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LFL players should be paid

Much has been written about the moral issues relating to the emerging Lingerie Football League.

Much has been written about the moral issues relating to the emerging Lingerie Football League. I shall not join that debate but I do raise an ethical issue which has been mostly ignored.

I am greatly troubled by the fact, as widely reported, that league owner, Mitchell Mortaza, will not be paying the athletic young ladies any salary for playing.

How outrageous! The perhaps aptly named, BC Angels, deserve better than that!

Abbotsford is a city known for fair play, and the good people of this city resent anybody exploiting others on our turf.

According to press reports, owner Mortaza noted that following a recent tryout, “the participants said they had fun, and enjoyed the camaraderie and workout.”

He also noted that instead of a salary “they’ll receive plenty of profile and media attention.”

Mr. Mortaza, given that you think media exposure and fun are adequate substitutes for income, I challenge you to practise what you preach. As a responsible entrepreneur, you should pay each of your 20 athletes at least $1,500 per game. For now I’ll let the fun, profile, and camaraderie be payment for the practice sessions.

That’s a real bargain for you. Since you obviously do not consider payment for work to be important, be grateful for your own camaraderie, fun and extensive media exposure. You might consider also paying yourself $1,500 – but no more.

The rest of the revenue, after AESC rental and related costs have been paid, should be contributed, in equal amounts, to the Women’s Division, Abbotsford Rugby Football Club and the Mennonite Central Committee’s Women’s Program, both of which advance fair treatment for women, a cause you surely support!

Mr. Mortaza, if you accept my carefully weighed and wise counsel, I promise to mention your philanthropic qualities to at least 10 friends and to write a letter of commendation to this newspaper.

And 20 athletes will be grateful for the financial coverage.

John H. Redekop