CFL denounces weekend violence in Virginia with launch of T-shirts

“I just felt in a moment when there might be a focus on negativity that there was time to refocus on the positive aspects of diversity. All you have to do is look at the names on those T-shirts and recognize these were players from every race, colour and creed who came to the league and were given an opportunity and became stars and Canadian icons. It’s not at all political, it’s just who we are and really worthy of celebration.”

Ambrosie said other CFL teams will don the T-shirts this week.

“We’ve already had those requests coming in . . . the teams are all getting excited about it,” he said. “I’m happy to say it looks as though this is being embraced by our teams, by the Canadian public.

“It’s something we should just continue to celebrate because it’s so much a part of being part of the CFL and being Canadian.”

In Calgary, Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson, who’s from Great Falls, Mont., says he was glad to see the initiative.

“I’m not into politics too much. I think we just should be treated as humans,” Dickenson said. “We’re all in the same boat. We’re all working hard for the same goals. I don’t understand what’s going on except that I want to treat people fairly and everybody’s the same in my mind.

“Just look at the Canadian content in our league, where they’re from. I think Canada is quite diverse. I like being up here. They adopted a Montanan so I feel like that’s a good thing. I really like being in Canada. I feel it’s quite diverse and a place I feel safe.”

The CFL plans to make the T-shirts available for sale to fans sometime later this week. Ambrosie said the league is looking at dedicating a portion of the proceeds to Purolator Tackle Hunger as well as the CFL Alumni Association.

“I think this is a perfect way to reinforce the Canadian Football League and reinforce the message of being Canadian,” Ambrosie said.

Ambrosie said the feedback he received from Lions and Riders players and officials about the T-shirts was positive.

“Everywhere I turned, the people wearing T-shirts were smiling and I think they were wearing them proudly,” he said. “While I can’t point you to a survey or scientific test that would prove the point, I think everyone who put one of them on, my feeling was they were just incredibly proud to be part of a positive message.”

And that included Ambrosie, who wore a T-shirt with Riders receiver Chad Owens in a picture that appeared Sunday on Twitter.

“I’m a double XL so my message was even bigger,” Ambrosie said.

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With files from Canadian Press reporters Kyle Cicerella, Ryan McKenna in Toronto and Donna Spencer in Calgary.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

CFL denounces weekend violence in Virginia with launch of T-shirts

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