Tuesday, August 26, 2008
All he's asking for is a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T
If there's one song on Michael Bishop's iPod that would tell the tale it might be the above classic from Aretha Franklin.
Day one of the rest of Michael Bishop's CFL journey turned out to be a pretty enjoyable experience, as the newest quarterback for the Grey Cup Champion Roughriders took on his new duties for the Green and White.
As the Globe and Mail reports in a story published on Monday, Bishop is finding the atmosphere around Taylor Field to be much more to his liking, leaving no doubt for anyone that the Argo environment was not the most enjoyable place that one might have wanted to work at it seems.
While he leaves all that angst and disappointment from Toronto behind, it would appear that for now anyways, Saskatchewan and Bishop are going to be a pretty happy mix.
Happiness may give way to an unbridled love affair, should Bishop lead the Riders to repeat win of Lord Grey's Mug in November.
Bishop soaks up Saskatchewan hospitality
DAVID NAYLOR
Globe and Mail Update
August 25, 2008 at 10:58 PM EDT
Michael Bishop's first day in green and white couldn't have gone any better.
He got to run the first-string offence. He had a good day of practice. And, best of all, he says the atmosphere around his new CFL team is nothing like the one he left behind.
“With the success they've had, there's no selfish guys on this team,” the veteran quarterback, who was dealt from the Toronto Argonauts to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, said yesterday. “I was welcomed real good.
“It's different than Toronto. Everyone talks to everyone, and when you come into a situation like that, you have to feel good about it. From the first time I walked into the locker room, I was greeted. It's a different team and a different atmosphere.”
Bishop, 32, appears to be getting all the respect he feels he was not afforded in Toronto, where, after going 11-1 as the starter last season, he was demoted to backup duty during the first eight games of 2008.
The first-string job appears his to lose in Saskatchewan as the team prepares for its game on Sunday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in front of what will be a packed house in Regina.
“My first day went good,” Bishop said. “I had the opportunity to work with the first group on offence, completed some throws and threw three touchdown passes. It's a good situation to be in, but I know I have to go out and not press too much. But getting this opportunity says a lot about the coaching staff and my new teammates.”
The ‘Riders are taking what would appear to be a big gamble, bringing a new quarterback to a team that opened defence of its Grey Cup title with six consecutive wins before losing two in a row.
But general manager Eric Tillman insists the change isn't as much an indictment of former starter Marcus Crandell, who is expected to be released as early as today, as an admission the slew of injuries to the Roughriders' offence means the team requires a different kind of quarterback.
Specifically, it requires a pivot with a strong arm and nimble feet, someone who can throw deep or to the wide side of the field and also roll out of the pocket.
“Because of the injury situation, we had to alter our offence,” Tillman said. “When we traded Kerry Joseph [to Toronto in March], we felt we'd have a good offensive line and a receiving corps equal to the better groups in the league. But who could've predicted losing half our offence to injury?
“So we've had to change our strategy and need an athletic quarterback to give us pass, rush options and open things up for [running back] Wes Cates.”
Tillman said the coaching staff knew Crandell's departure would be disappointing to the players, but couldn't resist making the move on that basis alone. And he believes the healing process had already come along way by the end of Bishop's first practice.
“Any time you make a change of this magnitude, with a person as highly respected as Marcus, there's going to be emotion,” Tillman said. “In the big picture, you understand that players are people who wear jerseys for a living. They have strong relationships and there's going to be a reaction.
“But we have a strong group and they'll bounce back and you could see that [yesterday].”
The Argonauts, meanwhile, moved on, not just without Bishop, but also veteran safety Orlondo Steinauer.
Steinauer, 35, had been a mainstay on Toronto's defence since 2000. But the unit has been a disappointment so far this year, and there were rumbles last week that changes were in the offing.
Steinauer's release may also be partly a cost-cutting move because the salaries of six-year CFL veterans are guaranteed for the year after league games this week.
“Sometimes in football, you are faced with having to make difficult decisions involving good people,” Argos GM Adam Rita said in a statement. “Today is one of those times. We believe this move will help us improve our secondary and ultimately win games. We have some young talent on our roster and we are looking forward to seeing them on the field.”
Monday, August 25, 2008
The congregation at Canada’s football cathedral awaits their Bishop
Developments over the weekend out of Toronto heralded a move that was long expected and for many probably expected as far back as in the off season when Saskatchewan first sent Kerry Joseph to Toronto.
But now, as the Labour Day yardstick grows closer, Michael Bishop has moved on from the Toronto Argonauts, or to be more correct he’s been moved on.
Bishop was traded to Canada’s hotbed of football this weekend, as he learned the details of his transfer to the Saskatchewan branch of the CFL, in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2011 selection derby .
It’s probably a change that should have happened back when the Argos acquired Joseph from the Grey Cup champion Riders, and indeed the fact that Bishop remained on the training camp roster surprised more than a few CFL fans as the pre-season and then regular season got underway.
While the Argos found themselves flush with quarterbacks, as the year progressed there appeared to be no way to satisfy both Joseph and Bishop in the Argo camp, in fact as the Argos have struggled, the rifts between both QB’s and the coaching staff have appeared to become more pronounced.
Neither QB really secure in the confidence of their coaches, neither really excelling when the need was there the most. In short something clearly had to give, and this weekend it was Bishop that was moved out of the east with a westward destination.
He had previously been placed on waivers, a testing of the waters by the Argos which was made public much to the organizations embarrassment and much to the chagrin of Bishop who found less and less to trust about his bosses as the season progressed.
With the trade he is reunited with his former offensive coach from the Toronto days in Ken Miller, a comfortable fit that should benefit both Bishop and the Riders as they begin the second half of the season and the key Labour Day Classic to come this weekend.
Where all of this leaves Marcus Crandell, Stephen Jyles, Darian Durant and the rest of the QB's that have been floating around in Regina these days remains to be seen, but it would appear that somebody(or two) is soon to be moved off the depth charts in Riderland with Crandell expected to be the first to leave.
As for Bishop, there will be no longing glances back at his old Toronto squad, while he may miss a few of the Argonauts individually, his quite angry sounding comments in Sunday’s Toronto Star, certainly paint the picture of a guy that has had more than enough of the way he believes he was treated by Argo management and ownership.
He now has a chance to work with a clean slate in Saskatchewan, perhaps finally reaching the potential that he has shown glimpses of over the last few seasons but never fully developed on a consistent basis.
Rider fans, who regularly fill Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, will certainly be hoping that a newly freed and now very motivated Bishop will help to keep the Rider atop the west and on track for a defence of their Grey Cup championship come this November in Montreal.
But now, as the Labour Day yardstick grows closer, Michael Bishop has moved on from the Toronto Argonauts, or to be more correct he’s been moved on.
Bishop was traded to Canada’s hotbed of football this weekend, as he learned the details of his transfer to the Saskatchewan branch of the CFL, in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2011 selection derby .
It’s probably a change that should have happened back when the Argos acquired Joseph from the Grey Cup champion Riders, and indeed the fact that Bishop remained on the training camp roster surprised more than a few CFL fans as the pre-season and then regular season got underway.
While the Argos found themselves flush with quarterbacks, as the year progressed there appeared to be no way to satisfy both Joseph and Bishop in the Argo camp, in fact as the Argos have struggled, the rifts between both QB’s and the coaching staff have appeared to become more pronounced.
Neither QB really secure in the confidence of their coaches, neither really excelling when the need was there the most. In short something clearly had to give, and this weekend it was Bishop that was moved out of the east with a westward destination.
He had previously been placed on waivers, a testing of the waters by the Argos which was made public much to the organizations embarrassment and much to the chagrin of Bishop who found less and less to trust about his bosses as the season progressed.
With the trade he is reunited with his former offensive coach from the Toronto days in Ken Miller, a comfortable fit that should benefit both Bishop and the Riders as they begin the second half of the season and the key Labour Day Classic to come this weekend.
Where all of this leaves Marcus Crandell, Stephen Jyles, Darian Durant and the rest of the QB's that have been floating around in Regina these days remains to be seen, but it would appear that somebody(or two) is soon to be moved off the depth charts in Riderland with Crandell expected to be the first to leave.
As for Bishop, there will be no longing glances back at his old Toronto squad, while he may miss a few of the Argonauts individually, his quite angry sounding comments in Sunday’s Toronto Star, certainly paint the picture of a guy that has had more than enough of the way he believes he was treated by Argo management and ownership.
He now has a chance to work with a clean slate in Saskatchewan, perhaps finally reaching the potential that he has shown glimpses of over the last few seasons but never fully developed on a consistent basis.
Rider fans, who regularly fill Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, will certainly be hoping that a newly freed and now very motivated Bishop will help to keep the Rider atop the west and on track for a defence of their Grey Cup championship come this November in Montreal.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Players of the Week for week eight
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Avon Cobourne--RB--Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Keron Williams-DT-Montreal Alouettes
Runners up-- Gavin Walls, Winnipeg
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dominique Dorsey--KR/PR--Toronto Argonauts
Runners up-- Graeme Bell, Winnipeg, Larry Taylor, Montreal
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Davis Sanchez--CB--Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Arjei Franklin, Winnipeg, Doug Brown, Winnipeg
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Avon Cobourne--RB--Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Keron Williams-DT-Montreal Alouettes
Runners up-- Gavin Walls, Winnipeg
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dominique Dorsey--KR/PR--Toronto Argonauts
Runners up-- Graeme Bell, Winnipeg, Larry Taylor, Montreal
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Davis Sanchez--CB--Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Arjei Franklin, Winnipeg, Doug Brown, Winnipeg
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Final snaps of August 2008
We return to chronicling the quotable thoughts each day of the CFL universe.
August 31-- "We weren't on the same page but we came in and got the first win and that was important"
August 30-- "If it's not going well, we won't hesitate to play Richie"
August 29-- "I'm so excited about Monday. It's killing me"
August 28-- "Whenever they give you a chance to make plays, or an opportunity to change the game, I enjoy it"
August 27-- "I think it's a real sign that the league is doing well, that Canadians are rallying to our league and showing great support"
August 26-- "It's an honour to learn more about the history of the game and be a part of it"
August 25-- "That's football, and you have to deal with it. I have to be in better position so it doesn't happen"
August 24-- "Everything that was said in training camp was a lie"
August 23-- "We didn't do this to send a message, we did it to make our team better"
August 22-- "There are some things that you can learn in losses"
August 21-- "Penalties have killed us in the past, and they've hurt us this year"
August 20-- "That's good because half of the fans will be ours"
August 19-- "The way I'm looking at it right now is the time I'm not in there I'm not getting any bruises"
August 18-- "I think he's highly motivated. I don't think he gets a lot of credit for what he's done"
August 17-- "Before I wanted to be an Olympian, I used want to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers."
August 31-- "We weren't on the same page but we came in and got the first win and that was important"
August 30-- "If it's not going well, we won't hesitate to play Richie"
August 29-- "I'm so excited about Monday. It's killing me"
August 28-- "Whenever they give you a chance to make plays, or an opportunity to change the game, I enjoy it"
August 27-- "I think it's a real sign that the league is doing well, that Canadians are rallying to our league and showing great support"
August 26-- "It's an honour to learn more about the history of the game and be a part of it"
August 25-- "That's football, and you have to deal with it. I have to be in better position so it doesn't happen"
August 24-- "Everything that was said in training camp was a lie"
August 23-- "We didn't do this to send a message, we did it to make our team better"
August 22-- "There are some things that you can learn in losses"
August 21-- "Penalties have killed us in the past, and they've hurt us this year"
August 20-- "That's good because half of the fans will be ours"
August 19-- "The way I'm looking at it right now is the time I'm not in there I'm not getting any bruises"
August 18-- "I think he's highly motivated. I don't think he gets a lot of credit for what he's done"
August 17-- "Before I wanted to be an Olympian, I used want to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers."
Opening Kick Offs August 2008
After our wee siesta from the week to week of the CFL, we pick up our daily review of the main stories of the CFL.
August 31-- 'Riders romp in Bishop's debut
August 31-- Eskimos confident at last
August 31-- Ticats playing for more than just pride
August 30-- Clemons may return to Argos helm
August 30-- Let's give Bishop some time
August 30-- Edmonton is finally turning around
August 29-- Als hang on for wild win
August 29-- Former Rider Crandell still wants to play
August 29-- Stampeders prepare to repel Ray repeat
August 28-- Roughriders drop the axe on Marcus Crandell
August 28-- Receiver injuries crippling Argos offence
August 28-- Jackson not passing the Buck
August 27-- Argos’ Joseph passes play-calling back to coaches
August 27-- Lions are talking big for a team in last place
August 27-- QB Bishop gets down to business with his new team the Roughriders
August 26-- Steinauer's release the tip of the iceberg
August 26-- Pierce gets the call for Lions
August 26-- Thumbs-down for Casey
August 25-- Argonauts release veteran safety Steinauer
August 25-- Injury sidelines Drew for season
August 25-- Joseph says he never had a problem with Bishop
August 24-- Miller deciding on Crandell's future
August 24-- Buono gambling with a familiar hand
August 24-- Hey, this ain't right
August 23-- Argos trade Bishop to 'Riders
August 23-- Stamps quell some demons with win at BC Place
August 23-- Crawford's 'not your typical jock'
August 22-- Stamps outlast Lions
August 22-- Cracked crystal ball
August 22-- Back to the drawing board
August 21-- Esks' defence crush Riders
August 21-- Lions playbook stolen in break-in
August 21-- Taman on the road again, looking for quality kicker
August 20-- Cobourne and Als teammates dominate CFL awards
August 20-- 'Riders continue to battle injuries
August 20-- Energy and emotion on tap for Esks game
August 19-- Burris best yet to come
August 19-- Esks sign veteran defensive tackle
August 19-- Lumsden set for "must win"
August 18-- It's goofy, I tells ya
August 18-- New back's arrival puts Smith's future in doubt
August 18-- Eskimos promise Roughriders a difficult time on Thursday
August 17-- Receiver won't receive second chance with Lions
August 17-- Air Force recalls CFL player to duty
August 17-- Copeland catchin' new focus
August 31-- 'Riders romp in Bishop's debut
August 31-- Eskimos confident at last
August 31-- Ticats playing for more than just pride
August 30-- Clemons may return to Argos helm
August 30-- Let's give Bishop some time
August 30-- Edmonton is finally turning around
August 29-- Als hang on for wild win
August 29-- Former Rider Crandell still wants to play
August 29-- Stampeders prepare to repel Ray repeat
August 28-- Roughriders drop the axe on Marcus Crandell
August 28-- Receiver injuries crippling Argos offence
August 28-- Jackson not passing the Buck
August 27-- Argos’ Joseph passes play-calling back to coaches
August 27-- Lions are talking big for a team in last place
August 27-- QB Bishop gets down to business with his new team the Roughriders
August 26-- Steinauer's release the tip of the iceberg
August 26-- Pierce gets the call for Lions
August 26-- Thumbs-down for Casey
August 25-- Argonauts release veteran safety Steinauer
August 25-- Injury sidelines Drew for season
August 25-- Joseph says he never had a problem with Bishop
August 24-- Miller deciding on Crandell's future
August 24-- Buono gambling with a familiar hand
August 24-- Hey, this ain't right
August 23-- Argos trade Bishop to 'Riders
August 23-- Stamps quell some demons with win at BC Place
August 23-- Crawford's 'not your typical jock'
August 22-- Stamps outlast Lions
August 22-- Cracked crystal ball
August 22-- Back to the drawing board
August 21-- Esks' defence crush Riders
August 21-- Lions playbook stolen in break-in
August 21-- Taman on the road again, looking for quality kicker
August 20-- Cobourne and Als teammates dominate CFL awards
August 20-- 'Riders continue to battle injuries
August 20-- Energy and emotion on tap for Esks game
August 19-- Burris best yet to come
August 19-- Esks sign veteran defensive tackle
August 19-- Lumsden set for "must win"
August 18-- It's goofy, I tells ya
August 18-- New back's arrival puts Smith's future in doubt
August 18-- Eskimos promise Roughriders a difficult time on Thursday
August 17-- Receiver won't receive second chance with Lions
August 17-- Air Force recalls CFL player to duty
August 17-- Copeland catchin' new focus
Week Nine
The Eastern based teams (plus Winnipeg) get the week off this week, just in time to reassess line ups, watch the NFL cuts and make plans for the labour Day clashes.
The West has the spotlight with both Edmonton and BC anticipating large crowds for week nine action.
August 21-- Saskatchewan 10 @ Edmonton 27 (48,808)
August 22-- Calgary 36 @ BC 29 (34,221)
ALL GAMES ON TSN
The West has the spotlight with both Edmonton and BC anticipating large crowds for week nine action.
August 21-- Saskatchewan 10 @ Edmonton 27 (48,808)
August 22-- Calgary 36 @ BC 29 (34,221)
ALL GAMES ON TSN
Players of the Week for week seven
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Richie Williams-- QB-- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Chris Thompson-- DB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runnersup-- Tyrone Williams, BC Lions; Brent Johnson, BC Lions
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Damon Duval-- K/P -- Montreal Alouettes
Runners up-- Ian Smart, BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Brent Johnson-- DE-- BC Lions
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Richie Williams-- QB-- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Chris Thompson-- DB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runnersup-- Tyrone Williams, BC Lions; Brent Johnson, BC Lions
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Damon Duval-- K/P -- Montreal Alouettes
Runners up-- Ian Smart, BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Brent Johnson-- DE-- BC Lions
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
Week Eight
We're up to speed again with the week eight results.
Thursday, August 14-- Hamilton 24 @ Winnipeg 37 (25,484)
Friday, August 15-- Montreal 32 @ Toronto 14 (30,521)
Thursday, August 14-- Hamilton 24 @ Winnipeg 37 (25,484)
Friday, August 15-- Montreal 32 @ Toronto 14 (30,521)
Players of the week for week six
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ricky Ray- QB-- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Wes Cates-- Saskatchewan Roughriders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jonathon Brown -- DE -- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dominique Dorsey-- PR/KR-- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ben Cahoon-- SB-- Montreal Alouettes
Runners up-- Kamau Peterson – Edmonton Eskimos
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ricky Ray- QB-- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Wes Cates-- Saskatchewan Roughriders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jonathon Brown -- DE -- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dominique Dorsey-- PR/KR-- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Unanimous Selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ben Cahoon-- SB-- Montreal Alouettes
Runners up-- Kamau Peterson – Edmonton Eskimos
Week Seven
We begin to catch up with the action we missed while away from the sidelines.
Thursday, August 7 - Toronto 21 @ Hamilton 45 (19,423)
Thursday, August 7 - Calgary 30 @ Saskatchewan 25 (28,800)
Friday, August 8 - Montreal 39 @ Winnipeg 11 (27,674)
Friday, August 9- Edmonton 34 @ BC 40 (30,863)
Thursday, August 7 - Toronto 21 @ Hamilton 45 (19,423)
Thursday, August 7 - Calgary 30 @ Saskatchewan 25 (28,800)
Friday, August 8 - Montreal 39 @ Winnipeg 11 (27,674)
Friday, August 9- Edmonton 34 @ BC 40 (30,863)
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Players of the week for week five
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ryan Dinwiddie- QB-- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Montez Murphy – LB- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Kelly Malveaux – Winnipeg Blue Bombers
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ian Smart – KR/PR - BC Lions
Runner up-- Noel Prefontaine – Edmonton Eskimos
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson- WR - BC Lions
Runners up-- Kamau Peterson – Edmonton Eskimos
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ryan Dinwiddie- QB-- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Montez Murphy – LB- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Kelly Malveaux – Winnipeg Blue Bombers
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ian Smart – KR/PR - BC Lions
Runner up-- Noel Prefontaine – Edmonton Eskimos
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson- WR - BC Lions
Runners up-- Kamau Peterson – Edmonton Eskimos
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Week Six
We're on a bit of a summer siesta, so the pickings will be slim for the next bit.
Here's the schedule for week six
Thursday, July 31-- Hamilton 33 @ Montreal 40 (20,202)
Thursday, July 31-- BC 24 @ Edmonton 35 (35,008)
Friday, August 1-- Winnipeg 11 @ Toronto 19 (28,523)
Saturday, August 2--Saskatchewan 22 @ Calgary 21 (35,650)
ALL GAMES ON TSN
Here's the schedule for week six
Thursday, July 31-- Hamilton 33 @ Montreal 40 (20,202)
Thursday, July 31-- BC 24 @ Edmonton 35 (35,008)
Friday, August 1-- Winnipeg 11 @ Toronto 19 (28,523)
Saturday, August 2--Saskatchewan 22 @ Calgary 21 (35,650)
ALL GAMES ON TSN
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CFL Players of the Week -- Week Four
Kerry Joseph's fourth quarter heroics were more than enough to secure him a spot in the Players of the week as the CFL announced this weeks selections for week four of the regular season.
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kerry Joseph- QB- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Reggie Hunt- LB - Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Korey Banks, BC Lions
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tristan Jackson - KR/PR - Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson- WR - BC Lions
Runners up-- Tyler Scott, Toronto Argonauts
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kerry Joseph- QB- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Reggie Hunt- LB - Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Korey Banks, BC Lions
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tristan Jackson - KR/PR - Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson- WR - BC Lions
Runners up-- Tyler Scott, Toronto Argonauts
Monday, July 21, 2008
Week Five July 24--27
With the exception of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, their cheerleaders and their fans, everyone could find something good about week four of the CFL. The Bombers had a bit too much news making in week four and things seem a tad unglued in Bomberland these days.
While the Blue work out the problems in and out of the dressing room the rest of the CFL is counting the positives of their first four weeks, none more happy than the Saskatchewan Roughriders juggernaut which has surprised many of the experts with their steely determination in the face of injuries and changes.
Hamilton while still finding problems collecting points in the standings, look very much like a team ready to finally make their move, as long as some key elements remain healthy and they have the time to develop.
The Lions and Eskimos have reversed some stumbles and look fairly reminiscent of the teams many thought they would be, while the Stampeders are starting to put a together what appears to be a very winning game plan.
Much the same is happening in Montreal, where the Als despite a new coach and a few changes still seem to be the team to watch in the East, though in Toronto the Kerry Joseph that everyone was waiting for finally showed what all the buzz was all about with a remarkable late game drive that sent Argo fans home happy and marvelling at his skills.
Some interesting groundwork for the fifth week of action in the CFL.
Thursday, July 24-- Calgary 28 @ Winnipeg 32 (26,882)
Friday, July 25-- Edmonton 19 @ Hamilton 13 (21,402 )
Friday, July 25 -- Montreal 34 @ BC 36 (30,132)
Sunday, July 27-- Toronto 22 @ Saskatchewan 28 (28,800)
**All Games on TSN
While the Blue work out the problems in and out of the dressing room the rest of the CFL is counting the positives of their first four weeks, none more happy than the Saskatchewan Roughriders juggernaut which has surprised many of the experts with their steely determination in the face of injuries and changes.
Hamilton while still finding problems collecting points in the standings, look very much like a team ready to finally make their move, as long as some key elements remain healthy and they have the time to develop.
The Lions and Eskimos have reversed some stumbles and look fairly reminiscent of the teams many thought they would be, while the Stampeders are starting to put a together what appears to be a very winning game plan.
Much the same is happening in Montreal, where the Als despite a new coach and a few changes still seem to be the team to watch in the East, though in Toronto the Kerry Joseph that everyone was waiting for finally showed what all the buzz was all about with a remarkable late game drive that sent Argo fans home happy and marvelling at his skills.
Some interesting groundwork for the fifth week of action in the CFL.
Thursday, July 24-- Calgary 28 @ Winnipeg 32 (26,882)
Friday, July 25-- Edmonton 19 @ Hamilton 13 (21,402 )
Friday, July 25 -- Montreal 34 @ BC 36 (30,132)
Sunday, July 27-- Toronto 22 @ Saskatchewan 28 (28,800)
**All Games on TSN
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Lions roar back for victory, fans roar to celebrate Bobby Ackles
It’s fitting (if frustrating for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers) that the BC Lions would stage a fourth quarter come back to yank victory from the Bombers and provide for a perfect conclusion to Bob Ackles Day in Vancouver.
The Lions who made more than their fair share of mistakes in the first half, managed to turn around the miscues and put together another strong offensive showing to claim a 27-18 victory over the Bombers, who shot themselves in the foot more than a few times during the course of Friday’s game.
While turnovers played a large role in the game for both squads, a missed call seemed to seal the fate of the Blue who were no doubt chagrined at the bump in the Lions end zone that somehow was missed by the on field officiating crew.
The subsequent interception on the play turned the ball over to the Lions who chewed up a good portion of the clock and built up on their lead to ensure that the 31 thousand plus fans had a win to go with their remembrances of the former CFL executive who passed away two weeks ago.
While the Lions at times resembled a Grey Cup bound squad that could not be said for the Bombers who clearly still have to work out some internal issues in their line up. Far too many assignments were blown, passes not made or collected and defensively while fairly solid for three quarters, a fourth quarter disappearing act in the wave of the Lions offense should be registering some serious concerns in the Winnipeg GM’s office.
For the first three quarters the Bombers seemed to have their offense back on a roll, utilizing Charles Roberts far more effectively, roaming him from the backfield into open spaces where Kevin Glenn would deliver timely short passes that turned into solid gains, yet by the fourth the Lions had seemed to adjust to that game plan and for the most part had shut down the Bomber attack.
While there were some promising trends in the Bomber play, the result was the same as in three previous regular season contests, leaving the blue now 0 and 4 and making the folks back home very concerned.
The Lions on the other hand have been building on momentum the last two weeks, last weeks blow out a showcase game that reminded everyone that they are still serious contenders in the West, while Friday night’s game once again gave indications that they intend to play until the final whistle each and every night, something that would have made Mr. Ackles quite proud we suspect.
The post game salute was done in fine fashion, retracing the legend of the once water boy through the various levels of professional football and calling on all to continue on with his passion for Canadian Football.
A large job left behind, but on Friday one that probably had more than a few hands ready to get to work.
The Lions who made more than their fair share of mistakes in the first half, managed to turn around the miscues and put together another strong offensive showing to claim a 27-18 victory over the Bombers, who shot themselves in the foot more than a few times during the course of Friday’s game.
While turnovers played a large role in the game for both squads, a missed call seemed to seal the fate of the Blue who were no doubt chagrined at the bump in the Lions end zone that somehow was missed by the on field officiating crew.
The subsequent interception on the play turned the ball over to the Lions who chewed up a good portion of the clock and built up on their lead to ensure that the 31 thousand plus fans had a win to go with their remembrances of the former CFL executive who passed away two weeks ago.
While the Lions at times resembled a Grey Cup bound squad that could not be said for the Bombers who clearly still have to work out some internal issues in their line up. Far too many assignments were blown, passes not made or collected and defensively while fairly solid for three quarters, a fourth quarter disappearing act in the wave of the Lions offense should be registering some serious concerns in the Winnipeg GM’s office.
For the first three quarters the Bombers seemed to have their offense back on a roll, utilizing Charles Roberts far more effectively, roaming him from the backfield into open spaces where Kevin Glenn would deliver timely short passes that turned into solid gains, yet by the fourth the Lions had seemed to adjust to that game plan and for the most part had shut down the Bomber attack.
While there were some promising trends in the Bomber play, the result was the same as in three previous regular season contests, leaving the blue now 0 and 4 and making the folks back home very concerned.
The Lions on the other hand have been building on momentum the last two weeks, last weeks blow out a showcase game that reminded everyone that they are still serious contenders in the West, while Friday night’s game once again gave indications that they intend to play until the final whistle each and every night, something that would have made Mr. Ackles quite proud we suspect.
The post game salute was done in fine fashion, retracing the legend of the once water boy through the various levels of professional football and calling on all to continue on with his passion for Canadian Football.
A large job left behind, but on Friday one that probably had more than a few hands ready to get to work.
Globe and Mail-- Lions roar for Ackles
National Post-- Ackles tributes pour in prior to Lions game
National Post-- Emotional home victory for Lions
Winnipeg Free Press-- Oh-oh and 4 for Blue as valiant struggle falls short
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
High scoring outbursts herald a return for the offense
The return of the passing game and making the best use of some outstanding running backs is making for a pretty exciting start to the 2008 season so far in the CFL.
Interestingly enough both Stephen Brunt and David Naylor of the Globe and Mail saw the same thing while watching recent CFL contests, the return of ability of CFL teams to move the ball and put points on the board.
It's a trend that had gone missing for most of the last few years and a development that is welcome in a league that has never seemed stronger at the gate and on the tube, yet always seems on the brink of some kind of crisis or another.
This years dark cloud, the looming presence of the Buffalo Bills and the NFL, who have staked out a corner of the Rogers Centre for a beach head of sorts, with some toe dipping games both pre season and regular season set for Toronto over the next few years.
Brunt's column approached the debate over the NFL incursion with the observation that the best way to win over the fans is to showcase the CFL for what it has always been, a highly entertaining offensive display.
He's not off at all on that observation, when the CFL is functioning at its best, the pure action and speed of the Canadian game leaves it's NFL counterpart well down the field, the budgets may not be as large, nor the players. The payrolls are clearly not competitive and yet, on a game per game comparison, the CFL probably provides more excitement in its sixty minutes than the NFL could ever hope to accomplish on most of its Sundays in the fall.
It's that foundation which the league has built in the past and needs to continue today that in the end will prove to be the wall of defiance against the NFL.
The league has returned to some of the basic beliefs that Canadians always proclaim when describing their game, a positive move that continues to improve the calibre of play in the game.
It's the kind of standard of play that will reap rewards at the turnstiles, provide journalists and commentators with much material to work with and ensure that those televisions stay on until the final play of the final quarter.
While we celebrate the game as ours and play up the coast to coast celebration that the game thrives on, it doesn't hurt that the actual play on the field is matching up to the marketing slogans.
So far the signs are good that the entertainment is going to deliver with the concept that our game is different and up to the challenge of the larger presence on the border.
Stephen Brunt-- Globe and Mail-- CFL now offensive in the right way
David Naylor-- Globe and Mail-- Commitment to running sparks offensive burst
Interestingly enough both Stephen Brunt and David Naylor of the Globe and Mail saw the same thing while watching recent CFL contests, the return of ability of CFL teams to move the ball and put points on the board.
It's a trend that had gone missing for most of the last few years and a development that is welcome in a league that has never seemed stronger at the gate and on the tube, yet always seems on the brink of some kind of crisis or another.
This years dark cloud, the looming presence of the Buffalo Bills and the NFL, who have staked out a corner of the Rogers Centre for a beach head of sorts, with some toe dipping games both pre season and regular season set for Toronto over the next few years.
Brunt's column approached the debate over the NFL incursion with the observation that the best way to win over the fans is to showcase the CFL for what it has always been, a highly entertaining offensive display.
He's not off at all on that observation, when the CFL is functioning at its best, the pure action and speed of the Canadian game leaves it's NFL counterpart well down the field, the budgets may not be as large, nor the players. The payrolls are clearly not competitive and yet, on a game per game comparison, the CFL probably provides more excitement in its sixty minutes than the NFL could ever hope to accomplish on most of its Sundays in the fall.
It's that foundation which the league has built in the past and needs to continue today that in the end will prove to be the wall of defiance against the NFL.
The league has returned to some of the basic beliefs that Canadians always proclaim when describing their game, a positive move that continues to improve the calibre of play in the game.
It's the kind of standard of play that will reap rewards at the turnstiles, provide journalists and commentators with much material to work with and ensure that those televisions stay on until the final play of the final quarter.
While we celebrate the game as ours and play up the coast to coast celebration that the game thrives on, it doesn't hurt that the actual play on the field is matching up to the marketing slogans.
So far the signs are good that the entertainment is going to deliver with the concept that our game is different and up to the challenge of the larger presence on the border.
Stephen Brunt-- Globe and Mail-- CFL now offensive in the right way
David Naylor-- Globe and Mail-- Commitment to running sparks offensive burst
CFL Players of the Week-- Week Three
Three unnaimous selections, two of them from the BC Lions led the pack as the CFL announced its players of the week for the third week of regular season action.
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jarious Jackson - QB - BC Lions
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Javier Glatt - LB - BC Lions
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tristan Jackson - KR/PR - Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jesse Lumsden-- RB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- Chris Bauman, Hamilton Tiger Cats, Javier Glatt, BC Lions
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jarious Jackson - QB - BC Lions
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Javier Glatt - LB - BC Lions
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tristan Jackson - KR/PR - Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jesse Lumsden-- RB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- Chris Bauman, Hamilton Tiger Cats, Javier Glatt, BC Lions
Week Four July 17-20
The CFL universe righted itself for one team last week, as the BC Lions suddenly rediscovered their Roar, while the Blue Bombers continued to hit the floor.
The Ti Cats lost a squeaker under most unusual circumstances as the Riders continued on with an undefeated season so far. While the Argos left Edmonton, once again finding that the Quarterback spot is the most discussed position both on and off the team.
Montreal finally tasted defeat as even the heroics of AC couldn't turn the tide against a rejuvenated Stampeder club.
Week Four promises more of the same as the CFL expands the schedule to cover four days of the week in the middle of summer.
Thursday, July 17-- Hamilton 16 @ Calgary 43 (31,166)
Friday, July 18-- Winnipeg 18 @ BC 27 (37,174)
Saturday, July 19-- Montreal 33 @ Saskatchewan 41 (28,800)
Sunday, July 20-- Edmonton 31 @ Toronto 35 (28,552)
**All games on TSN
The Ti Cats lost a squeaker under most unusual circumstances as the Riders continued on with an undefeated season so far. While the Argos left Edmonton, once again finding that the Quarterback spot is the most discussed position both on and off the team.
Montreal finally tasted defeat as even the heroics of AC couldn't turn the tide against a rejuvenated Stampeder club.
Week Four promises more of the same as the CFL expands the schedule to cover four days of the week in the middle of summer.
Thursday, July 17-- Hamilton 16 @ Calgary 43 (31,166)
Friday, July 18-- Winnipeg 18 @ BC 27 (37,174)
Saturday, July 19-- Montreal 33 @ Saskatchewan 41 (28,800)
Sunday, July 20-- Edmonton 31 @ Toronto 35 (28,552)
**All games on TSN
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Bluer than Blue in Bomberland
"We're all about winning here"-- Blue Bomber GM Brendan Taman offering up the positioning slogan, that hasn't had many takers in the first three weeks of the CFL season.
The talk shows have been shall we say heated, as discussion percolates over what’s wrong with the Bombers and what needs to be done to turn around what so far is turning into a disastrous season.
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Winnipeg, last year’s Eastern representative in the Grey Cup was considered by many to be a favourite to make a return journey to the big game this fall in Montreal.
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However, if the first three weeks of the season are any indication, then players, management and fans had best start calling their travel agents for a group discount as spectators, for if their play on the field is any indication thus far, then that’s their only hope of having to enjoy the sights of Montreal in the fall.
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From a hopeful game one, things have quickly spun out of control on the football field on the side of Maroons Road, with an especially nasty exclamation point provided by last Friday’s game against the BC Lions, which truly wasn’t near as close as that 42-24 score indicated.
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Winnipeg’s sudden slide into ineptitude seems to have resulted in a fair amount of internal frustration, with coaches pointing at players and some of the players intimating that things aren’t particularly rosy behind the scenes of Winnipeg’s football team.
Winnipeg’s sudden slide into ineptitude seems to have resulted in a fair amount of internal frustration, with coaches pointing at players and some of the players intimating that things aren’t particularly rosy behind the scenes of Winnipeg’s football team.
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Kevin Glenn has found himself in the centre of the hurricane, last year’s leader to the Grey Cup (a journey suddenly cut short by a season ending injury in the Eastern final) suddenly finds that those boos are heading his way as pass after pass misses a mark or becomes inexplicably dropped by once sure handed receivers.
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Ryan Dinwiddie was the crowd favourite by the end of Friday’s game, though even he must have realized that his success was more a case of the Lions letting up than any great renaissance of the Bomber game plan, yet as the Bombers prepare to head west for the return match with the Lions, more than a few Blue boosters are suggesting that he should be taking the first snap on Friday night.
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That’s an unlikely scenario; Glenn will be tapped on the shoulder we suspect either until he breaks out his personal slump or the bomber management makes the decision that the Quarterback position suddenly is their number one requirement.
That’s an unlikely scenario; Glenn will be tapped on the shoulder we suspect either until he breaks out his personal slump or the bomber management makes the decision that the Quarterback position suddenly is their number one requirement.
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The QB controversies were supposed to be found in BC and Toronto this season, and while the Argos have done their best to keep that theory alive, the Lions no doubt are feeling a lot more confident in Jarious Jackson after Friday night’s performance.
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Winnipeg however now has the makings of their own controversy, though it’s unlikely that the still young and learning Dinwiddie is to be tapped as the season saving game time decision.
What will be interesting to watch in the Peg will be where the Bombers go for a change that seems necessary after three disappointing results to start the season.
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However, if the tone of the city is any indication something has to happen quickly, a situation that won’t aided by this week’s opponent.
However, if the tone of the city is any indication something has to happen quickly, a situation that won’t aided by this week’s opponent.
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The Bombers travel to Vancouver for the second of their back to back matches with the Lions, a game that will be yet another emotional moment for the Lions as they and their fans celebrate the life of the late Bob Ackles.
The Bombers travel to Vancouver for the second of their back to back matches with the Lions, a game that will be yet another emotional moment for the Lions as they and their fans celebrate the life of the late Bob Ackles.
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It’s a game which will once again no doubt find the Lions more than a little charged to perform on the field, something that doesn’t bode well for the bombers being 1-3 by 10 pm Friday night.
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Below we harvest a few of the observations of the Bomber situation over the last couple of days... .
Below we harvest a few of the observations of the Bomber situation over the last couple of days... .
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Winning cures it all
Blue Bombers baffled
Winless Bombers in line for makeover, GM reveals
Berry won't make changes simply for sake of sending message
Paging Dr. Frankenstein
Glenn still starter: Berry
Looking for leaders
Berry's wrath could mean overhaul
Blue hit rock bottom
What is that smell?
Worst in the league
Winning cures it all
Blue Bombers baffled
Winless Bombers in line for makeover, GM reveals
Berry won't make changes simply for sake of sending message
Paging Dr. Frankenstein
Glenn still starter: Berry
Looking for leaders
Berry's wrath could mean overhaul
Blue hit rock bottom
What is that smell?
Worst in the league
Monday, July 14, 2008
The resistance will be well dressed
It's the kind of marketing that even the Omni-present commercial machine that the NFL has become, would take kindly to.
A Toronto company that is making hay while that NFL sun is shining across Lake Ontario, for those that are willing to take their stand on the fifty five yard line and push the NFL invaders twenty five yards deep into the end zone, we offer up the must have addition to your resistance wardrobe..
The No Bills No, tee shirt.
Available everywhere that NFL fans aren't...
But protest has a price, the shirts cost fifteen dolllars and are available at teedotclothing.com
http://www.teedotclothing.com/
(Warning music accompanying video above has lyrical content that some may find offensive)
A Toronto company that is making hay while that NFL sun is shining across Lake Ontario, for those that are willing to take their stand on the fifty five yard line and push the NFL invaders twenty five yards deep into the end zone, we offer up the must have addition to your resistance wardrobe..
The No Bills No, tee shirt.
Available everywhere that NFL fans aren't...
But protest has a price, the shirts cost fifteen dolllars and are available at teedotclothing.com
http://www.teedotclothing.com/
(Warning music accompanying video above has lyrical content that some may find offensive)
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
CFL PLayers of the Week Archive 2008
We archive the Player of the Week selections here for the 2008 Season
Week Twelve-- Sept 13-18
Week Eleven-- Sept 6-9
Week Ten-- Aug 29-Sep 3
Week Nine-- Aug 22-25
Week Eight-- Aug 15-19
Week Seven-- Aug 8-12
Week Six-- Aug 1-5
Week Five--July 24-27
Week Four-- July 17-20
Week Three-- July 10-14
Week Two-- July 3-5
Week One-- June 26-28
Week Twelve-- Sept 13-18
Week Eleven-- Sept 6-9
Week Ten-- Aug 29-Sep 3
Week Nine-- Aug 22-25
Week Eight-- Aug 15-19
Week Seven-- Aug 8-12
Week Six-- Aug 1-5
Week Five--July 24-27
Week Four-- July 17-20
Week Three-- July 10-14
Week Two-- July 3-5
Week One-- June 26-28
CFL Players of the Week-- Week Two
The CFL announced its players of the week for the second week of regular season action.
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ricky Ray- QB - Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Anthony Calvillo- QB- Montreal Alouettes
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cameron Wake- DE - BC Lions
Runner up-- Maurice Lloyd- LB - Saskatchewan Roughriders
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dominique Dorsey- KR/PR - Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Noel Prefontaine - K - Edmonton Eskimos
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jesse Lumsden-- RB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- Unanimous Selection
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ricky Ray- QB - Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- Anthony Calvillo- QB- Montreal Alouettes
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cameron Wake- DE - BC Lions
Runner up-- Maurice Lloyd- LB - Saskatchewan Roughriders
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dominique Dorsey- KR/PR - Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Noel Prefontaine - K - Edmonton Eskimos
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jesse Lumsden-- RB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- Unanimous Selection
Week Three July 10-12
The CFL will take time to remember the life and times of Bob Ackles this weekend, the longtime passionate believer in Canadian football passed away this past weekend, leaving a void in Vancouver and across the CFL.
Once the moments of silence and remembrance have ended though, it will be back to the field, just as Mr. Ackles no doubt would believe necessary.
Week three finds two teams desperate for a win, as the pre season favourites in Winnipeg and BC both have struggled out of the gate this season, with both teams matched up for this third week. Needless to say, somebody is going to leave the field content, while the other will have even more work to do for week four.
Thursday, July 10-- Calgary 23 @ Montreal 19 (20,202)
Thursday, July 10-- Toronto 28 @ Edmonton 47 (31,707 )
Friday, July 11-- BC Lions 42 @ Winnipeg 24 (26,735)
Saturday, July 12-- Saskatchewan 33 @ Hamilton 28 (20,877)
**All games on TSN
Once the moments of silence and remembrance have ended though, it will be back to the field, just as Mr. Ackles no doubt would believe necessary.
Week three finds two teams desperate for a win, as the pre season favourites in Winnipeg and BC both have struggled out of the gate this season, with both teams matched up for this third week. Needless to say, somebody is going to leave the field content, while the other will have even more work to do for week four.
Thursday, July 10-- Calgary 23 @ Montreal 19 (20,202)
Thursday, July 10-- Toronto 28 @ Edmonton 47 (31,707 )
Friday, July 11-- BC Lions 42 @ Winnipeg 24 (26,735)
Saturday, July 12-- Saskatchewan 33 @ Hamilton 28 (20,877)
**All games on TSN
Monday, July 07, 2008
CFL mourns the passing of an icon
“I look back on my life and my career and feel like the luckiest man in the world. Few people get to spend their days doing something they love with those they love.” - Bob Ackles (1938-2008), a quote posted on the BC Lions website Sunday, following the news of the passing of Bob Ackles..
The news is still shocking to hear as the day comes to a close, that after learning that Bob Ackles, the President and CEO of the BC Lions and an unabashed defender of Canadian football passed away on Sunday morning of an apparent heart attack.
The story of Bob Ackles is one of the great stories of Canadian football, rising from the ranks of water boy in the debut season of the BC Lions, he went on to run the Lions through different eras of development, in the successful years and the lean ones, struggling to rebuild a tarnished and damaged brand.
With his passing his mission in part was complete; the Lions have once again become one of the flagships of Canadian football and the BC Sports scene. Yet it is perhaps a larger mission that now must be handed off to other hands, that of continuing to trumpet the special place that Canadian football has in this nation and how important the CFL has been and continues to be to the fabric of the land. Ackles had become the point man to stem the potential NFL invasion of Canadian territory, a position that now requires some reinforcements.
His accomplishments in football stretched far beyond the CFL, he moved on to the NFL with stops with the legendary Dallas Cowboys and stints with the Phoenix Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins, he also spent some time with a rather mercurial little experiment the XFL, a league which was fronted by Wrestling’s Vince McMahon, providing for surely one of the most diverse of executives when compared with the not quite so bombastic Ackles.
Thankfully for the CFL, the XFL days were short and Ackles responded to David Braley’s request to return to BC and help to rebuild the Lions, who had fallen into troubled times, potentially taking the entire league down with them.
Braley to his credit knew when to step back a bit when he brought Ackles back to the Lions Den, leaving it to him to rebuild the relationships that had been damaged, reconnecting with a lost segment of formerly faithful Lions fans who had grown disillusioned with the gong show atmosphere of Lions football before Braley took over.
It was with Bob Ackles at the helm that the Lions once again returned to success on the field, at the gate and in the consciousness of an entire province. It’s to those contributions that his loss is being felt across the province and indeed across the CFL family today.
CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon summed up the numbness across the league with his statement on Sunday, "It was our league that virtually adopted him when he was just a boy, and it's our league that has looked to him as a man for counsel, inspiration and leadership by example," Cohon said. "As much as the CFL has meant to Bob, he has meant so much more to us."
To get just a small understanding of that importance to both Canadian football and Canada, give a listen to the CKNW sports talk programming of Sunday night, a three hour tribute to the life and times of a great Canadian sports figure. Check out the CKNW audio vault and select the 9 pm to Midnight hours from Sunday, it was a very emotional and informative three hours saluting the Ackles eras in British Columbia.
Mr. Ackles leaves behind a wife Kay, who he made quite famous from his book “The Water Boy”, two sons, Steve and Scott, Scott a CFL success story in his own right with as the team President of the Calgary Stampeders.
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His passing will also be mourned by the Ackles grandchildren, as well as his many friends, co workers and fans.
He was enshrined in both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame, worthy achievements for the dedicated football man and devoted Lions executive.
Bob Ackles went from carrying water onto the field for the BC Lions, to carrying an entire league on his shoulders, seeking to continue to stake its place on the Canadian sports scene.
His passing is an untimely one, leaving the league shy one valuable resource when it is most needed.
Many will be needed to take his torch, but few will be able to hold it as high, as effectively and as proudly as “The Water Boy” did over these many years.
There’s a variety of material on the net tonight, outlining Bob Ackle’s contribution to Canadian football, here are a few of them:
BC Lions website--Lions mourn loss of Bob Ackles
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Vancouver Sun-- B.C. Lions CEO dead at 69
Vancouver Sun-- Lions mourn 'Mr. Football'
Vancouver Sun-- Ackles an inspiration 'in every way'
Vancouver Sun-- Province lost 'great British Columbian': Premier
Vancouver Sun-- Photo gallery
Vancouver Province-- B.C. Lions president Bob Ackles dead at 69
Vancouver Province-- Remembering Bob Ackles
Georgia Straight-- BC Lions president Bob Ackles dies aged 69 of a heart attack
CBC News-- B.C. football icon Bob Ackles passes away
Globe and Mail-- Ackles was the consummate CFL success story
Globe and Mail-- CFL stunned by death of a giant
Canwest News-- Lions legend dead at 69
National Post-- Lions legend Ackles dead at 69
Edmonton Sun-- "Water Boy" will be missed
Winnipeg Sun-- Lions prez will be missed
TSN.com-- CANADIAN FOOTBALL BUILDER ACKLES PASSES AWAY
Canadian Press-- B.C. Lions president and CEO Bob Ackles dies at age 69 of heart attack
Dallas Morning News-- Former Dallas Cowboys executive Bob Ackles dies
AZ Central-- Former Cardinals, CFL executive dies
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Canadian Football website-- CFL Mourns the Passing of Bobby Ackles
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Vancouver Whitecaps soccer club salutes Bob Ackles
Vancouver Canadians baseball club salutes Bob Ackles
Sunday, July 06, 2008
CFL Players of the Week-- Week One
The CFL announced its players of the week for the first week of regular season action.
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Anthony Calvillo-- QB-- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Henry Burris- QB- Calgary Stampeders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Willie Middlebrooks-- DB-- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- James Johnson- DB - Saskatchewan Roughriders
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Damon Duvall- K/P- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Noel Prefontaine - K - Edmonton Eskimos
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Micheal O'Shea-- LB -- Toronto Argonauts
Runners up-- Miguel Robeda- DL - Calgary Stampeders
Paris Jackson - WR - BC Lions
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Anthony Calvillo-- QB-- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Henry Burris- QB- Calgary Stampeders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Willie Middlebrooks-- DB-- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- James Johnson- DB - Saskatchewan Roughriders
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Damon Duvall- K/P- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Noel Prefontaine - K - Edmonton Eskimos
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Micheal O'Shea-- LB -- Toronto Argonauts
Runners up-- Miguel Robeda- DL - Calgary Stampeders
Paris Jackson - WR - BC Lions
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Final snaps of July 2008
July 29-- "It's all about having guys who can step in and play,"
July 24-- "Me and Kerry never had a problem with each other"
July 23-- "We think the best way to watch CFL football is live and in person and there is no better place to watch the CFL live and in person than Ivor Wynne Stadium"
July 22-- "We're going to make sure that he's 100 per cent before we turn him loose."
July 21-- "All I could think was that this might be the end of my career,"
July 20-- "I thought [Joseph] did a damned good job"
July 19-- " We've got to keep working every week because we can still get better."
July 18-- "We were happy to get the win for Bobby Ackles"
July 17-- "We've got a lot of players here making their stamp on Stampeder history"
July 16-- "A cut is a cut, and a contract is a deal. You bring all these guys in and ask me to take money out of my pocket"
July 15-- "We are being very precautionary so it doesn't escalate into something."
July 14-- "As long as there's time on the clock, and there's a chance to get enough points to win, I'm going to believe in them."
July 13-- "I loved my grandfather and I really miss him"
July 12-- "Embarrassing ain't even the word"
July 11-- "You never envision a game like this"
July 10-- "Those little things that give you success is what he did, and that's what we're trying to focus on"
July 9-- "It will linger with me for the rest of the life. Just the way it was handled"
July 8-- "I'm basically empowering those guys to run the locker-room "
July 7-- "Bob Ackles is one of a handful of men who made a visible impact on professional football on both sides of the border"
July 6-- "As much as the CFL has meant to Bob, he has meant so much more to us"
July 5-- "We fought through adversity and came through at the end.''
July 4-- "No question, our first half wasn't very good on either side of the football"
July 3-- "Everything's always a shock when you don't see it coming"
July 2-- "That's probably one of the most unique aspects of the transformation; I'm seeing games differently now,"
July 1-- "I think I got that out of the way when Mike hit me"
July 24-- "Me and Kerry never had a problem with each other"
July 23-- "We think the best way to watch CFL football is live and in person and there is no better place to watch the CFL live and in person than Ivor Wynne Stadium"
July 22-- "We're going to make sure that he's 100 per cent before we turn him loose."
July 21-- "All I could think was that this might be the end of my career,"
July 20-- "I thought [Joseph] did a damned good job"
July 19-- " We've got to keep working every week because we can still get better."
July 18-- "We were happy to get the win for Bobby Ackles"
July 17-- "We've got a lot of players here making their stamp on Stampeder history"
July 16-- "A cut is a cut, and a contract is a deal. You bring all these guys in and ask me to take money out of my pocket"
July 15-- "We are being very precautionary so it doesn't escalate into something."
July 14-- "As long as there's time on the clock, and there's a chance to get enough points to win, I'm going to believe in them."
July 13-- "I loved my grandfather and I really miss him"
July 12-- "Embarrassing ain't even the word"
July 11-- "You never envision a game like this"
July 10-- "Those little things that give you success is what he did, and that's what we're trying to focus on"
July 9-- "It will linger with me for the rest of the life. Just the way it was handled"
July 8-- "I'm basically empowering those guys to run the locker-room "
July 7-- "Bob Ackles is one of a handful of men who made a visible impact on professional football on both sides of the border"
July 6-- "As much as the CFL has meant to Bob, he has meant so much more to us"
July 5-- "We fought through adversity and came through at the end.''
July 4-- "No question, our first half wasn't very good on either side of the football"
July 3-- "Everything's always a shock when you don't see it coming"
July 2-- "That's probably one of the most unique aspects of the transformation; I'm seeing games differently now,"
July 1-- "I think I got that out of the way when Mike hit me"
Opening kick offs July 2008
July 29-- The West's winning ways
July 29-- Stampeders cut five
July 29-- MP hopes betting bill keeps NFL out
July 24-- Dinwiddie leads Blue to victory
July 24-- Frustration grows for Printers
July 24-- Alouettes hoping to break B.C. winless curse
July 23-- 'There's only one Gizmo' -- Jackson
July 23-- O-line anchor Pilon will hang 'em up with the Horsemen
July 23-- Dirty 30 prepares to concede team record to Lions' Immaculate Receptor
July 22-- Argos opposed to Bills experiment
July 22-- Injury-prone Alouette Proulx won’t hold back in season debut
July 22-- Joseph returns to Regina on a roll
July 21-- Bombers turn to Dinwiddie against Stamps
July 21-- Crandell's not rushing his recovery
July 21-- Blue Bomber cheerleader coach resigns
July 20-- Joseph rallies Argos to win
July 20-- Glenn benching a sign of the times
July 20-- Prospects rosy for most
July 19-- Roughriders remain perfect
July 19-- Oh Oh and 4 for Blue
July 19-- Lions' Rodgers out for season
July 18-- Lions come from behind to beat Bombers 27-18
July 18-- Blue not good enough
July 18-- Stubler not seeking revenge
July 17-- Lions to honour Ackles
July 17-- Reynolds runs over Ti Cats
July 17-- A key piece of the Eskimos puzzle
July 16-- Lumsden out of Thursday's game vs. Stamps
July 16-- INT-eresting development
July 16-- 'Powerless'
July 15-- Riders sign Tillman to contract extension
July 15-- Joseph and Glenn will both remain under centre
July 15-- Argos' Stubler not worried about his job
July 14-- Cheerleader photos cause a stir
July 14-- CFL now offensive in the right way
July 14-- Commitment to running sparks offensive burst
July 13-- Bombers are unravelling on field and off
July 13-- Lions honour Ackles in style
July 13-- Team first puts 'Riders on top
July 12-- Stampeders defensive backs score a passing grade
July 12-- Roughriders strike late
July 12-- B.C. Lions 'win one for Bob' with 42-24 pounding of Winnipeg
July 11-- Berry's wrath could mean overhaul
July 11-- Pro debut start is Durant's time to shine
July 11-- Tiger-Cats' confidence soaring
July 10-- Bills' foray into Toronto not a sellout
July 10-- Eskimos add to Argos' problems
July 10-- Stamps hand Trestman first loss
July 9-- Argos put Bishop on waivers
July 9-- Lions set to honour Ackles
July 9-- Reaping the rewards
July 8-- Possible pre-game revelry talk continues
July 8-- "We've got to fix it"
July 8-- Durant to get first CFL start
July 7-- Ackles to be honoured across the country
July 7-- Not business as usual for Lions
July 7-- To the very end, Ackles had a plan
July 6-- Lions mourn "Mr. Football"
July 6-- 'Water Boy" will be missed
July 6-- Remembering Bob Ackles
July 5-- Cahoon breaks record in Alouettes victory
July 5-- Stubler taking reigns of Argonauts offence
July 5-- Roughriders on a roll
July 4-- Fans go too far in protests against coach
July 4-- Als off to sizzling start
July 4-- Eskimos win wild one
July 3-- Lumsden runs wild
July 3-- In the battle between reporters and coaches, nobody wins
July 3-- Two is starting to look like a crowd for Argos
July 2-- McManus returns to Ticats
July 2-- Lions thin on the offensive line
July 2-- B.C. provides big challenge for Johnson
July 1-- Argos forced to make changes for game against Ticats
July 1-- Alouettes trying to move Payton
July 1-- Reynolds off and running
July 29-- Stampeders cut five
July 29-- MP hopes betting bill keeps NFL out
July 24-- Dinwiddie leads Blue to victory
July 24-- Frustration grows for Printers
July 24-- Alouettes hoping to break B.C. winless curse
July 23-- 'There's only one Gizmo' -- Jackson
July 23-- O-line anchor Pilon will hang 'em up with the Horsemen
July 23-- Dirty 30 prepares to concede team record to Lions' Immaculate Receptor
July 22-- Argos opposed to Bills experiment
July 22-- Injury-prone Alouette Proulx won’t hold back in season debut
July 22-- Joseph returns to Regina on a roll
July 21-- Bombers turn to Dinwiddie against Stamps
July 21-- Crandell's not rushing his recovery
July 21-- Blue Bomber cheerleader coach resigns
July 20-- Joseph rallies Argos to win
July 20-- Glenn benching a sign of the times
July 20-- Prospects rosy for most
July 19-- Roughriders remain perfect
July 19-- Oh Oh and 4 for Blue
July 19-- Lions' Rodgers out for season
July 18-- Lions come from behind to beat Bombers 27-18
July 18-- Blue not good enough
July 18-- Stubler not seeking revenge
July 17-- Lions to honour Ackles
July 17-- Reynolds runs over Ti Cats
July 17-- A key piece of the Eskimos puzzle
July 16-- Lumsden out of Thursday's game vs. Stamps
July 16-- INT-eresting development
July 16-- 'Powerless'
July 15-- Riders sign Tillman to contract extension
July 15-- Joseph and Glenn will both remain under centre
July 15-- Argos' Stubler not worried about his job
July 14-- Cheerleader photos cause a stir
July 14-- CFL now offensive in the right way
July 14-- Commitment to running sparks offensive burst
July 13-- Bombers are unravelling on field and off
July 13-- Lions honour Ackles in style
July 13-- Team first puts 'Riders on top
July 12-- Stampeders defensive backs score a passing grade
July 12-- Roughriders strike late
July 12-- B.C. Lions 'win one for Bob' with 42-24 pounding of Winnipeg
July 11-- Berry's wrath could mean overhaul
July 11-- Pro debut start is Durant's time to shine
July 11-- Tiger-Cats' confidence soaring
July 10-- Bills' foray into Toronto not a sellout
July 10-- Eskimos add to Argos' problems
July 10-- Stamps hand Trestman first loss
July 9-- Argos put Bishop on waivers
July 9-- Lions set to honour Ackles
July 9-- Reaping the rewards
July 8-- Possible pre-game revelry talk continues
July 8-- "We've got to fix it"
July 8-- Durant to get first CFL start
July 7-- Ackles to be honoured across the country
July 7-- Not business as usual for Lions
July 7-- To the very end, Ackles had a plan
July 6-- Lions mourn "Mr. Football"
July 6-- 'Water Boy" will be missed
July 6-- Remembering Bob Ackles
July 5-- Cahoon breaks record in Alouettes victory
July 5-- Stubler taking reigns of Argonauts offence
July 5-- Roughriders on a roll
July 4-- Fans go too far in protests against coach
July 4-- Als off to sizzling start
July 4-- Eskimos win wild one
July 3-- Lumsden runs wild
July 3-- In the battle between reporters and coaches, nobody wins
July 3-- Two is starting to look like a crowd for Argos
July 2-- McManus returns to Ticats
July 2-- Lions thin on the offensive line
July 2-- B.C. provides big challenge for Johnson
July 1-- Argos forced to make changes for game against Ticats
July 1-- Alouettes trying to move Payton
July 1-- Reynolds off and running
Week Two July 3-5
The CFL enters its second week with a battle of Ontario and a battle of Alberta. The Lions have their home opener with a huge crowd expected , while the Bombers head for Montreal.
Thursday, July 3-- Hamilton 32 @ Toronto 13 (30,822)
Thursday, July 3-- Calgary 31 @ Edmonton 34 (32706)
Friday, July 4-- Winnipeg 38 @ Montreal 24 (20,202)
Friday, July 4-- Saskatchewan 26 @ BC 16 (33,813)
**All games on TSN
Thursday, July 3-- Hamilton 32 @ Toronto 13 (30,822)
Thursday, July 3-- Calgary 31 @ Edmonton 34 (32706)
Friday, July 4-- Winnipeg 38 @ Montreal 24 (20,202)
Friday, July 4-- Saskatchewan 26 @ BC 16 (33,813)
**All games on TSN
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