BC Lions score low marks on CFL Players’ Association report card

BC Lions management scored low marks with its current players in multiple areas based on the new CFL Players’ Association Report Card released this week.

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) released its first annual CFLPA Report Card in an attempt to raise the standards of each club by having players anonymously share their experience through an online survey.

The BC Lions players who completed the survey say their club needs to raise the bar by improving training resources, medical staff, management and nutrition.

Over a two-week period in October 2024, 495 players completed a survey distributed by CFLPA, where their experience with their respective club was recorded. The report card assigned a grade to eight categories.

In an open-ended comments section, one anonymous player wrote, “BC Lions need a new facility. The team and staff does what it can. But things are unsatisfactory compared to other teams in the CFL.”

The BC Lions scored a D- in Nutrition and Diet, a D in Family Treatment and two D+ grades – one in Management and Administration, and one in Training and Medical Staff.

Its top grade was a B- in Club Operations, followed by a C+ in Equipment and two C grades – one in Team Travel and one in Training Camp.

“No meals after game. Meals during the week we split half,” reads another comment from the BC Lions roster.

Peter Dyakowski is the CFLPA’s interim executive director and says the report card was informed by conversations with the NFL PA.

“Our mandate is to provide good working conditions for our members,” said Dyakowski on the 5th Quarter show with host Rick Zamperin, on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

He says it was designed for teams to address any area they can make better.

“What’s really interesting – the highest score under training and medical staff  – Toronto.  The next highest score, Winnipeg. And who did we watch in the Grey Cup? The two highest-scoring teams in training and medical staff. So there’s real-world implications,” said Dyakowski. 

Story continues below

List of CFLPA report card grades for each club

The survey included multiple choice, rating and a final open-ended comment section. The survey comprised eight categories and responses were scored, averaged and graded for readability in terms of workplace conditions, including the quality of team facilities and services offered to players.

Winnipeg players happy with home facility, say travel conditions should improve

Current rostered players from Winnipeg spoke highly of the home game facilities.

“Great locker room,” read one comment.

“I believe my Winnipeg does a great job overall. Of course some things can be better.”

“This is best organization and I can’t be happier to be here! Go Bombers!”

“Winnipeg does a great job.”

However, areas to improve were specified around travel and away games.

“I believe we have very poor travel out of Winnipeg for away games. We are placed in a very small transport plane with limited seating and very little leg room. We are fed cookies and gold fish and chips. It is very uncomfortable and everybody I know on the team dreads the away games.”

“travel is worse than single A baseball,” stated another player.

“Our plane is terrible and falling apart.”

Story continues.

Medical treatment and equipment areas to improve for Toronto

Although Toronto was hailed for its club services and suggesting this contributed to the team’s outcome as a Grey Cup finalist, players saw room for bar-raising in medical and equipment.

“When told that I needed a surgery, there was little to no effort in getting a doctor to coordinate a surgery date,” read one player’s comment.

Equipment was also highlighted as an area to improve.

“We’re lucky if we get one pair of cleats here. It shouldn’t be a hassle to ask for a new pair of gloves or cleats.  I buy a couple pairs of cleats every season and never get reimbursed for this.”

One player remarked on travelling and away games needing improvement.

“We’re travelling up to 30 minutes a day one way to practice off site.  It adds an extra hour to our day. “

Former BC Lions player, Solomon Elimimian is the CFLPA president and says the Report Card is about “empowering our players and elevating the standards across the league,” in the CFLPA statement.

“By sharing their honest feedback, the players are driving positive change and fostering a better environment for everyone involved in Canadian Football,” states Elimimian.

New turf needed in Calgary, players say

Calgary players commented on training facilities multiple times and the need for a new field.

“Since this survey was conducted, Calgary has announced that a new turf field will be installed at McMahon Stadium prior to the 2025 season,” states the CFLPA.

The feedback below show four separate comments highlighting the need for a new field:

“Most players have to get a gym membership to get a real work out during the season. The field in Calgary has also led to many major and minor injuries,” stated one player.

“We need a new field and need meals. We also need help with transportation to and from the facility for guys that are from the US and don’t have cars out here in Canada.”

“Turf needs improvement desperately. meals are provided but quality is very inconsistent, specifically breakfast. massages should be covered by team.”

“Calgary’s practice and game field are unacceptable.” 

Story continues.

Montreal needs better home facilities and travel conditions

In terms of services for families, one Montreal player said, “On game day there is a small room provided for families, however it is tucked away with no amenities or even TVs to watch the game.”

Some Montreal players commented on food that was covered or came out of their own pocket.

“Training room and meals could be a lot better,” stated one player.

“Meals are provided during the week and away games however, players pay for home game post game meals,” read an anonymous comment.

“Food is provided on practice days but are counted as a taxable benefit on our pay cheques, so players are paying a modest amount for meals provided. Active players at home games contribute about 20$ for everyone to get a meal post game.”

Of the 53 surveys completed from Ottawa, none of the players provided open-ended feedback.

The CFLPA collaborated with Desmond McEwan, assistant professor in Sport Psychology at the University of British Columbia to ensure an impartial and systematic process of the survey development, data collection and analysis.

SEE ALSO: Return to B.C. a ‘full-circle’ moment for new Lions’ head coach Buck Pierce