CFL commissioner is silent as Alouettes twist in the wind

Groundhog Day passed Thursday, and we’re unsure whether CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie saw his shadow. That means, until he provides some answers, Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia can’t do his job properly with the start of free agency less than two weeks away.

Until Ambrosie says something definitive, is this franchise destined for another six weeks of uncertainty?

Shortly before Christmas, Als minority owner Gary Stern stated he was seeking Quebec-based investors. As a 25-per-cent shareholder, Stern might have overstepped his authority. But nobody has come forward. Three weeks ago, Ambrosie said he was told a new team president would be hired shortly. Again, nothing has occurred.

But perhaps the most damning evidence of what is transpiring has come from two potential Montreal free agents. Receiver Eugene Lewis, the East Division’s most outstanding player last season, called the franchise a “shit show,” complaining about the lack of transparency at the ownership level. And starting quarterback Trevor Harris made it clear the problems exist above Maciocia’s office.

Both players appear headed for free agency and it would be surprising to see them return. And, while Maciocia re-signed return-specialist Chandler Worthy and defensive-back Raheem Wilson this week, many offensive players remain unsigned, especially receivers.

If Lewis and Harris don’t want to re-sign with Montreal — and both appear reluctant — how many other potential free agents would do the same? And, while a one-week negotiation window begins Sunday, during which Maciocia can negotiate with any pending CFL free agents, has he received authority to forge ahead? Maciocia, who is scouting in the U.S. and couldn’t be reached for comment, probably can’t provide answers because he has none.

Maciocia has the most difficult job of any GM heading into free agency and, while some agents might be empathetic, they also need look after their clients’ best interests.

CFL sources indicate Ambrosie, who has declined to comment on the situation, is cognizant of the situation and is seeking a resolution.

“I’m hoping to get some clarity at the end of the week,” CFL spokesperson Lucas Barrett said. “Randy has been in meetings, but I’m not sure if it’s about the Montreal situation. I’ll try to get an update.”

It has become increasing clear Ambrosie made a huge mistake in 2020 when the Als franchise, operated by the CFL throughout the 2019 season, was sold to majority owner Sid Spiegel and Stern, his son-in-law and business partner. Spiegel died in 2021, leaving two unnamed lawyers in charge of the estate.

The league bailed out the Als in 2019 after Andrew Wetenhall, who took over the franchise from his ailing father, Robert, grew tired of seeing his inheritance evaporating on the money-losing team. And history is being repeated by Spiegel’s children, who no longer want to be weighed down by the team.

The Als franchise folded once before, in 1987, on the eve of the regular season. At the time, former team president and GM Norm Kimball expertly camouflaged the situation. This time, however, the warts are much more obvious.

Ambrosie has already endured the first CFL strike since 1974 under his watch. A franchise folding could provide the death knell to his stewardship. The league always has been a delicate business to operate, with teams frequently battling financial constraints, especially after the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19. It’s hard to imagine the CFL would come to the Als’ rescue this time.

It appears the Alouettes situation is about to explode, with Ambrosie sitting on a powder keg. The Als probably can’t withstand another 3-15 or 5-13 season. Without a starting quarterback and with most of the receivers about to hit free agency, it appears to be a last-place team, albeit one that competes in a weak division.

With all this ownership uncertainty, how is the franchise marketable? And, without former president Mario Cecchini’s leadership, is anyone even knocking on the door of potential corporate sponsors and would any season-ticket holder renew?

Don’t think all this is unravelling without the CFL’s players’ association taking notice and closely monitoring the situation. While neither president Solomon Elimimian nor executive director Brian Ramsay could be reached for comment, there has been a steady stream of players contacting the office and expressing concern. They don’t want to see 2019 repeated.

“The reality is, if you’re a player on that club and you have to make a decision, we’ve all seen what (Lewis) said publicly,” said a source. “And watching Trevor … he has a relationship with Jason (head coach Maas). There’s a natural fit there. But if you drive him away because there’s that uncertainty there, what are you doing with the club?”

If a solution isn’t found soon, providing Maciocia with an opportunity to build a team, it could be the most telling fortnight this once storied franchise has faced.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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