Jun
Buono never felt compromised by Braley’s loan
Courtesy Vancouver Province:
There was no cover-up attempt after the CFL confirmed a Globe & Mail report Tuesday which outlined that Lions owner David Braley loaned half the $2-million purchase price of the Toronto Argonauts in 2003 by co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski.
There also were no denials by Braley that he loaned funds to other teams on at least four other occasions in the past.
The key question being asked was whether the league intends to ensure the board of governors are informed of such practices in the future, which commissioner Mark Cohon said would be addressed.
The other point was whether the loan had any influence on the on-field operations of either club in the past or present.
On that score, one of Braley’s subordinates flatly rejected any suggestions his owner tried to steer the fortunes of two teams at the same time, and said the only time he’s ever been pressured was with the Calgary Stampeders.
“I’ve never felt compromised,” said Lions GM/coach Wally Buono, who proceeded to walk through some of his more tumultuous times with the Stamps, and by innuendo revealed Braley might have also been a benefactor in Calgary.
“When we were struggling through the Calgary era, who do you think helped us? Figure it out. The only time I’ve ever been approached was when the league mandated I trade Doug Flutie to Toronto, and when my boss in Calgary [Michael Feterik] asked that I sign [wannabe QB/son] Kevin Feterik.” Cohon absolved Braley of wrongdoing Tuesday, saying he had not violated CFL bylaws — which are not subject to public scrutiny.
If the appearance of conflict of interest became evident with acknowledgement of the loan, it was lost on Buono, who got his icons crossed trying to make a point.
“All I know is that Ed McMahon owned the XFL and there was never a conflict of interest,” said the coach, who obviously meant to reference WWE founder Vince McMahon.
