Jeff Giles

Jeff Giles, the president and chief operating officer, said Thursday he has approached Mike Keller, the XFL's director of football operations about the matter.No decision was reached, but Giles says he told Keller he would get back to him once CFL general managers and the league's board of governors discuss it.

CFL general managers are expected to address the matter next week and table a recommendation to league governors, who will discuss it further at their next meeting Sept. 18 in Calgary.

Giles, who will end his six-year stint with CFL after the 2000 Grey Cup, hopes the governors will render a decision by the end of September.

The XFL has issued a statement that any players that play with them in the 2001 season would be free after that season to play with another league, Giles said.Really they have thrown it open.

Now, it be up to us to figure out what we be going to do with that..

...
But Giles has concerns.Among them :.

- If the XFL enjoys a successful first season, will players be forced to sign exclusive contracts in 2002.

- What happens if a CFL player becomes a huge XFL star and the league wants to keep him in the U.S. year-round for marketing purposes.

- The threat of burnout or injury that would prevent a CFL player from playing for his Canadian team.

Jeff Giles, the president and chief operating officer, said Thursday he has approached Mike Keller, the XFL's director of football operations about the matter.No decision was reached, but Giles says he told Keller he would get back to him once CFL general managers and the league's board of governors discuss it.CFL general managers are expected to address the matter next week and table a recommendation to league governors, who will discuss it further at their next meeting Sept. 18 in Calgary.Giles, who will end his six-year stint with CFL after the 2000 Grey Cup, hopes the governors will render a decision by the end of September.‘‘The XFL has issued a statement that any players that play with them in the 2001 season would be free after that season to play with another league, ' Giles said. ‘‘Really they have thrown it open.‘‘Now, it be up to us to figure out what we be going to do with that.''.