Calgary, Flutie Remain Far Apart

Doug Flutie, the CFL’s biggest star, is angered over the failure of the Calgary Stampeders to pay his full salary and refuses to be part of a team fire sale.

The former Heisman Trophy winner from Boston College assailed club owner Larry Ryckman and promised to resist any attempt to send him to Toronto or any other team at a discounted rate on his $1.1 million per year, four-year personal services contract.

“It has been indicated to me that if (Ryckman) declares bankruptcy, the league will step in at some point,” Flutie said. “The thing that kills me is, why did he sign me in the first place?”

The Stampeders have given the Toronto Argonauts permission to speak to Flutie’s agents. Those negotiations have been taken over by the CFL, which is working to broker a quick sale of the Stampeders.

But reports indicate Flutie would have to agree to play for no more than $500,000.

“They make it sound like I have to negotiate a new deal, but I do have a contract,” Flutie said. “Larry is obligated to me, one way or another, for another three years.”

The 33-year-old quarterback said he wouldn’t agree on principle alone: “I’ll go back to the NFL and play for $200,000 before I’d renegotiate.”