CFL commissioner excited to be part of Toronto Pride parade

CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge continues his claim of innovation and progression of the league he leads, becoming part of Toronto's grand Pride Parade on Sunday.

"I'm really excited," he told TSN. "It seems that the CFL is orchestrating a number of firsts: I'm the first black commissioner, I'm the first commissioner to march in the Pride Parade, we're really excited about this and we wouldn't have it any other way."

Further adhering to his devotion to inclusiveness among the league is the CFL's partnership with You Can Play (YCP), which celebrated a one-year anniversary Saturday.

Calgary Flames president of hockey operations and YCP advocate Brian Burke - whose homosexual son Brendan's tragic death sparked the inception of the social activism campaign - was also on hand to take part.

"I think it's great that the commissioner (Orridge) is here, I think it's a statement - a really strong statement - on behalf of the league and the teams and the athletes, that they want to be inclusive," Burke said.

Burke also mentioned that there is no issue with other leagues not wanting to take part in the parade and with the campaign's mission to suppress homophobia and strengthen homosexual acceptance across major professional sports.

"No issue from the NHL, I don't think from the other leagues either, but for Jeffrey to be the first to march, great."

The commissioner finished by echoing the campaign's mantra of making sure everyone is eligible to play.

"We're all about progression, diversity, inclusion and if you can play, you should have the opportunity."