It was announced on April 9, 2006 that theCFL had suspended the operations of theOttawa Renegades for the 2006 season,[1] thus making the CFL an eight team league and moving theWinnipeg Blue Bombers to theEast Division for at least the 2006 season. On April 12, 2006 anOttawa Dispersal Draft was held where the remaining eight teams chose players from the Ottawa Renegades' roster.[2] On September 28, it was confirmed that Ottawa would return no sooner than the2008 season, to give potential new owners enough time to set up the new franchise.[3]
Ultimately, the Renegades never returned. They would not be replaced until the formation of theOttawa Redblacks, who began play for the2014 CFL season.
The 2006 season is the first season where teams will be able to challenge officials' calls usinginstant replay. The CFL's replay system seems to be largely modelled on the one used in theNFL although there are some differences.[4]
A new salary cap and salary management system (SMS) was adopted for the 2006 season, although the enforcement part of the new system will not take effect until the2007 season.[4][5] The cap for the 2007 season has been set at$4.05 million.[6]
It was announced on July 5, 2006 thatTom Wright, commissioner of the CFL, had informed the CFL that he would not be seeking a contract extension as league commissioner after this season, thus ending his tenure as the 11th CFL commissioner.[7] Prior to his final day in the office, Wright presented the Grey Cup to theBC Lions as they defeated theMontreal Alouettes in thechampionship game atWinnipeg'sCanad Inns Stadium.[8] Commissioner Wright andTSN President Phil King announced a landmark five-year multi-platform agreement between the League and TSN to commence in2008 on December 20.[8]
In June 2006 the league announced the launch of CFL Broadband, an internet streaming service designed to provide fans with another media platform, in addition to TSN andCBC broadcasts, to watch live CFL games.[9]
On October 26, 2006,Hugh Campbell stepped down as CEO of the Eskimos.[10]
The number of TDs scored on kicking or punting plays dropped dramatically in 2006, which many attributed to stricter rules on blocking. There were 16 such TDs in 2005, and just 3 in the 2006 season.[11]
Terry Vaughn became the all-time receptions leader, surpassingDarren Flutie with 973 on July 14. Then on September 22, Vaughn became the first football receiver in CFL history to record 1,000 all-time receptions.
