The Argonauts had little choice but to become minor partners in the arrangement that will see the NFL's Buffalo Bills play eight home games at the Rogers Centre over the next five years.
"It was a fait accompli when it was presented to us," said Argo co-owner Howard Sokolowski.
"We were told the Bills would be playing eight games at the Rogers Centre over the next five years. Given that was the situation that we had to deal with, we felt we would make the best out of that. Having said that, we are supportive of the series because it will be a celebration of football."
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Sokolowski said he does not believe an NFL team will ever come to Toronto.
``People will argue with me, but I don't think this has anything to do with bringing a permanent team here," he said. "Whatever discussion we've had ... has had to do with eight games in five years. We have had reassurance that's the situation."
Asked if the arrival of a NFL team would spell the death knell of the CFL and particularly the Argos, Sokolowski said he would not speculate "on something I don't think will happen."
Sokolowski said he and Cynamon would not have bought the Argos if they thought an NFL team would wind up in Toronto.
"So I believe the NFL will stay away from Canada on a permanent basis."
CFL commissioner Mark Cohon did not attend the press conference, but later met briefly with local media.
Cohon said his job is "to grow the CFL game" and he feels by helping to arrange this series of Bills game "I was doing just that."
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Good news? I realize the NFL vs CFL is a Goliath vs David type of matchup but if a move eventually does come up, somewhere down the line, there will be enough outcry from the CFL to stop it...maybe...i hope...
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