Redblacks’ QB Nick Arbuckle concerned about CFL players being paid amid COVID-19 crisis

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Quarterbacks are leaders by nature and Ottawa Redblacks’ pivot Nick Arbuckle wants to look out for his fellow players.

The coronavirus pandemic has created uncertainty for the Canadian Football League and its athletes. CFL training camp has been postponed and that has led to questions about compensation for the men who play between the white lines.

“My biggest concern is obviously the pay and how that will work. Do veterans get paid for the games missed? I mean, we signed contracts for the year, and we committed ourselves to the league, so I hope that’s reciprocated,” Arbuckle told TSN reporter Matthew Scianitti.

Arbuckle signed a two-year contract through the 2021 season with Ottawa in January. He was seeking a substantial pay raise after making base minimum salary $54,000 in 2018 and 2019 while playing for the Calgary Stampeders.

The 26-year-old wanted north of $400,000 on his new contract and received it from the Redblacks. The agreement included a $210,000 signing bonus with $420,000 and $430,000 in hard money for the deal and $470,000 total available in year one, $495,000 in year two.

Arbuckle and his wife, Zakiyyah, are expecting their first child in May. Just like any other citizens and families out there, the Arbuckle’s are trying to plan for the future and what could play out with the COVID-19 crisis.

“Hopefully we have an answer and a plan for what the season will look like soon,” Arbuckle said, “so that all the players and staff members of the league can develop alternative living and work plans for the rest of the 2020 season, if necessary.”