CFL Strike Blog: Reaction around the league

With no agreement reached between the Canadian Football League and the CFL Players’ Association, the collective bargaining agreement expired Saturday and the union began its first labour strike since 1974. Keep up with all the latest news and reaction with TSN.ca’s CFL strike blog.

Players past and present sound off

Seven of the league's nine teams participated in a work stoppage over the weekend. The Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders reported to camp on Sunday as they were not yet in a legal position to strike, per Alberta labour laws. This sparked frustration from players, including Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence and CFLPA vice-president and defending Grey Cup champion Adam Bighill of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The fact teams are getting better right now is crazy to me oh well they still getting smoked !!!

Today not being on the football field and being on strike sure wasn’t what we wanted. On the bright side I was able to coach my sons flag football team tonight.

In a tweet by the CFLPA, Bighill stated why it's important that the PA and the league are partners and outlined what a fair agreement looks like.  

1/2 #TeamCFLPA VP @Bighill44 on some of our key issues as we continue to look for a #fair and #equitable deal on behalf of our Members.#CFL #CFLPA pic.twitter.com/4ruaPO0TJ8

Toronto Argonauts defensive back Shaquille Richardson tweeted to the fans, thanking them for their support and saying he hopes to be back on the field soon.

As a #CFL player I want to say that we greatly appreciate all the fans that stand with us and the #CFLPA in fighting for a fair CBA! One that at least gives long term health benefits and disability benefits. Thank you CFL fans! I hope we get this done soon

Alex