Sebastian Giovinco doesn't seem like the most popular player in CFL circles at the moment.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, the Toronto FC star cited the club's new arrangement to share BMO Field with the Toronto Argonauts as a possible explanation for his cramping issues in the MLS playoffs.
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Giovinco recorded four goals and four assists in six postseason matches but was substituted in extra time of the Western Conference final second leg and the MLS Cup final, both played at BMO Field. With Giovinco sidelined, TFC fell to the Seattle Sounders on penalties in Saturday's title game.
"Considering that last year I had a great winning streak and great games all on the home field, maybe the only factor that may have contributed somehow and changed since last year is that another team was playing in BMO Field," Giovinco said via a translator.
It was a remark that drew the ire of several CFL players, who took to social media to question Giovinco's toughness.
That's some serious mental weakness...dude needs some help. https://t.co/tpPJwQsl53
— Rob Bagg (@R_Bagg6) December 13, 2016
Heard crying & being out in these Toronto streets causes dehydration too...#cramps #giovanco #argos #tfc
— Ricky Foley (@Foley4Real) December 13, 2016
#Giovinco, both my hamstrings would have to cramp off the bone before I took myself out the chamapionship game #CutFromDifferentCloth
— Matt Black (@MattBlack39) December 13, 2016
The 2016 campaign marked the first time TFC had to share BMO Field with the Argonauts, who played at the Rogers Centre from 1989 to 2015. BMO Field also played host to the Grey Cup — the CFL championship game — on Nov. 27, three days before TFC defeated the Montreal Impact in the conference final second leg.