Bleacher Report - Articles by Kelly Bundle

Saskatchewan Roughriders: Are We There Yet?

Kelly Bundle — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:35:14 -0400

Anyone needing clarification on how the Saskatchewan Roughriders managed to out-duel the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 34 to 31, need only look at the inscription on the back of each of last years Grey Cup rings...

...Believe. What HAS to be the Riders most exciting chapter in a long history is being completely ignored and discredited by Canada's football media.

For anyone just tuning in to the 2008 season and listening to the TSN broadcast analysis, the Riders had no chance at halftime.

The team that resides 550 kilometers east of Regina clearly lacks any of the reward earned by such a philosophy as belief.

The only thing the Bombers managed to do was lead with their helmets (none of which were called), benefit from poor officiating, and fold as a team when the chips were down.

At the final whistle the positives for the Bombers didn't matter as they hadn't even helped the CFL's all-time best receiver, Milt Stegall, get the official record even though he required less than 100 yards(he did get his name on street sign leading up to CanadInns though).

On the other side of the ball, a raw rookie out of the University of North Dakota, Weston Dressler sure had a big day (6-199, 2 TDs). It might be the last time he out-duels Stegall who remains in the twilight of his career in the CFL. Welcome to the CFL in 2008.

Speaking of 2008, human life-preserver Wes Cates had 14 carries for 92 yards and a rushing TD, proving with average numbers that while he is the leagues premier running back, he's not the only weapon available to new Rider number one (make no mistake about it) Michael Bishop.

Those weapons include a cast of receiver purchased at Dollarama. Manitobans will know what I'm talking about. Good deals.

Dressler, Vincent Marshall, Gerran Walker, Michael Palmer, Henri Childs and Adam Nicolson aren't exactly candidates for people in your five (most frequently called numbers on your cell phone).

Bear in mind Bishop has produced his best game of 2008 despite these factors and despite having only participated in nine practices with his new teammates.

No excuses in Riderville. Just heart pounding hard nosed never-say-die individuals that can almost kill you as a fan at times. Clearly the CFL's "Cardiac Kids."

It was Joe Smiths first game in blue and gold. The wind was strongly in the Riders favor in the fourth quarter. The Bombers defense suffered a few injuries mainly to the line backing corps.

So I ask you, when do the Riders arrive at their destination, if not now, as the CFL's best team?

CFL: Labour Shortage?

Kelly Bundle — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:39:27 -0400

The CFL is gearing up for its annual showcase weekend with the traditional Labour Day games being contested in Regina, Calgary, and Hamilton.

So what about BC and Montreal, you ask? Not exactly your everyday Hatfields and McCoys are they?

That is because in between 1954 when the BC Lions were granted a franchise in Vancouver and today's CFL, nothing has really changed in the structure of the CFL's franchises and, most crucially, lack of franchises.

Expansion attempts during that time looked like grade 10 science projects that were designed and conducted over short periods of time. None made any sense logistically.

I think we can all agree that that era, while childishly amusing, is best left forgotten.

So back to the annual LDC's. Is it inhuman to think that Montreal could play a new team annually on Labour Day that is based in Quebec City some year not far down the road?

And the same in BC, where the Lions could take on the Victoria Whateveryouwants in an appropriate regional contest?

Heck, lest we not forget about Ottawa, who could visit the London Pikemen, a team already with motions in city council, logos, merchandise, and fans.

Are there any BIG thinkers out there? This formula seems to make good business sense.

I think 54 years in business is long enough to warrant some sort of growth and expansion.

Enough with the brand identification "this is our league" crap. Shop the franchise opportunities that exist for the CFL to investors and create new rivalries to compliment the old ones.

Get on it CFL.

CFL: Riders Not About to Let Negative Media Have a Say in Season Story

Kelly Bundle — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:29:32 -0400

This is an open letter to CFL media.

It is not unfair to say that some Canadian media utilize our fundamental freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression in a generally non-interfering manner.

It is also fair to say the exact opposite.

I'm about to go out on a limb that I am willing to bet most of you would join me on.

The ONLY reason Michael Bishop and Kerry Joseph could not co-exist in Toronto is due to the interference of some meddlesome CFL media.

As a Rider fan, I was greedily loving it. But I realize this now and I am quite frankly disappointed in myself. It is just wrong.

Some people will actually believe players and coaches when they say they don't read the papers. They ALL read the papers, some all of the time and some more selectively. It is all about them. Wouldn't you?

So this is precisely why the mental toughness the Saskatchewan Roughriders have demonstrated is the EXACT right fit for Michael Bishop. He is ready to have vast improvement with an improved offensive line, tailback, and receivers once everything is back in order.

But there are still some bound to interfere and exercise their freedom JUST because they can.

That's where the preparation, not only for games but mentally as well, that GM Eric Tillman and Head Coach Ken Miller and his staff implement is unique.

Through clearly the largest media microscope in the league, the Riders appear relatively unaffected by news stories about offseason free agency and trades, and this seasons injury woes.

In the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s this type of confidence from front office to locker room was a feat accomplished only by the other clubs.

But not this edition.

They are more than capable of working through everything put in front of them until they achieve all of their goals.

The Toronto media might as well give up, because there is little or no way you are going to sabotage the destiny of this football club.

Bad news sells but not in Rider Nation. If you are a Rider fan or otherwise, join us and if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all.

State Of CFL Officiating Embarrassing For Fans and League

Kelly Bundle — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:42:04 -0400

Replay was introduced, some years ago, to minimize the damage that part-time referees whom officiate CFL games could cause.

After complaints from fans and all of the individual organizations that the calls were still wrong after review, in the 2007 playoffs the CFL proudly took the next step and added a officiating supervisor to the booth at each game. That continues through week six of the 2008 season.

And they are still getting it wrong.

The proof lies in a call late in Saturday's Riders vs. Stampeders game.

This point is not being argued because of my club loyalties. I cheer, transparently, for the Riders and despite this missed call we won the game.

Moreover, the league's image in the international football world has always been more a priority than my own favorite team's success.

I expect to gain nothing from this rant but support from people who see it the way the rulebook reads.

The play in question is the last-second sideline bomb by Henry Burris to Jermaine Copeland.

The ball came down in one of Copeland's hands, but to rule that he had possession of the ball at any time during this play is ridiculous.

Rider corner James Patrick also had his hands on about as much ball as Copeland did, and in fact when the whistle blew, had more control of the ball which hadn't touched the ground yet.

Copeland was ruled in possession of a simultaneous catch, as the rulebook states.

In the last couple of years since the re-definition of a completed forward pass, there was a period of doubt, but the referees have gotten it right more often than not. This play illustrates that confusion by officials regarding the completed forward pass still looms.

We, as fans, were told that to constitute a completed pass, the receiver, be it Team A (offence) or Team B (defence) must survive contact with the ground.

Where was that logic on this play?

Neither survived contact and the ball would up in Patrick's lap after equal opportunity at the ball, which never touched the ground.

I would suggest they made the wrong call, in haste, after reveiw and almost changed the outcome of a hard-fought game on one call.

Is this why we pay our officials? To get it wrong, even after review by the officiating supervisor?

We need an NHL style control center in Toronto, where you don't play until you are SURE! NOW! Not in two years from now.

CFL Commissioner Cohon Earning His Salary? Or Taking Ours When He Sees Fit?

Kelly Bundle — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:18:02 -0400

Most CFL Board of Governors members and fans of the CFL would come to the consensus that Mark Cohon is working hard and earning his salary as CFL Commissioner.

But that feeling is subject to change.

The events of late regarding fines and the window of change opportunities missed in the 2007-2008 off-season are the issues. The lack of significant change to the rosters—more specifically the injury list—and instant replay have some fans re-evaluating their previous sentiments.

Did the league pay its due diligence to the review process and make improvements over what some have called a disastrous 2007 season? They certainly looked at it, as has been stated by Cohon himself.

But fans and BOG members had stated nothing less than an NHL-like command center would suffice.

CFL Head of Officials Tom Higgins stated earlier this week, on TSN's Off The Record, that such a control center is still only a direction they'd like to go in the three-year plan for replay review.

He also said that the fan at home watching in High Definition has a technological advantage over the official under the hood. Where are the HD replays and hardware Mark? I bet you have one at home.

So I guess the message is, until further notice, we have good old human error and no penalty-specific on-field calls sometimes being overturned by worse calls from the CFL officiating supervisor in the booth?

And the injury list. Ohhhh the injury list.

Last season the Edmonton Eskimos got hit the hardest by the lack of a six-game injury list, and now it looks like it's the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders' turn.

It happened to Saskatchewan in 2007 as well. With tons of injuries and extra replacements to pay, Eddie Davis and Yo Murphy were rendered ineligible to play by league policy despite match fitness.

But it wasn't just the organizations that suffered. It meant that certain players would have to sit out healthy because they could not play them for nine weeks if they didn't want the players salaries counting against the league's Salary Management System.

The SMS was designed to make the league more equal financially and teams closer in competitiveness, not to keep the best available players off the field.

In order to find the balance it was suggested that the league look at introducing an intermediate list of six games for injuries.

That, with the current three- and nine-game lists, would exempt the salaries of those on six- or nine-game lists, allowing teams to replace those injured players with something other than a periphery player who might only cost a team a few hundred a week.

These guys are certainly not the kind of players we want the CFL to showcase on a regular basis, if ever, if we wish to be known as a top end product for football fans in Canada and around the world.

Cohon must work with the BOG and GMs to find a way to make the SMS and rosters work in harmony with one another.

This week Saskatchewan's GM Eric Tillman was fined for his not-so-public, but not private either, comments regarding the offseason change. That refers to an allowance for one player per half-season to come off the nine-game list and be added to the active 46-man roster without penalty.

The organizations have been instructed by Mark Cohon that all questions and concerns are internal and should be brought up with the league office. And no media should be included in these matters under any circumstance.

I'm sure he echoed it amongst the league when news broke earlier this season that Argo QB Michael Bishop had been placed on confidential waivers after Week Two. It has been suspected it was a media leak, but those who aren't informed can only guess.

My question is:

Toronto Head Coach Rich Stubler announced to media that he was sending in tapes regarding questionable calls in the recent Toronto-Saskatchewan game. How is that comment and action not similar or worse than the statements of Eric Tillman? What does Stubler hope to gain from sending in tapes?

Does he want the outcome changed? It won't happen. Is he taking the league office for granted? Yes he is. Does it look poor in the eyes of fans and more importantly non-fans? I'd suggest yes again.

He said he wants it to be called properly next time. I'd say that qualifies as questioning the officials' and league's authority. But no fine. So Mark...

Go ahead and fine GM Eric Tillman for spewing his frustrations on a payed membership fan site. A comment regarding something he and the other BOG members, and those yet to be effected by the injury bug, have addressed in the manner you asked for in the past.

They expect you to make improvements and changes in the offseason window to that list and what did you do? Pretty much nothing, but the aforementioned one player per half-season exemption.

I'd be looking over my shoulder Mark. That job is pretty simple in a lot of ways. Start listening to the people with or without suits on.

Don't wait until the off-season! Have a conference call with the BOG's and make the six-game list retroactive to the beginning of this year! If no one is against it then what more is there to preserve but your ego?

The way thing are going the next thing we'll hear is that the CFL has fined this contributor a bundle.

CFL Quick Fix: The Bare Essentials for Week 6

Kelly Bundle — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:36:41 -0400

Hamilton Tiger Cats vs. Montreal Alouettes

Thursday, July 31 at 7:00 PM (ET) on TSN and RDS in Canada

This week kicks off in the cradle of North American football, Montreal's Percival Molson Stadium. The Tiger Cats have the pleasure of playing the Alouettes this week.

The Tiger Cats will start QB Richie Williams after exhausting all the patience they could with a TD-less Casey Printers.

Montreal, not unlike Calgary, has been doing what they need to and coming up short. Montreal remains a perfect 2-0 playing Eastern division opponents.

BC Lions vs. Edmonton Eskimos

Thursday, July 31 at 10:00 PM (ET) on TSN

The BC Lions are hoping they can string together a few wins and make hay while the sun shines in August. Of four games in next 30 days, three are against division opponents Edmonton (twice) and Calgary (once).

The Lions travel to Montreal for a game on August 29, and would love to be 6-2 entering that contest.

The Eskimos enter the dragon's lair tonight at BC Place in Vancouver. The team is motivated by and rallying behind season-ending injuries to team leaders DE Fred Perry and WR Jason Tucker.

The teams are both 3-2 in a tight race for second in the CFL's Western Division.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Toronto Argonauts

Friday, Aug. 1 at 7:00 PM (ET) on TSN

The Bombers got what they wanted last week in defeating Calgary for their first victory of 2008. Now comes the real test.

Ryan Dinwiddie will attempt to improve his winning percentage in games started this week with a top class of receivers, including, arguably the best ever, SB Milt Stegall.

The Bombers face a hungry Argonauts squad who are coming off a loss to the Roughriders in week five. The Argonauts are tough to beat at home and especially in divisional competition.

Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Calgary Stampeders

Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8:00 PM (ET) on TSN

The Calgary Stampeders know who their No. 1 rivals are: the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Their players couldn't stop chattering about it all week.

But that statement doesn't ring true east of Alsask. If you ask a Rider fan who he/she identifies as our No. 1 enemy, it's definitely the BC Lions.

Sorry Calgary, you've got to do something and sustain success before you get respect from Rider Nation. See you at the game. Bring it on.

Notes

Stampeders receiver Nik Lewis may have some extra southern eyes on him this week as he made the highlight of the night on ESPN's SportsCenter with a one-handed snag and run in week five action.

The cupboard is bare in Riderville. There has got to be very little room under the cap considering Saskatchewan's injury situation and the leagues allowance for only one player per half-season to be reclaimed off the nine game injury list.

BC WR Geroy Simon is questionable at this point for tonight's game.

Board of Governor-appointed Commissioner Mark Cohon has not been bashful when handing out fines in his tenure as CFL boss.

This week Rider GM Eric Tillman was fined when he not so publicly, but not privately either, criticized the league's policy on the injury list. You'd think that with all the injuries Saskatchewan has to deal with, the Commissioner could have just slapped his wrist instead of further burdening this club's finances.

Can Saskatchewan Roughriders Defeat Calgary Stampeders In Consecutive Weeks?

Kelly Bundle — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:57:36 -0400

The questions are fair. Just because a team is 5-0, with the most productive offense in the league, and that same team boasts the stingiest defense in league, that doesn't mean they can't and won't be beaten by a better team on any given day.

Calgary has a very talent-laden lineup that is all to eager to beat the Green Machine led by former Rider QB Henry Burris.

It's no secret that the Riders have accumulated many injuries of late, mostly of a severe nature and to an impact player. On both sides of the ball, players have been injured, starting in Week One with OT Wayne Smith to last week with Andy Fantuz.

Many players have also been sidelined with bumps, bruises, and personal issues like James Johnson. Johnson, the 2007 Grey Cup MVP, had a minor concussion in the second quarter of the home tilt with Toronto and may not be available this week.

The Riders and Johnson will make that decision after a week-long evaluation process.

Marcus "Chunky" Adams missed his second straight start against the Argos as he dealt with some off field issues.

Add to that list DB Leron Mitchell, QB Darian Durant, QB Marcus Crandell, SB DJ Flick, SB Weston Dressler, SB Dave McKoy, WR Mike Washington, and DE John Chick.

The list is growing every game but the Riders have yet to let it slow them down. Thanks to great scouting and player personnel departments, GM Eric Tillman has more than filled the positions.

The Rider players know that Ken Miller means business. They showed that by coming into camp in peak performance shape, under his and former coach Kent Austin's off-season orders. Miller expects any of his players on the field to play like starters and stars when they are given the opportunity and it shows that through study, workouts, practices, and games, the depth players have bought into that concept.

So the questions are:

Can the Riders go into McMahon stadium and come out alive in the race for an undefeated season?

And can they then come home, perhaps with more injuries, and repeat the same feat in consecutive weeks of action against the Stamps?

The answer for me to both questions is yes, and here is how:

Wes Cates needs to keep being the best tailback in the league through both weeks—a feat he looks forward to, having been a member of the Stampeder organization in the past.

Perennial all-star Matt Dominguez must have a whopper of an evening in both contests. He has yet to find his form in 2008 with an injury early and the carousel of QB's he has had to work with.

The Riders must win the field position battle even if it means giving up a few points.

The Rider defense must contain the Calgary rushing attack of Burris and Reynolds, which can be a juggernaut to the defense late in games, when the potential is realized.

The Rider defense must bend but not break pretty much all game and make Sandro DeAngelis beat them.

The Riders must also continue to play every play seperately, avoiding mental breakdowns, protecting the ball, and giving the defense ample rest with sustained offense.

The 13th man must show up, as always at McMahon, in 50% or better-like numbers to cheer boisterously and rattle the Stampeder offense.

Calgary's coaches should not likely be able to coach their players to match the intensity, focus, and execution of this championship team and it's coaches.

That's how I see it. Anyone?

Saskatchewan Roughriders: Destiny and a Rainbow Bring 4-0 Record

Kelly Bundle — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:39:19 -0400

The Saskatchewan Roughriders executed their third straight come from behind victory at the expense of the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday evening. Some have suggested the happenings are due to some sort of divine intervention.

Sorting out exactly what it is about the 2008 Saskatchewan Roughriders and their recent winning streak is difficult on the fans and the stats.

As I walked out of the mostly overcast contest, I eavesdropped on many theories fans shared with one another.

Some suggested a heavenly body produced a rainbow early in the fourth quarter that helped rally the Riders. Others alluded to a short-lived shower, in that same quarter, that fell everywhere but the playing field as an omen that the Riders would not let anyone rain on their parade.

I, however, can't ignore the statistics. The Riders have averaged a league best 33.5 points per game. The Rider defense has also held its opposition to a league low of 22.5 points per game.

Those stats combined tell a story that has nothing to do with Gods and rainbows. But it's all good copy.

CFL Quick Fix: The Lowdown on Week Four

Kelly Bundle — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:51:45 -0400

Calgary Stampeders vs. Hamilton Tiger Cats

Thursday July 17 at 9:00 PM (ET) on TSN in Canada

In another treat for the Ivor Wynne faithful, the Cats take on a never say die Calgary club.

That is, if those never say die Stamps show up. In the first three games this season, we have been treated to two Calgary clubs. One that is capable of dominating opponents, and one that can't close out a less talented bunch.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. BC Lions

Friday July 18 at 10:00 PM (ET) on TSN

In a repeat from week three, these clubs bash helmets again. Kevin Glenn remains the starter for a desperate Bomber team, and the Lions couldn't be more happy about it. Do NOT miss this one!

Montreal Alouettes vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders

Saturday July 19 at 7:00 PM (ET) on TSN

The injury bug has spoiled Reggie Hunt's return to Mosaic Stadium, but don't fret, he will make himself visible for his fans.

Rookie head coaches Mark Trestman and Ken Miller will try to out scheme each other in this East vs. West battle.

Edmonton Eskimos vs. Toronto Argonauts

Sunday July 20 at 4:00 PM (ET) on TSN

Edmonton will try to keep pace with Calgary and Saskatchewan, and who knows what rookie DB Tristan Jackson will do this week.

Last week Jackson had an electrifying interception return of 89 yards for a TD, only to one-up himself on the next Eskimo possession with a punt return for 61 yards and another TD.

Notes

It is my observation that the 3-0 Riders and 0-3 Bombers prove how much parity exists between all the current clubs, even if the numbers don't automatically suggest that.

Prior to the first kickoff on opening day, analysts scrambled to pick the best and the rest from a stable of talented teams.

The 3-0 Roughriders were generally not given any credit for team depth, and they have shot out of the gate despite player losses via free agency, trades, and injuries.

The Blue Bombers were touted to be Eastern Division champs come November by most pundits. Stumbling instead of sprinting, they find themselves with an 0-3 record and facing for the second consecutive week a team most writers pick to win it all, the BC Lions.

Saskatchewan Roughriders Look to Go 4-2 or Better in First Third of 08'

Kelly Bundle — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:08:43 -0400

In 2007, the Saskatchewan Roughriders had a great first third of the season, posting a 4-2 record over the first six games. That record included losses to BC and Edmonton, the very two teams the Riders drew early in '08. If you are orange or green and gold at heart, the pesky Riders are 2-0.

Despite my general fear of being horribly wrong, with Hamilton, Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary next respectively, I am starting to entertain the idea that the Riders could improve on their '07 first third.

Just like the Riders will need to, I'm going to take this one game at a time.

First, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The 'Cats are a much improved ball club from last year. The new head coach, Charlie Taffe, has brought excitement and, more importantly, confidence and direction to the young and talented roster.

The Cats sit at 1-1 after a home-field loss to the Montreal Alouettes in week one and a road victory over the Toronto Argos.

For skeptics, Hamilton has left doubts and points on the field by the end of each contest. The 'Cats have 42 points for and 46 against, while the Riders have 60 points for and only 29 against.

Have the 'Cats really turned the corner yet? Personally, I don't think so. Despite the lack of the all-important 13th man, Riders win, 3-0.

Second up, in week four, the improved Montreal Alouettes?

I thought Montreal had a pretty decent year in '07. With wins over division rivals Toronto and Hamilton, and wins against supposed Western juggernauts BC and Calgary, Montreal quietly played their way into the playoffs.

In the '07 East semifinals they would have knocked off the eventual Grey Cup finalist Winnipeg Blue Bombers if not for a since relieved Jim Paup and his coaching miscalculations. Under any circumstances, the Als are a tough club to beat at home in Percival Molson Stadium.

This game will shake down at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, a building where the Alouettes have not won since 2005. Coaches and players well prepared, 13th man roaring, another Rider victory, 4-0.

Third, in week five action, the Argos and '07 season MOP Kerry Joseph visit the warm confines of Mosaic Stadium.

A much deserved thank you for Joseph will likely be followed by some razzing and verbal harassment as he is no longer on the home side of the field. Or might he be back in green? Or might his partner Michael Bishop?

You see, that's the issue today in Argoville, a day after taking one on the chin at the hands of the Edmonton Eskimos. Who really is the number one QB? One could only speculate about who it will be for this July 27 battle.

The Argos were widely labeled the league's best defense last year, and at the start of this year. After three games in '08 they have given up a league worst 31.66 points per game.

So much for that theory. It may be easier to understand why when informed that Kavis Read took over the defensive play calling for new head coach and defensive wizard Rich Stubler in the offseason. Call me crazy, Riders win big, 5-0.

In week six the Riders take their show on the road to Calgary's McMahon Stadium. In their last 12 contests dating back to 2005, each of these teams has won six times. But the Stamps have, when it mattered most, lost two consecutive semifinal playoff games to the Green Machine.

Calgary's new hope is that rookie CFL head coach John Hufnagel can get them over that hump. Despite about 95 percent continuity from '07, things look fresh and new in Cowtown and I, for one, don't doubt that they have improved as a team.

Have the Riders? As individuals, not really. As a team, yes. It's called championship swagger, and it'll be here all year. As Calgary is our home away from home, I'm taking the Riders in a close one. 6-0.

Yes, even with all the changes and some doubt at QB, I believe the Riders will ace the first third of the CFL '08 season. There is no doubt in my mind that going into the back half of the home and home series with the Stamps, the Riders will be AT LEAST 5-1.

CFL Quick Fix: The Essentials Approaching Week 3

Kelly Bundle — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:09:21 -0400

An all out aerial attack, with Calgary traveling to Montreal, begins our week on Thursday at 7 P.M.(ET). Montreal looks to improve to 3-0 on the 08' campaign this week against a focused Calgary squad whos last minute loss to the Eskimos in week two, could have helped or hindered.

After the loss, coach John Hufnagel has this to say, "there is no easy way to lose, the good teams are the ones that make the play at the end to win it. They were the ones that made the play. But we certainly made a game of it. Hopefully it was a learning experience for us."

The back half of Thursday nights coverage provides that same Edmonton team who stay at home to face, reigning MVP, Kerry Joseph(?) and the Toronto Argonauts. The Argos re- acquired DE Ron Flemmons for WR T.J. Acree in a deal where Toronto and Saskatchewan also swapped draft picks. Tune in at 10 P.M. (ET) to see the sometimes ugly Eskimos show why the west is always best.

TSN's Friday Night Football features the down in the dumps BC Lions heading east to Winnipeg to face the Bombers at 8 P.M. (ET). On and off field tragedies have ruled the past two weeks for the Lions. Many fans hope they can put all that aside for a while and play to win against a stingy Winnipeg defense. The Bombers have a veteran clad defense that features Cam Hall, Barrin Simpson, Kelly Malveaux, and Gavin Walls. All four players recorded at least 45 tackles last season proving there will be no dink-and-dunk offense available for the mourning Lion offense.

The CFL saves the best for last as the two best supported football teams in the country collide in steeltown. This one goes at 4 P.M. (ET) on TSN and nothing else need be said.

- Kelly Bundle

CFL: Danny Maciocia Should Be Fined

Kelly Bundle — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:02:40 -0400

Oh Danny boy. This Tuesday, Rogers Sportsnet aired the outspoken Eskimos head coach and director of football operations, succumbing yet again to foot-in-mouth disease. The CFL should soon determine whether this latest slip of the tongue is a violation befitting of a fine.

At the 2007 governors meetings, the CFL commissioner Mark Cohon was adamant that concerns and statements regarding officiating, among other things, should be made to the league and not to the media under any circumstance. He also implemented several fines, enforcing that statement as the season played out.

Will Cohon remain consistent in 2008?

This is the first example of a possible league violation in 2008 that has made national media.

The incident the Eskimos coach referred to occurred in the pre-season when Rider Kitwana Jones, may or may not have tugged on the top of the helmet of quarterback Ricky Ray as he lunged forward for extra yards.

Maciocia said the hit wasn't clean. He said one player grabbed face mask and another lead with his helmet on the hit.

Likely, you can sympathize with a head coach watching his quarterback take a shot. The starting quarterback is arguably the teams most valuable asset.

Perhaps Maciocia could teach Ricky Ray to hook-slide instead of plunging forward for extra yards. And perhaps Maciocia, himself, could show a little more respect for league policy. After all he's been at this a few years now.

CFL Quick Fix: The Essentials Approaching Week 1

Kelly Bundle — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:17:39 -0400

Excerpts taken from CFL.ca:

"The Riders will begin their Grey Cup defense Saturday night hosting the Edmonton Eskimos (7:30 p.m. ET). The '08 season officially kicks off with the Montreal Alouettes in Hamilton to meet the Tiger-Cats (7 p.m. ET). It will mark the first time the CFL season has opened in Steeltown since 1977.

The Toronto Argonauts are in Winnipeg for an East Division final rematch with the Blue Bombers on Friday night (8 p.m. ET), while the Calgary Stampeders host the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium on Thursday night (10 p.m., ET)."

Questions remain for fans:

"-Can Joseph duplicate his magical '07 season in Toronto this year? The Argos hope Joseph can take the load off a stellar defense that all too often had to anchor victories because of an inconsistent offense.

-Will Mike Vanderjagt be able to regain his form? After helping Toronto win consecutive Grey Cup titles in '96-'97, Vanderjagt bolted to the NFL, where he became the most accurate kicker in league history. But he didn't play football last year and returns to Toronto having not punted since '97, and struggled with kickoffs south of the border.

-The B.C. Lions were the CFL's top club last year with a 14-3-1 record, but had their season end with a loss to Saskatchewan in the West final. Many familiar faces return - including head coach/GM Wally Buono—and it will be interesting to see if the Lions can finish what they started last season.

-In Edmonton, head coach/football operations director Danny Maciocia is in the hot seat after having missed the CFL playoffs the last two years. The Eskimos were active in the off-season and if Maciocia can't get the team into the playoffs, there's a good chance he will be replaced.

-Finally, a feel-good story. Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo is back playing football after leaving the game late last year to be with his wife after she had been diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully, she's doing much better and Calvillo can again concentrate on playing. That's good news for first-year coach Trestman.

-Winnipeg isn't sure when veteran slotback Milt Stegall will return to the lineup. He missed all of training camp recovering from off-season knee surgery. But when Stegall does return, he will have one of the CFL's top receiving records in sight. He enters the season needing just under 200 yards to break Allen Pitts' career receiving yards mark of 14,891.

All questions, (Mark) Cohon says, that will be answered on the field."

Credit - Dan Ralph/The Canadian Press

Kelly Bundle

NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Were Down a Kobe (24)

Kelly Bundle — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:10:25 -0400

The Boston Celtics just pulled off the greatest heist in NBA history. Well...not literally.

Among others, some will spot similar efforts by Kobe Bryant's Lakers in recent years against the Mavericks as the best. But, the Lakers were on home court that night.

Up 3-1 in the series, regardless of what happens in Game Five, the Celtics will return to the TD Bank North Gardens with the loot.

At the conclusion of the first quarter, the Celtics had set an NBA Finals record for the largest deficit (21 points), and found themselves losing by more points than they had scored. Finals announcer Mark Jackson noted that they were behind in every aspect of the game.

The trend continued into the second and third quarters, where the Celtics, who wandered away from the team defense that got them into the Finals, were down by 24 and 20 points respectively.

However, they dug deep, got back to defense, and along with 35 big points from Doc Rivers's bench, the Celtics outscored the Lakers 31-15 in the third quarter to pull within 73-71 going into the fourth. The green and white never stopped believing.

From the looks of determination, and the body language of the Celtics' Big Three, I sensed that this was going to be a special night. If Boston could do the unthinkable and pull this off, then they would have a stranglehold on the series. No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit.

Beantown's boys had caught up with LA at 73 when Leon Powe's jumper fell with 9:05 left in the fourth, knotting the score for the first time since 2-2 in the first minute.

A confused but confident Phil Jackson at the end of the third looked on in shock! The C's finished his team off fueled by Eddie House, who made clutch shots playing more minutes because of Rajon Rondo's shooting inconsistencies and sprained left ankle.

The Celtics had done what the Lakers had failed to do—come back from 24 points down to win on the road. The larceny was complete. One can only speculate in which game the Celtics will win their 17th NBA championship. Considering the odds, it will happen.

Notes—No post game injury report was available for Celtics' forward Kendrick Perkins, his second injury in the finals, at the time of publishing. Other bench players James Posey, P.J. Brown, and Powe combined for 24 points, and Kevin Garnett had a steady 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Ray Allen proved his value once again with 19 points and 3 steals. And Paul Pierce, who has battled with Bryant throughout, lead the Celtics with 20 points, helping to erase a lead as large as Kobe's number. After tonight, they'll have three opportunities to...BEAT LA!