CFL to amend financial rules in wake of secret deal

Football Betting Lines

06/16/2009 - Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Canadian Football League has announced plans to change its financial rules after it was revealed that British Columbia Lions owner David Braley helped Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon purchase the Toronto Argonauts out of bankruptcy in 2003.

The Toronto Globe & Mail first reported the secret transaction and the league responded with a statement acknowledging the pact. Both ownership groups also provided statements, and all three parties said the league's bylaws were not broken.

Braley, according to the Globe & Mail, paid half of the $2 million franchise fee for the purchase and continued to provide financial assistance to the Argos afterward.

The league, while saying it had no knowledge of the transaction at the time, said Braley never had a stake in the Argos and added that competition between the teams was never compromised.

"I have been informed that British Columbia Lions owner David Braley provided financial assistance to Toronto Argonaut owners Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon, as they sought to strengthen our league by strengthening a storied franchise in our largest city," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said in a statement. "There has been no suggestion, nor is there any evidence, that this financial transaction had any effect whatsoever on the competitive integrity of our game.

"There is every indication that all three of these gentlemen acted, and continue to act, out of love for the Canadian Football League and respect for its fans. There has also been no breach of the league's Constitution or its bylaws. However, there is clearly a need for improved transparency in such matters. And I intend to work with our Board of Governors to revise our rules so that such financial transactions, no matter how well intended, must be shared with the Commissioner and all governors."

Braley said it was only his intention to help the CFL and the Argonauts when he offered his financial assistance.

"I am a passionate supporter of our country and those things which make it unique and strong, including the Canadian Football League," Braley's statement read. "For that reason, at a difficult time in the history of the Toronto Argonauts, I offered Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon financial assistance. While I am always willing to share my business advice and counsel with any of my fellow governors, I have never directed the operations of the Toronto Argonauts, and I have certainly never been an owner of the Toronto Argonauts."

Sokolowski and Cynamon offered a similar reply.

"To encourage the purchase of the Toronto Argonauts during a very difficult time in the team's history, David Braley offered financial assistance to us to make the transaction more attractive," Sokolowski and Cynamon stated. "This did not breach the league's Constitution or its bylaws. David Braley is not an owner of the Toronto Argonauts and has never been an owner of the Toronto Argonauts nor has he directed in any way the team's operations. David Braley is a staunch supporter of the CFL and has only ever acted to protect the league's best interests."

Gambbling Football Betting News

<< Rangers' Edu, Thomson face fitness races
Glasgow, Scotland (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Rangers duo Maurice Edu and Kevin Thomson are struggling to win their races to be fit for the new season. Thomson is recovering after having cruciate ligament surgery while Edu injured his knee in the c

<< Spurs reach agreement with ex-boss Ramos
London, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tottenham has finally agreed a compensation package with Sevilla for former manager Juande Ramos. The Spaniard's appointment as manager at White Hart Lane in October 2007 annoyed Sevilla and they

<< Astros activate Matsui from 15-day disabled list
Arlington, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Houston Astros activated second baseman Kazuo Matsui from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. Matsui had been on the DL since May 30, retroactive to May 26, with a strained right hamstring he suffered

<< Ballardini set for Lazio job
Rome, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Former Palermo boss Davide Ballardini is set to be confirmed as the new coach of Lazio. Ballardini resigned after leading the Sicilian club to an eighth place finish in Serie A this season but is set to ma

<< Fighting an uphill battle
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - This week, the BCS will hear a proposal by the Mountain West Conference to bring about an eight-team playoff system for the national title. The only problem is, while the BCS will go through the motions, its

Hertha denies Favre wants to leave >>
Berlin, Germany (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hertha Berlin General manager Michael Preetz has rejected reports that unsettled coach Lucien Favre is poised to quit Hertha Berlin. Favre's future at the Berliner Olympiastadion has been the subject o

Nats activate Wells from DL >>
Bronx, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Washington Nationals activated pitcher Kip Wells from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday and optioned right-hander Jason Bergmann to Triple-A Syracuse. Wells has been on the disabled list since May

Villa opens talks with Tottenham's Bentley >>
Birmingham, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Aston Villa have opened talks with David Bentley as they attempt to complete the signing of the Tottenham midfielder. The 24-year-old moved to White Hart Lane from Blackburn Rovers last summer in a 16mi

Villarreal to tighten its belt next season >>
Villarreal, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - President Fernando Roig has confirmed that Villarreal will be operating on a reduced budget next season. The Yellow Submarine will be coached by Ernesto Valverde next season following Manuel Pellegrini'

Report: Clemson extends Purnell through 2016 >>
Greenville, SC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Clemson head basketball coach Oliver Purnell has reportedly agreed to a contract extension that runs through the 2015-2016 season, according to the Greenville News. Purnell has been with the progr

MySportsbook.com week 1 NFL lines


Now that the 2008 NFL schedule is finally out, it is only matter-of-course for lines on “Week 1” to follow.  Of course MySportsbook.com is the first to churn out odds for the NFL’s inaugural week for the upcoming season.   Expect a lot of fireworks the first Thursday night of the season as the defending champion Indianapolis Colts face off against the surprise of the 2008 season, the New Orleans Saints.  These teams were ranked #1 and #3 in the NFL respectively a season ago so a high scoring affair could be in order.  As of now, the Colts will be giving 6 points to the Saints; keep in mind the Saints were one of the better road teams last season going 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS.  The first Monday night of the season will again provide a “double feature”. Coming off a disappointing season, the Cincinnati Bengals will look to get back to playoffs and improve their public image as they take on the AFC North favorite Baltimore Ravens.  The second game features a couple of teams that haven’t had too much success recently but each could make some noise if the NFC is as weak as it was last year as the San Francisco 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals. The most interesting game of the opening week will feature the NFC champion Bears as they hit the road to take on the NFL’s top team during last year’s regular season, the San Diego Chargers.

MySportsbook.com Week 1 odds:

Saints +6 @ Colts -6

Falcons @ Vikings (pick ‘em)

Panthers @ Rams (pick ‘em)

Broncos -3.5 @ Bills +3.5

Chiefs -1 @ Texans +1

Dolphins +3 @ Redskins -3

Patriots -5 @ Jets +5

Eagles -3.5 @ Packers +3.5

Steelers -4 @ Browns +4

Titans +6 @ Jaguars -6

Bears +6 @ Chargers -6

Lions +3 @ Raiders -3

Bucs +6.5 @ Seahawks -6.5

Giants +4 @ Cowboys -4

Ravens +3 @ Bengals -3

Cardinals +3 @ 49ers -3

 Super Bowl line (2008)

NFC +6.5 vs. AFC -6.5

MySportsbook is a large, publicly traded company with strong financial backing. You will find their customer service is second to none and their web site is extremely user friendly and easy-to-use. All major professional sports games are available. Once you signup with MySportsbook, you may never use another online sportsbook again.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football sportsbook needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.