Breaking: The CFL has finished its probe into the Toronto Argonauts regarding claims they breached the league’s tampering rules

CFL Concludes Investigation Into Argonauts Over Alleged Tampering — But Findings Stay Secret

The CFL has wrapped up its investigation into the Toronto Argonauts for allegedly breaching league tampering rules, though the outcome remains undisclosed.

A league spokesperson confirmed the inquiry in a statement.

“The league investigated an allegation of tampering against the Toronto Argonauts. The matter is now closed. As per CFL policy, the league does not announce discipline involving teams or staff.”

Allegation Stemmed From Coaching Rumours

The controversy began on November 24, when reports surfaced that Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace had declined an interview with Toronto for their head coaching position and an additional front-office title.

One day later, Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day insisted the Argonauts never sought permission to speak with Mace in the first place.

“[The Argonauts] didn’t call,” O’Day said.
“No one asked for permission … Corey did tell us he’s not interested in going anywhere — but they did not reach out to us.”

Saskatchewan declined to comment further, pointing back to O’Day’s remarks. Toronto also declined to comment on the investigation’s outcome.

Unclear Links to Argonauts’ Front-Office Shakeup

Toronto recently chose not to renew the contract of assistant GM John Murphy, though it is unknown whether this decision is connected to the tampering probe.

According to league procedure, teams must wait 10 days after the Grey Cup before formally requesting permission to interview Grey Cup-winning staff. Reports suggest this step may not have taken place if Toronto did reach out to Mace, who ultimately made it clear he wasn’t interested in leaving Saskatchewan.

Mace previously served as Toronto’s defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, winning a Grey Cup and helping the team post a franchise-best 16–2 record. Since joining the Roughriders, he has compiled a 21–14–1 record and delivered the team’s fifth Grey Cup.

What CFL Rules Say About Tampering

Under CFL policy, no team official may contact a non-playing employee under contract with another club without express written permission. This applies to direct or indirect communication, including through agents or public remarks.

Penalties for tampering include:

• A fine of up to $50,000

• Loss of a first-round draft pick

• Potential suspension for repeat offenders — even lifetime bans

Despite tougher policies introduced in 2016, no public tampering penalties have been announced in recent years.

Argonauts’ 2025 Season in Review

Toronto finished 5–13, third in the East Division, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Quarterback Chad Kelly was out all year with a fractured leg, leaving Nick Arbuckle to throw for 4,370 yards, 26 TDs, and 15 INTs, earning the team’s Most Outstanding Player nomination.

Other team leaders included:

• Spencer Brown – 314 rushing yards

• Dejon Brissett – 907 receiving yards

• Cameron Judge – 79 tackles

The Argonauts averaged 15,109 fans, the second-lowest attendance in the league.

Historical Context

The last known CFL coaching tampering fine came in 2011, when Toronto was penalized $5,000 for hiring Chris Jones from Calgary.
In 2015, Edmonton GM Ed Hervey was fined after publicly claiming tampering was “just part of the CFL.”

What’s Next for Toronto

After failing to land Mace, Toronto promoted quarterbacks coach Mike Miller to head coach. The franchise has also reshaped its front office, bringing back Jim Barker in personnel and adding John Hufnagel as a senior advisor.