On Nov. 9, Rob Vanstone's column headlined "Riders facing a tough call for future" appeared in the StarPhoenix. (The same column appeared in the Leader-Post, headlined "Riders' name game begins''.)

I would like to suggest that it is not just the Riders that need a rethink but rather the entire Canadian Football League. I realize that what I am about to propose will probably be considered heresy by some, but nevertheless I think it needs to be said and carefully considered by everyone who truly believes in the CFL.

To me, the "C" in CFL stands for Canadian, not Continental. Thus, I propose that the league develop a plan whereby it will reduce the number of imports on each team to zero over, say, five years. I recognize that there are those who will say that the quality of the league will plummet on the grounds that we do not have any quarterbacks in Canada. This may be true at the moment, but over the course of five years these players will develop and the standards will be at the same level as now.

You only have to attend a University of Saskatchewan Huskies game at Griffiths Stadium to be swept up in the excitement. Of course the historical argument will almost certainly be made: What of Ron Lancaster and George Reed?

Yes, both were outstanding members of the Green and White and wonderful members of the community, the province and their ad-opted country, the one that we proudly call Canada. Their faith and belief also extended to their families, Ron Lancaster's grandson (University of Regina Rams quarterback Marc Mueller) has made a significant contribution to Canadian university football and George Reed's daughter is a great Canadian Olympian.

I know that there are those who would say that Darian Durant, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' starting quarterback, is following the same path but I must question this. Recently, he suggested that Chris Getzlaf is among the best Canadian receivers with whom he has played. This implies that imports are necessarily better. He should have said: "Getzlaf is among the best receivers I have played with.''

This may be minor, but it is a very important point. I believe that Lancaster simply considered everyone he played with a player, not a Canadian or an import. Our Canadian university players are good and deserve the recognition and support that too many CFL coaches and managers fail to give them.

To reiterate, make the CFL mean Canadian Football League. We will all be better for it.

Internet site reference: http://www.leaderpost.com/opinion/letters/should+phase+imports/5747141/story.html