CFL Grey Cup

November 26, 2000

Marty York, Canada's best known CFL insider, and Wally Zatylny take a look at the future of football in Canada. At this 88th Grey Cup, the most venerable of football leagues faces the toughest competition in its history: the XFL, Arena Football, and the apathy of Canada's big markets.

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CTV: Mr. CFL, Marty York, and Sportscentral analyst, Wally Zatylny, would like to welcome all of you to this live chat. We're just a couple hours away from the kick-off at this 88th Grey Cup game. What does the future hold for football in Canada? What impact will the XFL and the Arena have? Let the debate begin!

Wally: Hello! It's good to be here. I'm looking forward to answering any of the questions you have about today's game or the future of the CFL.

Marty: I'll echo Wally's sentiments. It's a pleasure to be here, especially since the weather is still nice in Calgary. We are anticipating a close Grey Cup match up, and a lot of people are picking the Lions. That seems to be in vogue this week, but I'm still thinking the Alouettes are going to win this game.

Stamps: What sort of shape do you think the CFL is in right now, as compared to the past? (Go Lions go!)

Wally: I think that the CFL is in great shape. I think the enthusiasm with the fans and the cities around the country have really jumped on the bandwagon, once again, and I think the future looks incredibly bright for the CFL.

Marty: I think it would be a bit of an exaggeration to say that the CFL is in great shape. Not to second guess Wally in any way, but I think if you were looking at the CFL in a general way, you really have to include that it is in great shape in Western Canada, and in very good shape in Montreal, but I think it would be a stretch to say that it's in great shape in Toronto and in Hamilton--where attendance figures are still very poor, and where interest clearly doesn't rank with the other Toronto sports. So I think it is going to be incumbent on the new management of the Argonauts, and the management of the Tiger Cats to really come up with effective marketing schemes in the coming off-season to generate interest in the Toronto and Hamilton area.

Jonnie: How do you think Vince McMahon's new XFL will impact on the Canadian Football League?

Marty: I think it already has had an impact on the CFL, because players who were cut in the NFL training camps, who ordinarily would have come to the CFL, didn't sign in the CFL this year, and these players are waiting for the XFL to begin in February. They have committed to the XFL already. I think it would be really naive to suggest that it won't have an impact on the CFL, but the good thing for the CFL is that the XFL will be playing in the CFL's off-season, so the schedules won't conflict.

Wally: I think, short-term, I agree with Marty. Short-term, there certainly will be an effect on the CFL. Long-term, I think it's still up in the air what the XFL is really all about. I think that when players take a look at both situations, they may be more comfortable back with the CFL in a more familiar surrounding. It's just so, we're just not sure what, or where, this XFL is going. It could be a fabulous league that lasts for many, many years, or it could be a league that goes only as far as the contract allows it to. It will certainly be interesting to see the long-term effect on the players in the CFL.

Montreal: Do you think the XFL product will be real, or is it going to be the WWF on the gridiron?

Wally: I think what you are going to see is probably a little bit of both. You're certainly going to have good athletes performing in the XFL, but I think what you are going to see is more of a WWF slant to it--a more fun look to football-- which could or may appeal to the football fan.

Marty: I agree with Wally. His comment makes a lot of sense. They are talking about ordering the players to actually come up with end zone dances, and it sounds to me that there will be a lot of association between the players and the cheerleaders. I should also mention that I understand the cheerleaders will be interviewed in the telecasts. In this day and age, that may be what it takes to appeal to the younger crowd. Far be it from me to question Vince McMahon's success. So I agree with Wally that it is going to be extremely interesting to follow. I can't wait to see what it's all about.

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