Six Nations league says Ontario Lacrosse Association sees it as a 'threat,' sues for $2M

A Six Nations-based lacrosse league is suing the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) for more than $2 million, alleging the provincial governing body is targeting its players with "oppressive" regulations and wants its "destruction."

The lawsuit filed by the recently launched Tewaaraton Lacrosse League (TLL) also calls for an injunction to set aside two subsections of OLA regulations.

"Rather than encouraging as many people as possible to play lacrosse, including through supporting a new league with Six Nations ties, the OLA decided to instead require that players pledge fealty to its association," reads a statement of claim filed in the Superior Court in Toronto.

It goes on to say the OLA changed its regulations in June and August 2021 to ensure players who sign up to play in "non-sanctioned leagues" such as the TLL will have their membership voided.

The TLL alleges commentary shared along with the new regulations cautioned players who joined the Six Nations league that they would face "ramifications," including not being able to play in OLA leagues, on Team Ontario or Team Canada, the statement of claim says.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

The OLA did not respond to requests for comment.

Staff at the court said a statement of defence had not been filed as of Feb. 9.

The TLL was launched in the spring of 2021. In its statement of claim, the league points to the timing of the OLA's regulatory changes and its creation, saying it's no coincidence.

The league was created partly out of frustration with rigid regulations put in place by the sport's governing bodies, league president Lewis Staats previously told CBC News.

Staats said teams had made proposed changes for years, but were always voted down, adding the TLL wanted to move the game forward.

He pointed to three areas where the league felt lacrosse could grow, from increasing the age eligibility, following National Lacrosse League (NLL) rules that "speed the game up," and harnessing social media to help fans connect with players.

The four-team box (indoor) lacrosse league is open to players up to age 23.

The TLL is seeking $2 million in damages for "interference by unlawful means" and another $200,000 in punitive damages, according to the statement of claim.