TORONTO - B.C. Lions owner David Braley says he opened his wallet to
assist in the purchase of the Toronto Argonauts because of his love of
the CFL.
According to league commissioner Mark Cohon, Braley did nothing wrong.
Braley,
Cohon and Argonauts owners Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon issued a
joint statement Tuesday, responding to a Globe and Mail report that
Braley fronted half the $2-million franchise fee to purchase the Argos
out of bankruptcy in 2003 and continued to lend the team money.
"I
am a passionate supporter of our country and those things which make it
unique and strong, including the Canadian Football League," Braley said
in the statement. "For that reason, at a difficult time in the history
of the Toronto Argonauts, I offered Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon
financial assistance… I have never directed the operations of the
Toronto Argonauts, and I have certainly never been an owner of the
Toronto Argonauts."
Braley is the owner of Orlick Industries, an auto parts company.
The Globe and Mail also reported Braley acted without the knowledge of then CFL commissioner Tom Wright or Cohon.
Cohon said he'd been informed of Braley's assistance, and that the transaction had no effect "on the integrity of our game."
"…
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
been no breach of the league's constitution or its bylaws. However,
there is a need for improved transparency in such matters."
Sokolowski
and Cynamon said Braley offered the assistance to help make the
purchase of the Argos more attractive during a difficult time for the
team.
"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," Sokolowski and Cynamon said. "David
Braley is a staunch supporter of the CFL and has only ever acted to
protect the league's best interests."
Copyright 2007 - MOP Squad Sports
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