With the signing of John Avery have the Toronto Argonauts declared the days of fiscal prudence to be at an end? It’s an interesting question, and one which Stephen Brunt addresses in the Globe and Mail on Tuesday.
Brunt points out correctly that the nine CFL franchise holders effectively tossed aside the concept of cost certainty, when they punted Mike Lysko out the door over a year and a half ago. Lysko who ruffled more than a few of his employer’s feathers, found that going tsk tsk over the spendthrift ways of his flock was not a wise strategy. His attempts to fine offending owners to reign in the profligate spending were met with a collective yawn and a request for his key to the executive bathroom.
New commissioner Tom Wright, has not been a strong a disciple to the concept of salary caps and collectivism. Yes he gives lip service to the theory of not running amok with checkbooks, but for the most part he exhibits an adherence to a fiscal don’t ask, don’ tell policy. And he can still go to the can without fear of having the office furniture moved out on him. Say what you will, but he’s a quick study in the ways of the cabal of nine.
Toronto had the unusual victory of beating the Eskimos out for one of the horses from their stable. Edmonton apparently offered more money for Avery, but the lure of Toronto and a personal rapport with Pinball Clemons swayed Avery over to the double blue.
Brunt examines how the new financial spikes might impact on the other teams in the league, but basically advises that the complaining franchises may be reaping what they have sewn. Ottawa for instance may grumble about the change in league dynamics, but when push came to shove they too were helping Lysko find the door. They of course may have legitimate gripe, for it was their 1/7th share that kept both Hamilton and Toronto alive last year, now they sit back and watch both of those teams flush with new money change the landscape of CFL finances.
The CFL salary cap has always been more of an idealistic wish than a hard, cold fact. Montreal surely can’t be holding to a salary cap with that talented roster, nor BC despite David Braley’s insistence that his team is in compliance. For years Hugh Cambpell in Edmonton has managed to cobble together contending teams with nudges and winks. Who knows what side deals, deferred payments or creative partnerships may actually do to any teams' balance sheet?
For the Toronto ownership it’s all about creating a buzz about a largely ignored team of late. They probably are looking at Avery’s million dollars over four years as an investment to rebuild the franchises’ reputation. And at first blush they may have a point, not since Rocket Ismail and Doug Flutie, have the Argos found themselves on the sports pages, at the same time as the Leafs battle in the playoffs. Avery’s signing yesterday managed to squeak the Argos in between reports of Joe Nieuwendyk, Owen Nolan and Mats Sundin injuries and any other hangnails that threaten the Leafs chances for the Stanley Cup.
For the Argos, Avery’s large contract signals intent to rebuild and hopefully prosper. For their fellow owners the Avery move signals a need to examine their bank statements some will choose to stay their fiscal course, counting the pennies and treating nickels like manholes. But some will no doubt answer the challenge of the Toronto moves. What remains to be seen is whether things spiral out of control again, taking the league to the edge of extinction again. They’ve been to that black hole once or twice before, are they really ready to creep toward the edge again?
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