CFL commissioner urges more work in ending domestic violence

Published Nov. 19, 2019 2:12 p.m. ET

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — The commissioner of the Canadian Football League says his organization still has a lot of work to do in stopping violence against women.

Randy Ambrosie spoke at a Grey Cup gathering featuring local women's organizations and a provincial minister whose group promotes women’s rights. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats play for the title Sunday at McMahon Stadium.

The CFL put in place a violence against women policy in 2015 that includes mandatory annual training and sanctions if there is a clear and documented case of assault.

Ambrosie wants more players and coaches talking about the issue. He also wants the league sufficiently educated so that when confronted with the issue “we have an understanding of what the answers are.”

One high-profile CFL player linked to domestic abuse was former Ticats/Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel. The CFL terminated the Heisman Trophy winner's contract early this year. The league said he broke an agreement allowing him to play in the CFL.