CFL officially cancels 2020 season

The 2020 CFL season will not take place.

The league announced Monday on its website the season has been cancelled and attention will now be turned to 2021 and the future.

“We are absolutely committed to our focus on the 2021 season and beyond and a bright future of the Canadian Football League,” commissioner Randy Ambrosie said during a conference call. “We believe (2021) will be the biggest comeback season in the history of Canadian football.”

Ambrosie said there is work being done on the current financial model and finding ways to create more efficiency in the business.

“There is no magic answers to the challenges that we’re going to face,” Ambrosie said. “I can go back (to the board of governors) with some time that we’ve never had before to really work on a long-term plan.

“I believe that we will rise to this challenge and with the support of our fans and our sponsors, I believe that this league can be positioned for its best future possible.”

He does admit there is no certainty to what 2021 will bring.

“We’re seeing our lives change due to a virus that we still don’t have a vaccine for,” Ambrosie said.

The status of the 2020 CFL campaign was was dealt a significant blow on the weekend, with TSN reporting the federal government denied the league a $30-million, interest-free loan.

“We tried hard. We worked really hard and there were a couple of times that were really bright spots where we saw an opening and willingness and interest by government to work with us. Those moments really gave us confidence something could be done,” Ambrosie said. “I don’t know why it didn’t happen.”

Ambrosie admits some of the blame for a cancelled season falls on his shoulders.

“I can look back, and I have looked back at how this has unfolded, and there are things I would have done differently,” Ambrosie said.

The status of the season was thrown into flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Grey Cup was set to be played in Regina but that was already moved to 2022.

Ambrosie is confident all nine CFL teams will play in 2021.

“If we look for ways to be a more unified organization off the field, it will allow us to be as competitive as we’ve ever been on the field. My optimism is high and I’m feeling confident but part of what we have to face is the disappointment we all have to endure,” Ambrosie said.

If a shortened CFL season was to have taken place, it would have been in a bubble in Winnipeg.

This will be the first time the Grey Cup has not been handed out since 1919.

Reaction from members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders came in quickly after the league made its announcement.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo tweeted out he’s disappointed he won’t be playing this year.

I hate all the negativity on social media now a days! Am I frustrated? Absolutely. Will I miss playing football? You know it! But I want to thank all those that fought tooth and nail to make a season happen. Some people gave up so much of their time unfortunately all for not! 1/2

— Cody Fajardo (@CodyFajardo17) August 17, 2020

And for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I want to spread some cheer and excitement so I will be coordinating a giveaway that I will purchase and sign a Fajardo Jersey for the winner of my fun game. Stay tuned. Can’t wait to see Riderville soon. #GoRiders 2/2

— Cody Fajardo (@CodyFajardo17) August 17, 2020

Meanwhile, wide receiver Shaq Evans said it hurts not being able to play. He also brought up the idea that he might once again be a free agent after signing a one-year contract in February.

It hurts to not be able to do what I love. But what hurts more is knowing that I’ll officially no longer be a Rider once the season is “officially” cancelled. It’s the first place where I was given a real chance to compete and the first place I had success 💔

— Shaq Evans (@shaq_evans1) August 17, 2020

“I’m heartsick for our players who wanted to play. They’re football players and of course they wanted to play football,” Ambrosie said.

Ambrosie said there were positive steps taking place between the league and CFLPA.

“I’m very optimistic in the days, weeks and months ahead we’re going to create a new chapter for this league of ours and it’s going to be a bigger, better future and it’s one where the players and the league can be more partners in the future of our league. If we can do that, then our future’s bright,” Ambrosie said.

Ambrosie said work is being done towards how the league can help support the players during this cancelled season, which includes helping them apply for government programs. Meetings are set to begin with the players as early as Tuesday.

The league said season-ticket holders will be contacted by their teams about how they can apply their deposits to next season or other options.