Was there a conflict of interest in Gass's arbitration? Thu, August 30, 2007
If you listen closely, you can almost hear the cries of anti-Eskimos fans across the league.
Court of Queen's Bench Chief Justice Allan Wachowich - the arbitrator in A.J. Gass's case - is an Eskimos season ticket holder. But all parties involved with the case - the CFL and the CFL Players' Association - agreed to Wachowich being the arbitrator.
One thing you forgot to mention, the players history with regards to past suspensions comes into play.
Jimmy, 2007-09-17 09:49:01
2 points:
1 - what is the rule in the CFL about removing helmets or throwing a helmet? Is there such a rule?
2 - You don't get an extra game suspension for fighting - you get kicked out of that game. Your telling me that fighting is less of an issue than throwing a helmet?
Think about it people!
The rules need to be suited to the infraction.
A fine is all that was required in the first place - a big one!
Corey, 2007-08-31 16:34:16
I am shocked and disappointed that an arbitrator that is an Esks season ticket holder is the one to decide if Gass's suspension should be upheld.
This is unbelievable. Bush league move by the person that appointed him to be the arbitrator. No doubt about its a conflict of interest.
This is wrong as now every player that faces a suspension will want an arbitrator to decide his fate. It clearly undermines the commissioner's authority.
James, 2007-08-30 22:44:41
The league office now has lost control-bush league stuff indeed-Eskimo management have lost all the class built up over the years. Bush League.
Bill Breb, 2007-08-30 18:22:26
When I learned that the suspension had been overturned, I thought quietly that only a local arbitrator could be capable of that manoeuvre. I did not expect to hear that this was precisely the case! I know that Judge Wachowich has a huge resume...but the optics of this is so kindergarten-like that I'm in awe! If the reason to choose an Edmonton resident was for economics, simplicity, and expedience, then shame on the CFL, because these days it's all about fairness, transparency, and integrity!
Mel, 2007-08-30 14:56:30
Unbelievable- shows that Edmonton run th eleague when an admitted Edmonton faanatic makes the ruling - surely anyone else in Canada would have been better to choose.
Gene, 2007-08-30 13:54:47
The real issue in the Gass arbitration case is the need for transparency and independence of the arbitrator. Clearly, the fact the arbitrator is an Eskimo season ticket holder does nothing for the perceived independence of the decision. Future hearings must utilize arbitrators from neutral centres to remove any perception of bias in favour of the player and team involved.
Gerry, 2007-08-30 13:23:51
Wah wah wah, I didn't deserve the suspension Mr.Arbirator(yeah right). Thrown out, the league looks ridiculous, Gass is a sore loser and a poor sport, glad he plays in Edmonton with those other whiners. City of Champions Ha city of babies
Louis, 2007-08-30 13:17:22
A preposterous display of the CFL's ineptitude when it comes to disciplining their players. What kind of precedent does this set? If teams can choose their arbitrator then they'll appeal every fine and win every time. Also, with this decision following on the heels of the Jason Moss rent-a-player fiasco, Edmonton is also officially now the most corrupt team in the league. It hasn't stopped them from sucking on the field, though, which is good.
Angry, 2007-08-30 12:36:11
There is certainly a perception of a conflict of interest a it sure as hell puts the CFL in the bush league category with no power or guts.
Gordon W, 2007-08-30 10:59:57
Was there a conflict of interest in Gass's arbitration?
One thing you forgot to mention, the players history with regards to past suspensions comes into play.
Jimmy, 2007-09-17 09:49:01
1 - what is the rule in the CFL about removing helmets or throwing a helmet? Is there such a rule?
2 - You don't get an extra game suspension for fighting - you get kicked out of that game. Your telling me that fighting is less of an issue than throwing a helmet?
Think about it people!
The rules need to be suited to the infraction.
A fine is all that was required in the first place - a big one!
Corey, 2007-08-31 16:34:16
This is unbelievable. Bush league move by the person that appointed him to be the arbitrator. No doubt about its a conflict of interest.
This is wrong as now every player that faces a suspension will want an arbitrator to decide his fate. It clearly undermines the commissioner's authority.
James, 2007-08-30 22:44:41
The league office now has lost control-bush league stuff indeed-Eskimo management have lost all the class built up over the years. Bush League.
Bill Breb, 2007-08-30 18:22:26
Mel, 2007-08-30 14:56:30
Gene, 2007-08-30 13:54:47
Gerry, 2007-08-30 13:23:51
Louis, 2007-08-30 13:17:22
Angry, 2007-08-30 12:36:11
Gordon W, 2007-08-30 10:59:57