Jamie Nye: You can’t blame LaBatte or any other player for taking a pass on 2021 CFL season

Another day, another pass on the 2021 season from a CFL veteran.

This time, it’s a big loss for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Easily the most prominent figure along the offensive line for the past eight seasons, Brendon LaBatte is ready to take a pass on 2021 barring any changes to strict COVID-19 protocols being required from the league.

LaBatte isn’t retiring and he hasn’t lost his passion for football. But he and others are saying they’re willing to come back in 2022 but aren’t interested in this season.

While we haven’t heard from LaBatte, general manager Jeremy O’Day explained if the current policies are eased, then LaBatte might come back this year.

You see, players and staff are in lockdown all season. While Saskatchewan reopens, the Roughriders will be in isolation. Stadium, home, stadium, home. No restaurants, no corndogs for Cody Fajardo at the fair, no weekends at the beach with your kids. NOPE — at least not to start the season.

With that, you should start to understand why plenty of players are taking a pass on the CFL’s 2021 season.