Eskimos lay off equipment, medical staff amid COVID-19 pandemic: report

The Edmonton Eskimos have cut payroll amid the coronavirus crisis.

Edmonton's #CFL team has laid off its equipment and medical staff, even with government subsidy available.

Point of the subsidy: keep employees on payroll, not cut corners.

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Said a source: "If there's no season and I get laid off in July, I get it. But use the gov't money!"

— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) April 27, 2020

Edmonton president Chris Presson is in his first off-season with the Esks and it’s been anything but business as usual. Former Eskimos director of human performance Kyle Thorne has decided to sue the franchise for wrongful dismissal, according to CTV reporter Matthew Black.

“Unfortunately, we’re not immune to the unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 virus. Although difficult and heartbreaking, we had no choice but to take these measures in the face of on-going uncertainty during the pandemic,” Presson said in a statement to CTV News.

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie stated on April 7, the 2020 CFL season won’t start before the beginning of July. The regular season was scheduled to kick-off on Thursday, June 11. Ambrosie cancelled the CFL combines in March and continues to plan for contingencies.

The financial impact of COVID-19 is being felt around the league. 

3Down Staff