Open-Mic: Racism a Real Issue in CFL

Racism is an apparent issue for any sport, but it doesn’t seem to get enough attention when involving the Canadian Football League.

Comparing the CFL to the National Football League, the CFL is smaller in all ways.

I suppose you can say it's in the same situation as an NHL located in the U.S.—full of players from across the border.

Rarely on a CFL team will you find someone drafted as a local boy. Most players are even ex-NFL members who, either could not find a place to resign, or committed something illegal according to NFL rules.

It is also apparent that most football players are of African American decent. In the NFL, it is not uncommon to see such skin colour on a regular basis. However, in Canada, and especially in the prairie provinces, it is rare.

Between the prairies, the vast majority of citizens come from European and/or Canadian backgrounds and are Caucasian.

It's hard to imagine the difficulties these American born players, and their families, must face. It is not uncommon for the rowdy fans to put the blame on the "black man."

Even off the field, they are the ones getting charged for allegedly committing crimes like sexual abuse or assault.

Whether they are ever guilty or not, it's highly unfair to pick on minorities and make racial comments. Fans have even vandalized their homes in anger after a game.

Everyone needs to consider that these men are just as human. They deserve the same rights as the locals. And, they need more respect.

These guys are altering their entire lives, sometimes relocating for good, just to provide the fans with something to cheer about. Why not do them a favour and say "thank you"?