The Latest: CFL cancels 2020 season amid pandemic
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
___
The CFL has canceled its 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It marks the first year the Grey Cup won’t be presented since 1919.
The nine-team league announced the move Monday, dashing hopes of a shortened season in the hub city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The decision comes after the CFL couldn’t solve a number of issues in an effort to try to salvage a season.
“Our league governors decided today it is in the best long-term interests of the CFL to concentrate on the future,” Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement.
“We are absolutely committed to 2021, to the future of our league and the pursuit of our vision of a bigger, stronger, more global CFL.”
Unlike other major leagues in North America, the CFL does not have the luxury of a billion-dollar television contract. While its deal with TSN has become more lucrative over the years, the CFL remains a gate-driven league — a major problem when fans aren’t allowed in the stands.
___
Mississippi starting center Eli Johnson says he won’t play football this season.
Johnson announced on Twitter that he’ll sit out the season and focus on completing his master’s degree in criminal justice in December.
The Southeastern Conference allows players to opt out of the season because of COVID-19 and remain on scholarship.
Johnson started all 12 games last season, allowing only one sack. His father, David, was hospitalized this summer because of the virus.
“I will be forever grateful for my time here at Ole Miss,” Johnson wrote Sunday night on Twitter. “God bless and Hotty Toddy.”
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports