CFL changes some rules, and delays negotiations. (CFL)

        The CFL's board of governors have allowed a slew of rule changes in time for the upcoming (hopefully!) season. The following are some of the more interesting changes:

- Command centre can now assist with called and non-called pass interference
- Command centre now has the ability to upgrade a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer to 25 yards if there is contact to the passer's head or neck (not happy with this one!)
- Forcible hits to the long-snapper are now illegal (don't understand this one at all....)
- Any player that 'dives' or intentionally falls down to draw a penalty will be assessed a 10 yard objectionable conduct penalty
- Any ball that hits or deflects off the upright will now be a live ball instead of a dead ball (I'm not sure what the thinking is behind this. There was nothing wrong with this rule beforehand.)

       For a full list of all the new rule changes, visit CFL.CA

       Lock out looming? The Canadian Football League Player's Association says that the CFL is purposely delaying negotiations on the new CBA, and this is potentially pushing both sides towards a lock out. Players on the CFLPA's board are starting to feel as if the CFL wants to keep it's status quo, and aren't very happy about it.
       Soloman Elmimian was quoted as saying the CFL is giving them the "same status quo - 'Shut up and do your job' or 'shut up and play football' - well, we're not having it anymore."
       The consensus amongst the CFLPA is that the deal needs to get done for all the players that are still to come, not for the current lot. They are looking to the future and trying to make the league a better place for the next crop of football players. One of the key issues is the lack of bonuses being paid until a new deal is complete. Many players, including Elmimian and Duron Carter, have taken exception to this, and being very outspoken as well.
       As more and more players line up against the CFL, and with Randy Ambrosie keeping relatively silent on the whole matter, it seems we are likely headed towards a lock out, and one that could get very messy, very fast, where no one will win. In fact, the league as a whole could suffer tremendously if this all gets mishandled. Not a good situation whatsoever.