CFLPA applying for judicial review of arbitrator’s decision in Williams case

STONEY CREEK, Ont. – The CFL Players’ Association is applying for a judicial review of an arbitrator’s decision that Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Chris Williams’ contract was binding despite being negotiated by an unregistered agent.

On June 5, arbitrator E.E. Palmer ruled the Ticats violated the CFL’s collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union by negotiating with an unregistered agent.

However, Palmer said the penalty for that was a fine and not the termination of the contract.

In a release, the union said it’s belief is any club negotiating with an unregistered agent is at an advantage in contract talks.

The CFLPA added it believes a judicial review is required to provide legal clarity heading into upcoming contract talks with the league.

Williams, the CFL’s top special-teams player last year, went to arbitration requesting to be released from the final year of his deal with Hamilton reportedly so he could pursue NFL offers.

Despite the arbitrator’s ruling, Williams has yet to report to the Ticats.