FIVE PLAYERS SUING SFU

Five Simon Fraser University football players filed for an injunction against the school Thursday to reinstate its football program.

The players – quarterback Gideone Kremler, defensive backs Kimo Hiu, Andrew Lirag and Ryan Barthelson and linebacker Dayton Ingenhaag – all stated in a civil claim they aspire “to play competitive or professional football,” and it was important to them all that they attend a university where they were able “to play competitive football at a high intercollegiate level. They chose to attend SFU primarily for this reason.”

The claim was filed Thursday in B.C. Supreme Court. The players, all of whom have varying amounts of NCAA eligibility remaining, were listed as plaintiffs with Simon Fraser University listed as the defendant.

School president Joy Johnson announced April 4 that Simon Fraser was discontinuing its football program, effective immediately. Johnson added the decision wasn’t financially based, rather on the Texas-based Lone Star Conference’s announcement it would not renew its football affiliation with Simon Fraser past the 2023 campaign.

The plaintiffs contend they were informed by athletic director Theresa Hanson that the football program was ceasing the same day the school made its announcement. They add no explanation for the decision was given.

The claim listed the damages suffered by the players as a result of the school’s decision.

“Not playing football for the year 2023 would severely compromise the career prospects of the Plaintiff Players in competitive football,” the claim states. “Further, even if they were able to find a football program to transfer to, their SFU school credits would not transfer on a 1:1 basis, so a transfer would harm their academic interests.”

The players seek SFU to “perform the contract in accordance with its terms” for at least the 2023 year.

“No other remedy will adequately compensate the (players) for what they will lose if the 2023 season is cancelled,” the claim states. “In the alternative, the (players) are entitled to damages arising from the harms specified above.”

There was no immediate comment or statement from the university.

(Canadian Press)