kickers voting against using the balls in a game.
Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther is a CFLPA player rep and took to Twitter last night to voice his frustration with the league.
“As elected VP of the CFLPA, it’s my duty to represent the players in this league and because of that we’re deeply disappointed and saddened by the league’s decision to use chipped footballs in the kicking game this upcoming season,” his post read.
“The league chose not to use them in the kicking game prior to training camp after the feedback from players, multiple complaints of the balls not flying straight and bruising players’ feet,” he added.
Lauther added in his statement that the same balls were pulled from usage in the USFL two weeks into their season.
Despite complaints from the CFLPA, the league made the players use the balls even though they voted 10/1 against it from happening.
The league has tested these footballs using robotic technology and current CFL players,” said CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie in a statement. “While there is no definitive evidence to suggest their use impacts performance in any manner, we are taking this step out of respect for kickers who do not yet feel comfortable using them.”
Kickers who prefer the football will still be allowed to use it.
The league said it will continue to test the football and their mandated use will be revisited ahead of the 2025 season.
The CFL will continue to test microchip-implanted balls. Their mandated usage will be revisited ahead of the 2025 season.
”Today’s decision in no way impacts our commitment towards the collection and usage of in-game performance metrics,’ said Ambrosie. “The CFL remains steadfast in its approach of using data to better inform, engage and entertain current and future fans.”