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Although the deal to purchase the Alouettes came together remarkably quickly — following months of the saga appearing it might never end — two prominent Canadian Football League officials deny pressure was placed on commissioner Randy Ambrosie to get the transaction done.

“Absolutely not. We knew this could be a simple or difficult process, depending on the circumstance. Waiting to get it right was more important than waiting to get it done,” said Toronto-based corporate lawyer Dale Lastman, chairman of the league’s board of governors.

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“We didn’t want to be in a situation where, two years from now, we found ourselves in exactly the same place. You had to make sure the owners were well funded. You can’t rush this process,” he added.

Lastman was responsible for advising Sid Spiegel and Gary Stern, the Als’ new owners, the team was for sale. He mentioned it, somewhat casually, during last November’s Grey Cup. Then, after determining the duo were serious, arranged a meeting with Ambrosie.