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CFL gives players opt-out option if season goes ahead: sources

CFL players uncomfortable with participating in a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the right to opt out without penalty, two sources requesting anonymity told The Canadian Press.

Tiger-Cats' standout Brandon Banks has said he would sit out 2020 campaign

The Canadian Press ·
The Canadian Press, citing two sources, is reporting that players feeling uneasy about a return to the field this season would be able to opt out with impunity. Tiger-Cats receiver Brandon Banks, pictured, recently took to Twitter to say he wouldn't don a helmet until 2021. (Todd Korol/Canadian Press/File)

CFL players uncomfortable with participating in a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the right to opt out without penalty.

The CFL and CFL Players' Association continue to negotiate amendments to the current collective bargaining agreement that would allow a condensed season to be played.

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has stated the earliest action could begin is September, but a cancelled campaign remains possible.

Two sources requesting anonymity say even if the two sides hammer out an amended CBA by the CFL-mandated deadline Thursday, players feeling uneasy about a return to the field will be able to opt out with impunity.

Last week, Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Brandon Banks, the league's outstanding player last year, announced on social media he wasn't planning on playing this season.

The sources were granted anonymity because the CFL and CFL Players' Association haven't formally announced details of their ongoing negotiations.

The league and its players were scheduled to continue their negotiations Tuesday.

The sources added the two sides continue to discuss the logistics of American players coming to Canada being tested before their arrival here.

WATCH | CFL eyes September start to season:

CFL outlines plan to start season in September

2 years ago
Duration 2:00
The shortened season could run until December and the league is moving away from its traditional Grey Cup Festival format.
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