BAN WILLIAMS

Any hope that the Canadian Football League was the ethical and moral
standard for all other professional leagues was dashed this week when the
Toronto Argonauts signed NFL veteran runningback Ricky Williams.

Williams, a Miami Dolphins' player who has failed four drug tests in the
NFL and has been suspended for a year was welcomed to the Argos with open
arms by GM Adam Rita. Only Montreal GM Jim Popp seems to be sounding the
alarm bells, but seeing as the Als just got by the Argos in last year's
playoffs, Popp's concerns can be dismissed as sour grapes. Popp's
credibility is even more questionable, considering that he wanted to put
Williams on his negotiation list, but Toronto beat him to the punch.

Williams is a proven drug addict and signing him to a lucrative contract
sends the wrong message. It's not as if the Argos are giving him the
benefit of the doubt by signing him to a one-year $250,000 contract (rich
by CFL standards). This is a player who announced his retirement from the
NFL by saying he no longer wished to hide his hobby. He said he does not
want to serve as a role model for anyone.

Welcome to the CFL.

The Canadian version of professional football has sold itself to the public
by adopting a kinder, gentler image, in contrast with to the NFL's image,
considering several players have been convicted on criminal charges in
recent years. The Alouettes visit schools, local arenas and community
events to create a link to the community. Players emphasize the importance
of staying in school and staying away from drugs.

Enter Williams, the NFL superstar has made it clear in the media he will
not change his lifestyle for anyone. While marijuana is not necessarily a
performance-enhancing drug, it is banned by most sports organizations. What
would have happened if Williams had tested positive four times for
steroids, cocaine or heroine? Where do you draw the line?

Allowing Williams into the CFL shatters that squeaky clean image the league
has strived for in recent years. It turns the league into a clearing house
for NFL rejects or a place where they can bide their time while figuring
out new ways to cheat drug tests.

Williams has made it clear he won't change his ways for the Argos, or any
football team.

While the talented runningback might give the Argos a temporary boost in
attendance figures, it will deliver a terrible blow to the CFL and
everything league commissioners have worked for in the last 10 years.