Can someone in the US who has a felony play in the Canadian Football League?

Question

I am playing semi-pro football in Texas and doing good at. The thing is, I don't know if I am eligible to play in Canada because I have a felony from early 2003.

Answer 1

Semi pro in Texas is better then any Canadian Football.. stay where you are. the pay is probably better and you can get some Texas a** instead of Canadian.  The only good things from Canada are Hockey(sometimes) and, beer and Pamela Anderson!!!  Texas Forever!!

Answer 2

Nope.    There would be issues in getting the visa to work here,  the record will definitely go against you.

Sorry man.

Answer 3

If a team is interested in signing you, they might be able to get you a Minister's Permit to allow you to come here.  This was how that upstanding citizen Lawrence Phillips was able to play in the CFL.

Answer 4

I think that if youre cleared by Canada Customs to enter Canada as far as the league is concerned you should be okay. I suggest checking with the CFL league and verify. You can contact them via e mail .

Answer 5

The problem may be getting through immigration.

Answer 6

If you have a felony, then you may not be eligible for a work permit...

Answer 7

In some cases they bend the rules for athletes to get work permits/visa's. I guess it would depend on the seriousness of the offence. Many players who have came up from the states have had charges against them at some point in their lives.

I think in some cases you are even exempt from getting a work permit as a foreign athlete, so you could be fine.

You should try speaking to a team Rep from a CFL team.