While CFL Commissioner Larry Smith confirmed that he and
Alouettes Owner Jim Speros has met with NFL officials regarding a
possible affiliation, Smith said it was an "annual exercise and
Speros's opinions don't represent those of other CFL officials,"
according to Jim Bray of the OTTAWA CITIZEN. Smith: "I wouldn't
put much stock in it. One of our horses (Speros) has run away
from the barn. We have to bring him back in." Bray notes that
while Speros suggestions would "provide a logistical nightmare"
for the CFL, "the biggest hurdle for the Montreal owner would
likely be fellow governors" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 9/19). Smith, when
asked if the league was closer to folding than ever before, said
"I can't answer that question until the season ends." In Toronto,
Terry Jones notes the '96 season "has been a banner year" in two
areas the league has "not always been brilliant in," marketing
and TV. The Radically Canadian marketing strategy with "Our
Balls Are Bigger" and "One Tough Mother" has been a "success."
TSN TV ratings are up 52% among males 18-24 and ESPN has seen a
28% increase. The league also inked a two-year TV extension with
TSN. But ownership problems in Ottawa and B.C. and "start-up
problems" in Montreal "have been the curse this season. And it's
not over yet" (TORONTO SUN, 9/19).
