Incredibly, there are qualified candidates lining up to be the next commissioner of the CFL -- despite the fact the job seems only slightly less difficult than achieving world peace.
Gene Dunn, chair of the CFL board of governors, says there's been no shortage of interest in the position being vacated by Tom Wright at the end of the year.
"It's an enormous challenge to find someone to replace Tom Wright," Dunn said. "We have a number of candidates who have come forward. We have also pursued some candidates. I guess the positive news is we have a large number of highly competent individuals who would like to have this job."
Wright says interviews began last week and will continue next week and into December. A new commissioner could be in place within the next two months.
He'll have his hands full, since Wright has already put the wheels in motion on two potentially divisive issues: a drug policy and possible rule changes to increase scoring.
In his farewell address yesterday, Wright called the implementation of an anti-doping policy long overdue. But some owners are expected to balk at the cost.
With scoring down by a full seven points per game this season, Wright says the league is also taking a serious look at changing some rules to create more excitement.
Another contentious issue appears resolved, as Wright promised it would be on a visit to Winnipeg back in June.
Beginning next season, Wright says players suspended in the NFL won't be allowed to play in the CFL, either.
That means there won't be another player like repeat drug offender Ricky Williams, the Toronto Argonauts running back, joining the CFL.
The new policy -- part of an extended agreement between the CFL and NFL that runs through the 2007 season -- will contain a grandfather clause, though: suspended NFLers already playing here will be allowed to remain.
CFL governors are also expected to rubber-stamp a new code of conduct today.
The code will spell out guidelines on issues such as racism and equality for the treatment of players, coaches and staff for the league office and all eight teams.
It will not govern on-field issues, such as excessive touchdown celebrations.
