SUNDAY, NOV, 28: 10:00 PM ET
The defensive battle continues with the score knotted at 11.
Big news happens off the field, when it’s announced the 50-50 draw has a pot of $127,229. Winning number is 234363.
I didn’t play. Mark Spector did. He didn’t win. Neither did anyone in the press box.
Als score 10 points to take the starch out of the Rider Priders because Saskatchewan can’t move the chains. Why Rider quarterback Dariant Durant isn’t running ball is a mystery.
The Riders make it interesting by coming back with a touchdown. They’re only down three.
The Als give Saskatchewan a break, by missing a field goal.
There’s hope yet for the Riders.
But Andy Fantuz commits a penalty by jumping offside, negating a first-down run by Durant.
And then it happens.
Durant tries to make like Harry Houdini, by escaping the clutches of the Als players and throws a pass he should haven’t and is picked off.
It was the only turnover of the game.
A door inside the press box slams shut. Inside are deflated Rider team people.
The game ends with a 21-18 Als win.
Perry’s Peerless Picks rejoices by playing the dog. A year of schooling by Randall the Handle, the Sensei of Selections, pays off. But deep down Peerless hoped the Riders would win.
They didn’t. There is no joy in Riderville.
Once again the Riders have struck out.
Jamel Richardson is named the Most Valuable Player of the game. I would have given it to quarterback Anthony Calvillo. Richardson doesn’t make the play, unless Calvillo makes the passes.
The Most Outstanding Canadian Player of the game isn’t announced.
We’re pretty sure it’s one of the Riders.
Turns out it is. Keith Shologan, a defensive tackle, of all people.
Better luck next year Riders.
As for the Als, they have two Cups in a row. It’s Larry Smith’s last game as the outgoing president.
In 1997 as commissioner of the CFL, he did everything he could to keep the ailing league together. Saskatchewan was basically tapped out.
Now 13 years later, the Riders are raking in the dough.
But they’ve lost the last two Cups to the Als.
They go home losers again.
Larry Smith rides off into the Als’ sunset, with another championship.
The few people rooting for the Als are shouting, “One more year, one more year.”
The future is uncertain for many Als’ players. For Larry Smith there will not be another year.
Au revoir, monsieur Smith.
SUNDAY, NOV, 28: 8:30 PM ET
At the half, it’s turning into a classic defensive battle.
Montreal looked dominant early, scoring on its second drive but the missed field goal by Damon Duval swung momentum in the Riders’ favour.
Immediately the Riders score a touchdown.
And by the half it’s 11-8.
Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo is getting creamed.
Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durant is throwing way too much to the corners.
Felt bad for Rider cornerback Leron Mitchell, who had his ankle badly broken early in the game. I’ve known the kid for several years. He’s represented by top Canadian agent Darren Gill.
Rider linebacker Jerrell Freeman, who made a hell of a play in the West final to save the Green Beaners after fumbled a punt, is crushing the Als singlehandedly.
Great move by Rider head coach Ken Miller to use Weston Dressler to return punts.
And lastly, Bachman and Turner did a great job of taking care of business. Ian Busby of the Calgary Sun dissed the veteran duo. What does he know? He’s a pup.
The ’70s rule. Rock and roll will never die.
Speak to you soon.
SUNDAY, NOV, 28: 6:30 PM ET
When I arrived at the stadium, I spotted an individual without a shirt with the word Riders just above his waist. Exactly how lubricated he was, I didn’t bother to ask. Yes, the temperature has warmed up slightly since my last entry and the sun has tried to peak through, but going shirtless just isn’t cool.
Speaking of which, I saw a guy selling a green foam hand shouting, “Keep your hand warm and your beer cold.”
Some lame musical act called DWW is entertaining the crowd. Due to the glass-enclosed press box, named after Bryan Hall of Tony Roma fame, you can’t hear a thing. If Randy Bachman and Fred Turner are rocking at halftime and I can’t hear it, I’m heading outside with the paying public.
Team Sportsnet is huddled next to one another, game planning. Mark Spector told me, “Lefko, you go left to the loser’s locker room and I’ll go right to the winner’s. And don’t whine about the fact I get the weight room, whirlpool bath and spacious quarters and you get the Alouettes treatment. On two. Ready. Break.”
The Als are getting introduced. The stadium is silent.
Now it’s the Roughriders. It’s raucous, and incredibly noisy. My man Gene Makowsky just got introduced.
By the way, Arash Madani keeps talking about the Minnesota Vikings. What’s up with that?
Speak to you soon.
SUNDAY, NOV, 28: 2:00 PM ET
Woke up early this morning to attend the annual Football Reporters of Canada breakfast across town and was surprised that the elevator I took to the ground floor was covered in what seemed like wood chips. On closer inspection, even with bleary eyes, it was in fact wheat chafe. Yes, those ubiquitous Saskatchewan Roughriders fans are everywhere, marking their territory.
While the Montreal Alouettes, or at least a couple of them, may claim the Canadian Football League wants the Roughriders to win, the reality is without Saskatchewan’s presence the Grey Cup loses its spirit, notwithstanding the Spirit of Edmonton room.
The Rider Nation, according to uber-happy CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon, “ooze” pride. Rider fans make the Grey Cup more than a game. It is an event. And the Rider Priders are out in full force more than any team’s fans, dressed in all manner of green.
There is a Rider store set up just to sell merchandise. Considering the store space is leased for the week, it’s a make or break financial risk. Suffice to say, the cash till is taking in lots of money.
To be sure, the Green Machine will be out in full force later today at Commonwealth Stadium for the game, cheering their beloved Roughriders over the hated Alouettes.
While waiting for a cab back to the Westin following the FRC breakfast, I’m convinced I’m at the official Roughrider fans’ hotel. Every person has some sort of Roughrider apparel or wore green. Then again, it seems every hotel is occupied by the Green Machine.
I just saw a woman with bright green hair and complimented her on it.
“It’s natural,” she said with a straight face.
And then smiled.
The temperature has dipped considerably from yesterday at this time. It’s likely about minus 5 or so Celcius. The sky is grey and there’s not even a hint of sun.
Baby, it’s cold outside for a guy from Toronto. This is Prairie weather. Roughrider weather.
Back at the Westin, I spot a guy dressed in black and gold leggings, a kilt, a black jersey and black safety helmet. In case, you haven’t figured it out, he’s a Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ supporter, one of the famous Box J Boys.
They have been season-ticket holders in the Box J section of Ivor Wynne Stadium for the past 15 years and have become one of the most visible and colourful fans of the Tiger-Cats (or so they say on their official media releases).
The Box J Boys will be clad in their “uniforms” for the game today, although they may deviate from their traditional attire. One of the Boys apologized to another member of the squad for not being in uniform. He had on long pants.
“Sorry, Jay, for not being in uniform,” he said. “It’s going to be cold out there. When your team is in it that’s different.”
On the way to my room, I passed by two rooms which clearly had Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans. One room had a blue streamer shaped in the letter W affixed to the door, while another had gold streamer on it. I ran into one of the Bomber supporters and talked to them about their team.
“We didn’t have a very good year or last year,” the supporter said.
It’s been a long time between Cups for the Winnipeggers. Maybe they should embrace their Prairie neighbours in the province next door.
Oh, yeah, they already do every year on Labour Day for the Banjo Bowl. We would never call the folks from Saskatchewan “banjo pickin’ in-breds” as former Bomber kicker Troy Westwood once did.
Heck, the Rider fans ooze pride. We’ll see in a few hours if their team does, too.
SATURDAY, NOV, 27: 6:00 PM ET
Okay, first off, Edmonton Journal reporter Curtis Stock and I attended the Playboy party, but I have to provide background before divulging what happened.
Curtis planned to drive us to the party, but first he and his wife, Barb, were attending the Chairman’s Ball about a 20-minute cab ride from my hotel.
Curtis gave me his cell number and told me to call. I told him the Playboy party started around 8:30.
I called Curtis as soon as I left and there was no answer. I arrived a little after eight and waited outside the lobby of the cavernous hall, like a dog waiting to be let into the house.
I spotted Hec Pothier, the legendary Edmonton Eskimo offensive lineman from the ‘70s and ‘80s. He still had his long beard that makes him look like a member of ZZ Top and his balding head, only now he’s grayer and slimmer.
I talked to various Canadian Football League people (none of whom knew I was a de-facto party crasher): Argo president Bob Nicholson and his wife Carolyn, also known as the First Lady; Hamilton mayor-elect planned Bob Bratina and his wife, Carol, also known as the First Lady; Argo and B.C. Lions owner Senator David Braley, dressed in a suit (which is quite unusual for him); Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ president Jim Bell; and the ubiquitous Bryan Hall, the legendary Edmonton broadcaster who never met a sponsor he didn’t like and I use Tony Roma’s as a classic example.
He told me Curtis and his wife were sitting near him, but before I could get him to chaperone me to the table, he was gone (presumably to talk to one of his sponsors. Did I mention Tony Roma’s?).
I finally found Curtis and we left with Barb for the party at the West Edmonton Mall.
In case you didn’t know, it is world-renowned for its various attractions, including an indoor skating rink, a wave park, games, rides, a hotel and various clubs and restaurants.
The event took place in a club, which took a while to find. When we went into the hotel inside the mall and saw a bunch of senior citizens, we knew we were in the wrong place.
The front desk person was quite interested in knowing Playboy had an event in another part of the mall.
We finally navigated our way to the club, after trudging through slush and snow.
Poor Barb wasn’t wearing cleats with staples or broomball shoes.
The club had two levels to it, but no grotto. How disappointing.
There were various bunnies walking around, many of them local talent, recruited from the non-import roster of Playboy Wannabees.
Curtis and I spotted Crystal and Stacy, the Playmates me met the night before. They remembered us, only this time we were dressed to the nines and they were dressed like, well, bunnies.
Crystal, a product of Chicago whose mother was also a Playmate, was dressed in black with red bunny ears; while Stacy, who is from Seattle and a little more demure, wore black and white bunny ears.
Thanks to publicist Kathryn McClarty and event organizers John and Timothy Levandoski of Eleven11 by design and their big bodyguard, for giving us the VIP treatment.
By the way, some people at Sportsnet.ca – no mention of you Mike Cormack – don’t believe we even met the Playmates because I didn’t have the photographic evidence.
Well, we finally were sent the picture taken by Journal photographer Chris Schwarz, which I’ve provided to the Sportsnet.ca web team as evidence.
Speak to you later with details of the annual parade and, dare we say it, some news about tomorrow’s game.
FRIDAY, NOV, 26: 6:00 PM ET
So I’m sitting at a table in the hotel restaurant having lunch, taking a break before I write my afternoon blog, when the waitress asks me if I’m related to Elliott Lefko.
I am inclined to say no, but I confess to the lady I am his brother.
Turns out her boyfriend, who is sitting at the table beside me, recognized my voice as being similar to my brother’s.
My brother works for the Anschutz Entertainment Group in Los Angeles, and the guy I’m now talking to, Nhaelan McMillan, is a promoter in Edmonton who has done work with my brother. His lady pal, Margaux, works as a waitress in the hotel and also knows my brother.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the six degrees of separation.
The previous night I’m talking to two former Playboy Centrefolds in the restaurant. Now I’m talking to a concert promoter. It’s amazing the people you run into at the Westin (and thanks Negina Shunbuli, Rogers Sportnset’s ace unit administrator, for getting me in here).
The Westin is the home base for the Spirit of Edmonton. If you’ve never been to the Spirit of Edmonton, well, it’s the No. 1 Grey Cup hangout – well, that was until Playboy set up shop for its blowout bash across town at the West Edmonton Hotel, famous for its indoor water park.
Maybe it will now become home to a future Playboy grotto.
But, I digress.
Every team has a designated place during Grey Cup week for their fans. The Spirit of Edmonton blows the other ones away. The lineups to get into these places are long, unless you have a media pass and it enables you to go anywhere you want without having to line up.
Sometimes it pays to be in the media.
As an aside, I attended the annual commissioner’s state of the union address this morning. The French media grilled the uber-happy commissioner Mark Cohon, wondering why the Montreal Alouettes were situated in a hotel without proper facilities for a team in the Grey Cup – i.e. weight room, whirlpool, etc. It’s a legitimate complaint, and how the CFL couldn’t have figured this out well in advance is beyond belief.
Then again, how a hotel can become such a lightning rod for controversy is another in those Only-in-the-CFL moments.
Some Als players believe this hotel hiccup is a conspiracy because the league wants Saskatchewan to win. One player apologized for saying it, but another didn’t take back his thoughts.
"I’m not going to dignify that with a response," Cohon said. "I don’t think this is going to impact in any way their participation in the game because they are a class organization. I have the utmost amount of respect for (Als owner) Bob Wetenhall. In no way will I think this is going to impact on their performance in the game."
He was drilled on this point again and again, kind of like last year when he was asked about the rumour that the CFL was considering reducing the number of starting Canadians from seven to four.
"We understand the importance of Canadians," he said again and again and again.
Well, this year’s theme was about a hotel.
Can you believe that?
"I’m a tough guy," Cohon said in response to the heat he took last year.
The French media grilled Cohon why he gave the Commissioner’s Award, handed out annually to a person or group that has made a tremendous contribution to the CFL, to the Rider Nation.
He talked about this being the 100th anniversary of the Rider Nation.
"They ooze pride," he said. "In no way are we saying they are better than any other fans. Our fans our great. It’s recognizing fans that have had a profound impact on our game."
Well, to hear the French media, so have the Als’ fans – and it’s true. They have stuck by their team since it moved full-time from Olympic Stadium to Molson Stadium beginning in 1998.
Cohon now knows that no good deed goes unpunished.
He was further harpooned for the CFL not wanting to put another team in Quebec given the explosion of minor football there compared to every other province. Clearly Cohon wants a team in Atlantic Canada to make the CFL a truly coast-to-coast league. Cohon said the Als have territorial rights, and while the subject of putting another team in Quebec hasn’t come up, it would mean compensating Wetenhall for moving into his territory.
Cohon was also asked about the league’s integrity and whether every team in the league will get to have another Grey Cup. Not sure why the French media seemed to think it wouldn’t come back to Montreal, but Cohon diffused that notion.
"The Grey Cup is bigger than me. It’s bigger than anyone in this room. I’m not going to do anything to undermine that," he said.
He then rattled off how every team in the league will play host to the Grey Cup in the incoming years, except he forgot to mention Hamilton – but was quickly corrected on that.
Sitting in the room was Hamilton mayor-elect Bob Bratina, who called Ticats games on the radio for 20 years. Bratina will be on the hotseat for the city working together with the province and feds and Hamilton owner Bob Young on a new stadium to replace rickety Ivor Wynne Stadium.
And to think Bob gave up a cushy job in radio and a part-time gig as a city councilor to become the mayor.
Anyway, The Commish was asked if he plans to stick around when his five-year contract ends after the 2011 season.
"I’m having a good time," he said with his usual smile.
Wonder if Bob Bratina will say the same thing in a few years?
FRIDAY, NOV, 26: 2:30 pm ET
Well, if you read my early-morning entry you’ll know Edmonton Journal sports writer Curtis Stock and myself caught up with two former Playboy centrefolds late Thursday night. They will be part of the Playboy’s Good Life Party at the West Edmonton Mall tonight.
According to the media release, “partygoers will celebrate in true Playboy fashion as they dance the night away with a bevy of Playboy Playmates and Bunnies, and sip exclusive Stoli cocktails. The Playmate Dancers will also be on hand for a special performance at the event.”
I’ve been to many Grey Cups, but this is truly a first for non-football related entertainment. Okay, there was a Maxim party at one point.
Playboy is conducting a Good Life Tour through Canada that started with the Toronto International Film Fest in September, the Grey Cup, next year’s Grand Prix in Montreal and the Calgary Stampede. It’s all designed to create the Playboy experience on the road in Canada. The idea was conceived by the Eleven11 by Design company that is an official licensee of Playboy Enterprises International. The company is owned and run by brothers John and Timothy Levandoski of Newport Beach, California.
Curtis and I were introduced to Crystal McCahill, a May 2009 centrefold, and Stacy Fuson, a February, 1999 centrefold. They were both dressed in street attire, but will be decked out like bunnies tonight. There will be six centrefold playmates and a bunch of “different” bunnies, according to the Levandoski brothers. We’re told the “different” bunnies will be local Edmonton content.
I just had to ask Crystal and Stacy about this year’s Grey Cup. Both are Americans, so admittedly they had limited knowledge of this truly Canadian sporting event. Crystal said she liked the Montreal Alouettes to win “because they’re not the underdog.” Stacy replied she is going with Saskatchewan “because they are the underdog.”
I asked who them who their favourite CFL players are. Stacy didn’t know the names of any players, while Crystal answered, “I love them all equally,” to which I replied “that’s a very politically correct response.”
Crystal is a second-generation centrefold, one of only two in Playboy history.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Crystal said of posing for Playboy. “My mother was like, ‘Are you serious?’ It’s something I’ve always wanted to do for so long.”
Because I’ve never been to the Playboy mansion, I just had to ask what it’s like there.
“Awesome,” Crystal replied.
“Crazy,” Stacy said. “You never know who’s going to show up.”
For my next entry I’ll return to traditional Grey Cup news.
FRIDAY, NOV, 26: 12:30 am ET
Just did an interview with two Playboy bunnies, who happened to be at my hotel (the Westin) to do an interview with the Edmonton Journal’s Todd Babiak. Coincidentally, I was with Journal reporter Curtis Stock at the time.
The Playmates, Crystal McCahill, May 2009, and Stacy Fuson, February, 1999, will be at a party Friday night with various other bunnies as part of the Playboy Goodlife Tour, which is making a stop at major Canadian events. The first stop was at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. The Grey Cup is next on the list.
In my opening blog Friday, I’ll present my exclusive interview with the two bunnies, who talk about which team will win the Grey Cup, their favourite CFL players and what the Playboy mansion is like.
And, I’ll include a photo of myself, Curtis and the two bunnies. Hey, it was a tough assignment!
THURSDAY, NOV. 25: 11:00 PM ET
I had a full report about the chairman’s party on Wednesday night at the Lux, a trendy upscale place in the heart of downtown, so here’s the Coles Notes version.
The Colin James Band played at the shindig. James is one of the best blues/rockers in Canada. He’s from Saskatchewan and mentioned Rhett Dawson as his favourite player. Now there’s a name from the past.
Among those in attendance was Don Landry, one of the funniest radio guys ever. He does wicked impersonations of Don Cherry, Gary Bettman, Brian Williams, Howie Meeker and many more. I miss his morning shtick with Gord Stellick on The Fan 590 in Toronto. Those two were/are a riot.
The Riders were good hosts at the morning breakfast. Cory Koch, the rookie receiver, gave Riders’ special teams coach Jim Daley the business, asking him if he’s heard of Hair Care For Men. Jim has hair like the man from Glad. I think he was born with white hair.
I also talked with veteran offensive linemen Jeremy O’Day and Gene Makowsky, who have been in the league forever. Their careers may be nearing an end. Gene still has the same brushcut hairstyle, but the funny thing is, it’s now in style.
Jeremy, one of the best centres in the league, said he’s felt better in the last couple of years since he started wearing knee braces, more as a preventative thing than anything. Jeremy played in the 1997 Grey Cup in Edmonton for Toronto, who soundly beat Saskatchewan. The majority of the 60,000 in attendance cheered for the Riders that day. Expect the same thing this year, except O’Day will be playing for the team that will be the crowd favourite.
The Players Awards were handed out Thursday night.
Only big surprise was Calgary’s Henry Burris winning the Most Outstanding Player Award, beating out Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo, who won it the past two years. You’ll recall Burris was miffed that he didn’t win the MOP Award one year, claiming it was an Eastern bias. Burris later won the Most Outstanding Player Award in the Grey Cup, beating the Als.
He was gracious in his MOP victory speech on Thursday, thanking his wife and two children who don’t view him as the Calgary Stampeders’ quarterback but merely as husband and dad.
He also paid tribute to Calvillo and made note of the infamous picture of himself wearing a bra.
Burris’s best line was "as hard as this is to say, I’m picking Saskatchewan to win."
If you know how much the Rider Priders dislike, maybe even hate, him for leaving Saskatchewan to sign with Calgary several years ago, you have to appreciate the comment.
While Burris was talking to the media backstage and talking about great quarterbacks from the past, he was stunned by Damon Allen, who gave him a hug. Allen is class all the way and is passing on tips to aspiring young pivots in Canada.
One thing missing from this year’s awards presentation is the tradition the media had of trying to guess who the winners would thank first in their acceptance speech. It cost $5 to enter the pool. One year Doug Flutie tried to screw up the media because he knew about the pool and said so in his acceptance speech.
I can’t remember who he thanked first, but he blew the lid off the media secret.
The Commissioner’s Award, which is given annually to a person or a group who have made a tremendous contribution to the CFL, went to the Rider Nation, those unwavering supporters of the Green Riders. The award was accepted on behalf of the Rider Nation by three generations of a family of devoted Saskatchewan fans, headed up by Randy Goulden of Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
And speaking of the commissioner, he spent a good deal of the Roughriders’ breakfast talking to Riders’ offensive lineman Jocelyn Frenette, who asked if he could eat out of the Grey Cup. Now that would be a first!
On Friday morning the perpetually-smiling commissioner will deliver his state of the league address. Last year he repeated the line "we understand the importance of Canadians" when drilled on whether non-import players would be reduced in the new collective bargaining Agreement.
Sportsnet’s Arash Madani, the Mike Wallace of the Canadian sports media, did an excellent interview with the Commissioner.
THURSDAY, NOV. 25: 6:36 PM ET
Guess what? It’s actually warming up.
Okay, we’re not talking balmy, jacketless weather, but not freezing your butt off either, which was the case the last two days.
The Als just had their luncheon and I talked to J.P. Bekasiak, the hulking defensive tackle whom I have known for several years because he’s friends with my cousins Korey and Elaine Shienfield. J.P. was a first-round draft pick of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats a few years ago, but just didn’t fit in with the team. After leaving Hamilton, he’s really developed well with Montreal. He will be a free agent who will be represented by Montreal-based Darren Gill, one of the best in the business.
Most media types at the luncheon talked to Ben Cahoon, the diminutive receiver of the Montreal Alouettes and future Hall of Famer, wondering if he’s retiring after this season. He’s worked his way around that topic the same way he works around opposing defences. In other words, he gets lost in coverage, or in this case lost in vague answers. Don’t know why athletes can’t just say it’s their last game. Maybe it’s because the future isn’t as certain and even though the mind wants to continue, the body won’t always allow it. Moreover, in the politics of sports that does not include Brett Favre, teams most often make the decision for the athlete, rather than the other way around.
If I was a betting man, I’d say this will likely be Cahoon’s last game. He’s not nearly as involved in the offence as he once was, but can still snag a ball or two and isn’t afraid to go into heavy traffic. He is like Darren Flutie, Tommy Scott and so many other small receivers who knew how to make plays. Saskatchewan has a couple Cahoon clones in Westin Dressler and Cary Koch. It’s funny that no matter whether it’s the CFL or NFL, we seem to appreciate the smaller receivers more than the taller ones.
I spoke to Als’ backup linebacker/end Ray Fontaine, and we talked about his commitment to various causes, including AIDS Awareness and Haitian relief. I plan to write the piece tomorrow or Saturday. It’s extremely different from the run-of-the-mill football stories.
The Canadian Football Players Association is sending eight players to Haiti in January for 10 days as part of an outreach program coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that ravaged the country this past Jan. 12. Along with Fontaine, the other players going are: Kelly Bates, Graeme Bell and Aaron Fiacconi of the Edmonton Eskimos, Yvenson Bernard and Chris Cvetkovic of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ray Fontaine of the Montreal Alouettes, Obed Cetoute of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Jason Jimenez of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The program is called Huddle for Haiti and is in conjunction with Oxfam.
Fontaine, Cetoute and Bernard all have roots in Haiti. After the earthquake, Bernard spent six weeks there assisting his family and their local community in rebuilding efforts. His family will play host to the team while in Port-au-Prince.
I might do a radio interview with legendary Edmonton sportscaster Bryan Hall, who never met a sponsor he didn’t like to promo. Hallsy was the voice of the Eskimos for something like 100 years. Okay, close to half of that. He’s the king of asking questions that usually last about two minutes long. I’m convinced he does it on purpose to wear down his guests and get the answers he wants.
He also has interesting hair. I think he and Donald Trump go to the same barber.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24: 8:16 PM ET
Thursday is annually the longest day for the media at Grey Cup week.
Practices are closed off to persons carrying pens, pencils, tape recorders and visual camera equipment used to chronicle everything conducted by the teams.
In other words, if the teams are going to devise and try out any sneak plays for Sunday’s game, this is the time to do it without the media’s prying eyes. We’re not sure if Argos special teams co-ordinator Mike O’Shea will be brought in as a consultant for one of his razzle-dazzle plays.
To satisfy the media on Thursday, both teams are required to sit down for a meal at different points during the day. It’s the ultimate in service and the best part is you don’t have to freeze your butt off outside. Saskatchewan is first up in the morning, followed by Montreal in the afternoon.
At night are the players awards.
The media is given the award winners in advance, but are forbidden from reporting the news until the final award is announced. Not only that, we are in a locked-down room. No one goes in or out unless it’s for an emergency bathroom break. But we are told beforehand to go to the washroom. Remember when your parents told you that before going on a trip and you never listened?
By Thursday night, the city should start to perk up with Saskatchewan fans. Rider Pride makes the Cup. That’s what’s been good about the Roughriders making it to the big game three of the last four years.
It seems that wherever you go in the country, someone is from Saskatchewan.
What’s not completely known is why so many left in the first place. But business is booming there now, so it’s the province to go to for work. Seeing the Rider Priders walking around town in their team colours and crazy outfits is like experiencing Halloween for adults. Nobody bats an eye at these people with watermelons on their heads.
I’m told Edmonton Eskimo general manager Eric Tillman won’t be in attendance for the game because he’s going home to spend some time with his wife and children in Regina, which he had planned to do weeks in advance unless his team made it to the game.
Tillman’s prints are all over this Roughriders’ team going back to when he arrived in September, 2006. So many of the core players were ones he recruited or pushed to be starters, none more so than quarterback Darian Durant.
It will be interesting to see how the Eskimos fare going forward with Tillman.
He has a way of turning around teams or taking them to a championship game.
Guess what? It’s actually warming up.
Okay, we’re not talking balmy, jacketless weather, but not freezing your butt off either, which was the case the last two days.
The Als just had their luncheon and I talked to J.P. Bekasiak, the hulking defensive tackle whom I have known for several years because he’s friends with my cousins Korey and Elaine Shienfield. J.P. was a first-round draft pick of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats a few years ago, but just didn’t fit in with the team. After leaving Hamilton, he’s really developed well with Montreal. He will be a free agent who will be represented by Montreal-based Darren Gill, one of the best in the business.
Most media types at the luncheon talked to Ben Cahoon, the diminutive receiver of the Montreal Alouettes and future Hall of Famer, wondering if he’s retiring after this season. He’s worked his way around that topic the same way he works around opposing defences. In other words, he gets lost in coverage, or in this case lost in vague answers. Don’t know why athletes can’t just say it’s their last game. Maybe it’s because the future isn’t as certain and even though the mind wants to continue, the body won’t always allow it. Moreover, in the politics of sports that does not include Brett Favre, teams most often make the decision for the athlete, rather than the other way around.
If I was a betting man, I’d say this will likely be Cahoon’s last game. He’s not nearly as involved in the offence as he once was, but can still snag a ball or two and isn’t afraid to go into heavy traffic. He is like Darren Flutie, Tommy Scott and so many other small receivers who knew how to make plays. Saskatchewan has a couple Cahoon clones in Westin Dressler and Cary Koch. It’s funny that no matter whether it’s the CFL or NFL, we seem to appreciate the smaller receivers more than the taller ones.
I spoke to Als’ backup linebacker/end Ray Fontaine, and we talked about his commitment to various causes, including AIDS Awareness and Haitian relief. I plan to write the piece tomorrow or Saturday. It’s extremely different from the run-of-the-mill football stories.
The Canadian Football Players Association is sending eight players to Haiti in January for 10 days as part of an outreach program coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that ravaged the country this past Jan. 12. Along with Fontaine, the other players going are: Kelly Bates, Graeme Bell and Aaron Fiacconi of the Edmonton Eskimos, Yvenson Bernard and Chris Cvetkovic of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ray Fontaine of the Montreal Alouettes, Obed Cetoute of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Jason Jimenez of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The program is called Huddle for Haiti and is in conjunction with Oxfam.
Fontaine, Cetoute and Bernard all have roots in Haiti. After the earthquake, Bernard spent six weeks there assisting his family and their local community in rebuilding efforts. His family will play host to the team while in Port-au-Prince.
I might do a radio interview with legendary Edmonton sportscaster Bryan Hall, who never met a sponsor he didn’t like to promo. Hallsy was the voice of the Eskimos for something like 100 years. Okay, close to half of that. He’s the king of asking questions that usually last about two minutes long. I’m convinced he does it on purpose to wear down his guests and get the answers he wants.
He also has interesting hair. I think he and Donald Trump go to the same barber.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24: 7:40 PM ET
Thursday is annually the longest day for the media at Grey Cup week. Practices are closed off to persons carrying pens, pencils, tape recorders and visual camera equipment used to chronicle everything conducted by the teams. In other words, if the teams are going to devise and try out any sneak plays for Sunday’s game, this is the time to do it without the media’s prying eyes. We’re not sure if Argo special teams co-ordinator Mike O’Shea will be brought in as a consultant for one of his razzle-dazzle plays.
To satisfy the media on Thursday, both teams are required to sit down for a meal at different points during the day. It’s the ultimate in service and the best part is you don’t have to freeze your butt off outside. Saskatchewan is first up in the morning, followed by Montreal in the afternoon.
At night is the players awards. The media is given the award winners in advance, but are forbidden from reporting the news until the final award is announced. Not only that, we are in a lockdown room. No one goes in or out unless it’s for an emergency bathroom break. But we are told beforehand to go to the washroom. Remember when your parents told you that before going on a trip and you never listened?
By Thursday night, the city should start to perk up with Saskatchewan fans. Rider Pride makes the Cup. That’s what’s been good about the Roughriders making it to the big game three of the last four years. It seems that wherever you go in the country, someone is from Saskatchewan. What’s not completely known is why so many left in the first place. But business is booming there now, so it’s the province to go to for work. Seeing the Rider Priders walking around town in their team colours and crazy outfits is like experiencing Halloween for adults. Nobody bats an eye at these people with watermelons on their heads.
I’m told Edmonton Eskimo general manager Eric Tillman won’t be in attendance for the game because he’s going home to spend some time with his wife and children in Regina, which he had planned to do weeks in advance unless his team made it to the game.
Tillman’s prints are all over this Roughriders’ team going back to when he arrived in September 2006. So many of the core players were ones he recruited or pushed to be starters, none more so than quarterback Darian Durant.
It will be interesting to see how the Eskimos fare going forward with Tillman. He has a way of turning around teams or taking them to a championship game.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24: 4:33 PM ET
Ran into Rick LeLacheur, head honcho of the Edmonton Eskimos, and wanted to ask him who would be the team’s next head coach. It’s a big topic out here who general manager Eric Tillman will hire. But because it’s Grey Cup week, no team is allowed to discuss any business that is not related to the championship.
Apparently the rumours column I wrote earlier this week stirred up some interest.
One general manager reamed me for saying I made his day more difficult. A member of the league office stated my information about the commissioner was wrong. But Sportsnet football analyst Giulio Caravatta told me he liked the column.
I had hoped to interview Sean Lucas, the Roughriders’ player who was on the field when he wasn’t supposed to be on the controversial final play of last year’s game, but he will likely not play on Sunday because of an injury.
I bumped into old friend Curtis Stock of the Edmonton Journal and we had a bite to eat in the Jackie Parker room after Edmonton’s practice.
“So who is this Jackie Parker guy,” I asked.
Curtins rolled over in laughter.
I was hoping he’d look at me incredulously.
Everybody knows who Jackie Parker is. He’s the brother of Col. Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager, isn’t he?
Just kidding.
Just heard the line for Sunday’s game is Montreal favoured by 3.5. Randall the Handle, the only linemaker followed by Perry’s Peerless Picks, started out the week with Montreal favoured by seven.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24: 1:23 PM ET
Well, the coaches media conference is over.
Montreal head coach Marc Trestman, in his third consecutive Grey Cup since he joined the Canadian Football League, and Saskatchewan’s Ken Miller, in his second Cup in three years, are not the kind of guys who command a podium like Don Matthews, talked about Sunday’s game and their respect for the other team.
It was far too nice. No bulletin board items. No trash talking. No fireworks.
Thankfully Edmonton Sun’s Terry Jones perked things up by asking both coaches if they were going to let their teams have fun and if they will allow their players to have sex this week.
“To answer the second question first and to get a jump on Marc, I’m going to tell them to go with what’s working for them.”
That elicited a hearty chuckle from the assembled crowd.
To which Trestman replied: “I’ll answer the same way.”
See what I mean. They can’t even dispute each other on the topic of sex.
Now it’s off to watch the Riders’ practice — in the cold. The Als are practising indoors.
Okay, there’s a slight difference in philosophy. Now we know the Riders can handle the cold, wind and whatever elements are thrown at them. The Als can’t.
Yeah, that’s how I interpreted it. If they won’t trash talk, I will.
TUESDAY, NOV. 23: 11:23 PM ET
It’s amazingly cold in Edmonton.
In fact it’s so cold, the cabbie taking me to the hotel had frost on his face.
On the radio it was reported the temperature was a record low minus-34.9 C. That’s effin’ cold.
Now the forecast is said to be good for Sunday’s championship game between the Alouettes and Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium — light flurries are predicted with a temperature closer to minus-8 when play kicks off just after 4:30 p.m. MT.
Nevertheless, if the weather is anywhere near as chilly Sunday as it is now, those in attendance better be bundled up good. Yeah, I know Edmontonians are hearty and we in Toronto are girly mans, but even Frosty the Snowman would be plenty cold in this climate.
Now I’m going to be sitting in the comfort of the press box, but between now and Sunday I have to spend time outside for practices. I hope there’s hot chocolate and coffee in the media room.
I can only imagine how the football players will feel. It’s supposed to warm up in a couple days, but in the meantime the teams will feel the cold and the wind. Montreal plays in an indoor stadium, so good luck to them. Saskatchewan won’t mind: this is Prairie weather.
By the way, the theme of this year’s Cup is Hot to Huddle, but baby it’s cold outside.
TUESDAY, NOV. 23: 6:42 PM ET
It is an annual tradition during the coaches media conference that the two coaches are asked if they will allow their players to have sex during the week.
It has produced some hilarious responses, none more so than the coach who replied: “You mean by themselves?” Something tells me it was Doug Berry who said that in 2007 as the coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The question was asked long ago by the late great Jim Hunt, who had a sense of humour befitting a man who was affectionately known as Shaky — and just in case you’re wondering the nickname had nothing to do with sex.
Ol’ Hunt has long since gone to the press box in the sky, where his booming voice and cackle are livening up the heavens.
The mantle of responsibility for asking this question has gone towards Edmonton Sun columnist, the man known as Large. He’s a big, big man.
Large sent me an email this week to spread the word that he’s entered the Twitter age. We’re quite sure he’ll be tweeting about sex and the Grey Cup tomorrow when this year’s coaches convene. Trouble is, this is the third year in a row for Montreal head coach Marc Trestman and second consecutive for Saskatchewan counterpart Ken Miler. It’s not nearly as funny hearing the response by old hands, so to speak, who are used to the question.
Maybe it’s time to ask the question differently. I can think of a variety of new ways to do it, but I’ll leave it to Large. He’s putting sex in the city of the Grey Cup.