CFLPA DIGS IN UNTIL NEW DEAL INKED

The Canadian Football League Players Association has directed its membership to cease participation in “any events or activities with the CFL office” until the two parties conclude negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement.

The directive, made public Monday on Twitter by CFLPA executive-director Brian Ramsay, comes in response to CFL teams withholding all off-season signing and roster bonuses from players.

“The CFL is withholding signing bonuses for players until a new collective agreement can be reached, yet the players continue to be asked to accommodate CFLinitiated activities during the off-season that support league partners and drive revenue,” Ramsay tweeted.

In an interview with Postmedia, he said CFLPA members would continue to participate in community and charity initiatives.

“We want to be very, very clear. Our players are still going to be doing the community appearances.

Our players want to support the communities that support them. What this is, the players will stop doing the content for the league and appearances on behalf of the league.

Ramsay said the withholding of off-season bonuses is a hardship for some players. The CFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CFLPA move comes just weeks before the expected start of negotiations with the league for a new CBA.