It seems that after a long (one whole year, apparently) process in which many Inuit communities and leaders were consulted by the team, the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League will be keeping their name, and TTS thinks that's a good thing. The fact that this even came for debate is kind of silly in itself, but at least it's over. I will make a few points about this below, and what my take is of it.
1) It's a team name/moniker. The Edmonton Eskimos have been in existence since 1949, and yet this problem with their name has generated more noise in only the last few years. People need to understand that this is a team name for a sports franchise. No one is purposely trying to slag anyone of a certain ethnicity as such.
2) When did we start taking everything so seriously? There was a time when you could joke about things and find humour in them without anyone freaking out and crying foul. Sports teams with certain names these days are facing unwarranted backlash, and/or some sort of issues related to said names. Why are we all so sensitive and unwelcoming these days? Sports teams are not named for derogatory reasons! In fact, I will go so far as to say that some franchises have honoured certain groups or peoples by keeping their names in the limelight, so to speak.
3) Let's all be friends. I have always had great respect for the Inuit, and they have proved yet again with this situation that they are an interesting people that don't seem to get all hot and bothered like other aboriginals over anything. I personally have never once referred to the Inuit as 'eskimos', and I don't know anyone that has. I believe that they see this as a minor thing, knowing that it's a sports team that is not trying to relate the moniker to some kind of politics.
There are no ulterior motives here, and both sides have seen that. Now, let's move on and get ready for June. Football awaits us!
Got a take on this? Leave a comment below!
Friday, February 14, 2020
Friday, February 7, 2020
Argos sign Nichols, Streveler goes south. (CFL)
Nichols signs.
In a somewhat surprising move in the Canadian Football League, the Toronto Argonauts have signed former Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols to a three year contract, effectively bringing him in as the starter for their team. This is both interesting news, and problematic for the Argos, who have struggled the past couple of seasons.
This is the same team who management (Pinball Clemons, et al.) have been telling us as of late that QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson is 'their man', as well as signing him to a contract on Monday. For a team to declare who they want as a starter only to sign another quarterback for a longer deal later in the week makes little sense. Most sports pundits and writers alike (including me) had Nichols signing with the Ottawa RedBlacks, as it had become known that new head coach Paul LaPolice wanted to bring him there, a while before going and signing former Stamps QB Nick Arbuckle.
While Matt Nichols could bring some stability for the Argos' offence, his signing is still surprising, and confusing at this point in time. Will the Argos let go the rest of their quarterbacks on the roster now? Will there be a competition between Nichols and Bethel-Thompson for the starting job? These questions won't be resolved until training camp at the earliest, pre-season at the latest.
Chris Streveler goes south.
In another surprising move, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers granted the release of star quarterback Chris Streveler to let him pursue opportunities in the NFL. Streveler then quickly signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Streveler was a key piece of the 2019 Grey Cup championship team, and it was a little perplexing to see the Bombers let him go so easily.
They should have re-signed him for more money, as he has proven he can carry the team on his back and be the player they need him to be. Streveler has a dynamic that any team could want/use, and it's a shame he's left the 'Peg. While the Bombers did re-sign QB Zach Collaros earlier, they will be hard pressed to find another tank like Streveler.
-TTS
Got something to say about this post? Leave a comment below!
In a somewhat surprising move in the Canadian Football League, the Toronto Argonauts have signed former Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols to a three year contract, effectively bringing him in as the starter for their team. This is both interesting news, and problematic for the Argos, who have struggled the past couple of seasons.
This is the same team who management (Pinball Clemons, et al.) have been telling us as of late that QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson is 'their man', as well as signing him to a contract on Monday. For a team to declare who they want as a starter only to sign another quarterback for a longer deal later in the week makes little sense. Most sports pundits and writers alike (including me) had Nichols signing with the Ottawa RedBlacks, as it had become known that new head coach Paul LaPolice wanted to bring him there, a while before going and signing former Stamps QB Nick Arbuckle.
While Matt Nichols could bring some stability for the Argos' offence, his signing is still surprising, and confusing at this point in time. Will the Argos let go the rest of their quarterbacks on the roster now? Will there be a competition between Nichols and Bethel-Thompson for the starting job? These questions won't be resolved until training camp at the earliest, pre-season at the latest.
Chris Streveler goes south.
In another surprising move, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers granted the release of star quarterback Chris Streveler to let him pursue opportunities in the NFL. Streveler then quickly signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Streveler was a key piece of the 2019 Grey Cup championship team, and it was a little perplexing to see the Bombers let him go so easily.
They should have re-signed him for more money, as he has proven he can carry the team on his back and be the player they need him to be. Streveler has a dynamic that any team could want/use, and it's a shame he's left the 'Peg. While the Bombers did re-sign QB Zach Collaros earlier, they will be hard pressed to find another tank like Streveler.
-TTS
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