Comments on: ‘I am a pawn in their game:’ Victor Butler lashes out at Argos for not allowing him to pursue NFL opportunities

By: Edward Leslie

Edward Leslie — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 00:03:04 +0000

SlipperyD, you make some good points, but you also aren’t taking things into consideration. Like the fact that most of those careers are year round jobs. The CFL jobs are only 5-6 months in duration. An average salary of over $100,000 to play ONE GAME a week for 5-6 months ain’t bad.The salaries only seem small because it’s compared with the obscene amounts paid by the NFL, NHL and especially MLB.
Also, it’s not like the CFL clubs are making massive fortunes. Most break even or make a small profit
Do you want to pay $100 or more so these mercenaries can have a big raise? I don’t.

By: SipperyD

SipperyD — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 22:19:29 +0000

In reply to Edward Leslie.

Sorry Dude you forgot about tax deductions, exchange, paying for two households, and on and on…
Also forgot the length of a player’s career.
And, playoff bonuses only apply IF you make the playoffs. This is not just a Butler/Wilder issue only. Yes they made bonuses but the majority of the league’s players didn’t.
The referance to McDonald’s was hypothetical. To help I’ll substitute McDonalds with being a teacher, financial advisor, IT tech, environmental engineer, youth advisor, television commentator, landscaper, loans officer, business owner, human resources director, social worker, athletic therapist, fitness consultant,
notary public, real estate agent, stockbroker, audiology technologist, retail sales manager, property manager, chef, …..
Most prospects have university degrees, most aren’t working construction (which in many cases also pays more than the CFL).
I stand by my contention, the CFL is a minor league and pays as such. It better be mindful of where it stands in the grand scheme of the football world.

By: habbernack

habbernack — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 16:49:24 +0000

He knew the conditions of the contract when he signed. Make him sit for the season. If the Argos cave on this more players around the league will try to pull off this stunt.

By: Zack Levi-Wrangler Carter

Zack Levi-Wrangler Carter — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 09:30:45 +0000

In reply to Derek. +1 and +1 He too is welcome to stay south of the border making minimum wage if he doesn't like the contract he signed.

By: Edward Leslie

Edward Leslie — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 06:04:06 +0000

SlipperyD, like Bleedzgreen said CFL MINIMUM salaries work out to about $10,000 per month ($54,000 + $1,000 a month housing allowances). This DOESN’T include the $20,000 or more playoff and Grey Cup bonus money that both Butler and Wilder made as part of the 2017 Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts. So that works out to at least $13,000 a month, MINIMUM. If you can find a McDonald’s that pays that kind of dough, please tell me where it is! I’ll go and flip burgers there myself.

By: SipperyD

SipperyD — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 01:26:50 +0000

I wonder how many prospects from the U.S. turn down offers by the CFL because they could make more money working at McDonalds. Sometimes I laugh at the CFL’s inflated self-importance. It’s a minor league. It pays crap for 70 percent of its players. True there are guys who will play but I wonder about the quality of these players. When teams start denying their players, coaches etc. the opportunity to improve their situations it will undoubtedly send a negative message to prospects from the States.
As for the “he had a contract, money talks B.S. walks types, The Argos, and the CFL for that matter, have no money, so what’s left? B.S. I guess.

By: BleedzGreen

BleedzGreen — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 01:19:09 +0000

This is my first comment on the issue. The more I read about it the more these players come off as overpaid, over-privileged whiners. Their starting CFL salary is approx. $10,000 a month, they receive a monthly housing allowance of $1,000, and they expect the team to buy them breakfast?

If these players want to use our little league to jump-start their NFL dreams that’s fine, but honour your CFL contracts. And enough with this “gentleman’s agreement” BS – I’m sure such agreements are readily available in the US, right?

By: joe

joe — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 23:17:22 +0000

In reply to Mantis Toboggan.

exactly…And everyone got ln Manziels agent for playing hardball in the press. just doing his job. Manziel sold those shirts to show he can move ticat jersys to usa and…hold out longer. Just trying to avoid this thing…

By: james

james — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 23:11:26 +0000

i do not think anybody got his point that treating your employees badly is bad for business. The NBA bends over backwards for its players. Fanz go to see Lebron so cavs owner kisses his backside. NBA swimming in money. Vancouver on NBA expansion short list. I hope Caretaker Bob kissez Manziels butt because he can bring the money for better facilities like he did for Texas A@m new stadium rehab.

By: David

David — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 23:09:44 +0000

In reply to Purrfect. You mean Lose-Lose.