He wrote this letter to the Canadian Football League... hope he doesn't mind me sharing it.
August 27, 2007


Mr. Cohon,

My name is Jay Jokisch and I live in Calgary. I am, and have been a huge CFL fan for a long time, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on a job well done this year. I think the league is moving in a very positive direction.

The point to my letter however is a more serious one. I have been following the story about Michael Vick very closely, and have recently been hearing some comments about him joining the CFL as a last option when he is released from jail. It is my belief that there will not be a place for him in the NFL once he released. I feel, as I’m sure many do, that the CFL should follow suit and prohibit him from joining OUR league.

As a football fan, I am sad to be loosing such a great talent, as I enjoyed watching him play the game. I also have looked at this from a different perspective. My wife Deanna has been doing volunteer work for the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew (A.A.R.C.) both as an administrator and a foster parent for abandon and abused dogs. I get to see first hand what sacrifices she makes to save these animals and find them loving homes. I can’t help but feel that letting him play in our league and in our country, would be a slap in her face, and the thousands of other volunteers around the country that donate their time and money to save helpless animals, much like the ones Vick himself executed.

I don’t think it is too early for the league to start thinking about this very probable situation Adminsing. This league thrives on heart and soul, both from players and fans, and I just don’t think it would be fair to ask us all to put a place in our hearts and souls for Michael Vick.

I remember Montreal giving Lawrence Philips a second chance, when the NFL viewed him as a cancer, and all he did was continue his off field blunders, and put a small tarnish on the league. It would be a disgrace to see Vick standing on the same field with the likes of Damon Allen, Mike “Pinball” Clemons, Milt Stegall, Anthony Calvillo, Jesse Lunsden and countless others that had the talent and leadership to play at a higher level, but chose to stay with the CFL.

I hope that you feel the same way as I do and start taking immediate action to prevent Michael Vick from joining OUR league.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns.

Jay Jokisch


Deanna, Daisy & Winston