CFL BOARD OF GOVERNORS CALL FOR LEAGUE WIDE PAY CUT

     In addressing the situation of two financially troubled
teams, the CFL Board of Governors announced plans to cut salaries
of league employees by 7.5%, according to Perry Lefko of the
TORONTO SUN.  CFLPA President Dan Ferrone said players wouldn't
take pay cuts, "but would match dollar for dollar whatever amount
is generated from the league and teams from six sources of
revenue such as per diem, pension dues and playoff money"
(TORONTO SUN, 9/10).  CFL Commissioner Larry Smith "publicly
asked" the union to accept a 5% pay cut as part of a plan aimed
to keep the Ottawa Rough Riders and B.C. Lions operating.
Ferrone: "There's no chance in hell of us taking pay cuts in any
shape or manner."  After several pay cuts in recent years, CFL
players average about C$45,000 a year. Commissioner Smith, on his
own 7.5% cut: "There goes the Christmas presents" (Marty York,
Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 9/10).