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A: No. I’ve said from the beginning, from my first day, I wanted to be the guy that liked the players as much or more than anyone else in the history of this league. I still feel that way. I want to build this league, I want to build the game. I want the CFL to grow – I want the players to help us to do that. I’m optimistic that in having a shared vision for the future of the league, we can get a good CBA negotiated with lots of time to execute our plan for the 2019 season.

Q: A lockout or walkout would not be good for a league that’s gaining momentum, you must want to avoid any negativity or turmoil?

A: That’s a good sentiment, it’s one I would suggest we share with the players – it’s not in either of our interests to stifle the positive momentum we have going and all the things that are possible. Assuming we can all agree that continuing to step on the accelerator and drive growth – TV ratings are up this year quite nicely, we’ve seen some fantastic football, injuries are down – you don’t have to look very far to find good news. Hopefully both sides would agree with that and we come to a place where we’re looking forward, not backward.

Q: What kind of a threat is the Alliance of American Football, which is offering its players three-year (non-guaranteed) contracts starting at $70,000 U.S. (approximately $92,000 Cdn) for the first season?

A: First, we have to step back and remind ourselves we have seen other leagues start up in the U.S. – this is not the first time we’ve seen this. Never disrespect or dismiss something that could have an effect on your business. As much as we have to be mindful of that league starting up, we have to focus on our own business plan.