Darrell Davis: Hard to argue against CFLPA

CFL players are winning the public relations battle.

While the CFL governors are looking greedy, stubborn and secretive, the CFL Players’ Association has been sincere and accessible, explaining to the media and their fans the state of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The players gained even more support when the league cancelled their recent round of negotiations.

The players have been notoriously underpaid and are totally at the mercy of the whims of their employers. When their money runs out, the players usually fold, accept the latest CFL offer and avoid any work stoppages. The CFL was even more miserly during this off-season, refusing to pay any contract bonuses. But these negotiations are about more than money.

The players are worried about their safety. They want some input into making the game safer, plus they want health insurance to cover the major injuries inherent with playing football. It’s hard to argue against that. And whichever side wins the p.r. battle usually wins in negotiations.