CFL chief Cohon defensive on future

A potential reduction in the number of Canadian starters and the future of the Toronto Argonauts were the hot topics Friday at CFL commissioner Mark Cohon's annual state of the league address in Calgary.

The Canadian Press reported last month that the CFL was looking to reduce the minimum number of Canadian starters from seven to four in its off-season negotiations with the CFL Players' Association on a new collective agreement.

The issue is sensitive for players and fans alike, and has become a lightning rod for lively debate.

On Friday, a defensive and often evasive Cohon repeatedly stated the CFL understands the importance of Canadians in its game. But he said he wouldn't comment further on the issue as a sign of respect for the negotiation process.

Cohon did say, though, that he was hopeful the CFL would know in a few weeks what direction Argos owners Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon would be taking with the franchise. They are kicking around the idea of selling the Argos, and reportedly have some interest in buying the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes.

The Globe and Mail reported Friday that the two were leaning towards continuing to own the Argos but were looking at leaving Rogers Centre and possibly playing their home games at BMO Field, the smaller and roofless home of Major League Soccer's Toronto FC.