Tampering prior to CFL free agency made legal in new CBA

Tampering with pending free agent players has been rampant in the CFL for years and finally there has been a legal time frame added in the new collective bargaining agreement.

A few more details from the CFL’s new CBA (still yet to be ratified by players)
— Pending free agent players will be able to talk with any teams for 9 days in advance of opening of free agency.
— training camp padded practices … was 10 in ‘18, 5 this year, 3 in 2020. 1/2

— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) May 16, 2019

Nine days prior to the start of the market opening, front office people, agents and athletes will be able to communicate without fear of discipline.

B.C. Lions general manager Ed Hervey has been vocal about allowing a visiting and negotiating period prior to free agency. It gives both sides the chance to feel more comfortable about signing agreements instead of quick phone conversations and furious bidding when the clock strikes the appropriate time.

If Hervey decides to announce the signing of a big-name player – Odell Willis – one minute after free agency has begun he won’t be fined in the future.