BUONO VOYAGE
ARGOS 40, LIONS 13: B.C. flops in what was likely Wally Buono’s last game as Lions head coach
Owing to the financial irregularities of owner Larry Ryckman, Wally Buono once had to run the Calgary Stampeders’ travel expenses through his personal credit card.
This meant he had debits in the neighbourhood of $40,000 on the card. On the plus side, he did collect the points.
So, in his five decades in the CFL, the old Lion has faced more than one ordeal which distracted his team from their stated purpose, and that’s why he isn’t overly concerned about the B.C. Lions’ current circumstances.
As to the future, that’s a different story. Buono projected a calm facade as the Leos concluded a forgettable 2017 season Saturday night against the Toronto Argonauts, but, as much as anyone, he understands the need to establish a clear direction for this franchise.
That, at least, is the easy part. It just gets complicated when you ask who will establish that bold, new direction.
“Your point is well taken,” Buono answered when asked if the team’s many front-office questions have to be answered in the near term.
“For the health of the organization, something has to happen.
“I believe the organization will address all off this, then we’ll have a clear direction. The people who should know are aware of what’s going on. But in fairness to the process, 2017 has to be done. I think when it’s done, everyone wants (clarity about his and owner David Braley’s future).” And they want it quickly. As the Lions were thumped 40-13 by the Argos at B.C. Place in Saturday evening’s regular-season finale, the urgency to resolve both the team’s uncertain ownership situation and Buono’s position took on a new dimension.
Braley, the Hamilton industrialist who saved the franchise in the ’90s and is theoretically trying to sell the team, wasn’t in attendance Saturday night, but the sense is he’ll fly into town next week when it’s presumed he’ll hold meetings with prospective buyers.
To recap, Braley has said there are three parties interested in the Lions. One of those is a local group headed by car magnate Moray Keith and insurance executive Mark Woodall, who have been involved with The Waterboys over the years.
They’re not as convinced there are two other entities competing for the team. They’ve also waited patiently as Braley worked his way through, ahem, the “process,” but considering the magnitude of this deal and the many issues which need to be addressed, time is of the essence.
For starters, the sale of the team is going to take 50 to 60 days to be finalized, and that’s if everything goes smoothly.
The new owners will have to be vetted by the league. There are lawyers to be consulted and documents to be drawn up.
The Lions’ lease with B.C. Place also expires at the end of this season, which means a new deal has to be negotiated with the landlords.
OK, let’s say all that can be concluded in a couple of months. That still takes us to mid-January and just weeks before the CFL’s free-agency period begins on Feb. 1. Crucial personnel decisions have to be made there. There is still the question of who coaches and who manages the new organization, along with season-ticket sales and corporate sponsorships.
These are all massive considerations for the new owners. Put it this way: They’re going to be asking their corporate sponsors to invest in the neighbourhood of $100,000 in their vision for the team.
It will be tricky making that ask if there isn’t a head coach or GM in place.
Buono, meanwhile, maintains he hasn’t fully made up his mind about next year. His contract as head coach and general manager expires in February but there’s a provision to stay on with the team as a consultant through August.
He’s also left the door open about a possible return — you can never accuse Buono of painting himself into a corner — all of which raises more uncertainty.
Braley hasn’t helped there. The Lions have already restructured season-ticket prices for next year and sent out renewal forms.
Maybe that qualifies as business as usual, but it’s not business as usual when Braley tells reporters he’s interviewed candidates for the Lions’ vacant presidency while he’s trying to sell the team.
That is, of course, if he’s trying to sell the team. On top of everything else, there’s some thought that Braley likes the idea of owning the Lions and won’t sell. Without putting too fine an edge on things, that would be a disaster for this franchise.
As mentioned, The Waterboys have waited patiently as all this has unfolded around them. It’s been trying for them, trying for the organization and, most importantly, trying for the Lions’ fan base.
Buono, who has acted as Braley’s human shield this year, has always said nothing good ever comes of losing and that’s true.
But losing amid confusion over ownership, the general manager, the coach and the team’s future is something else entirely. It’s time to clear up that confusion. And soon.