American athletes banned from entering Canada?

Question

Are there any American athletes (in the NBA, NHL, NBA, CFL) who have criminal records so serious that they cannot legally enter Canada in order to play games?

Answer 1

I'm not aware of any such situations, but they are always possible.

If an athlete (or any other person) has a criminal record that would normally preclude them entry into Canada, the player's employer can file for a Minister's Permit from the Canadian federal Minister of Immigration.  Generally these permits are granted and permit the player's entry for a specific period of time (e.g. a season or for life).

Answer 2

No body in the leagues that you have indicated at the present time. There might be couple in the NFL. All the other leagues play in Canada and their teams would have filed the appropriate bonds to clear their Visas. Sports teams generally clear their rosters for games purposes. However there are a number of players that have certain conditions that may interfere with playing for teams in each other countries.

Answer 3

I'm sure there are plenty in the NFL, past and present, that would have trouble getting into Canada.  All it takes is a DUI or simple possession and they can turn you back, whether you're heading north or south.

If I remember, Bob Probert had to get things straightened with immigration when he finished his sentence so that he could travel across the border.  He was stuck in the US for a while because he would have been denied re-entry if he left and tried to return.  MacTavish would have needed some sort of immigration waivers as well.