I literally just received word of this a few minutes ago (it's 2:20pm, Eastern time, right now) and had to jump on it. I normally wouldn't just go on about one solitary news item in football, but this is a pretty significant piece of news, and it warrants its own post. Because this just happened moments ago, I will break down the following as list points:
- The CFL ordered the Alouettes to terminate Johnny Manziel's contract, citing the fact that Manziel had circumvented the circumstances in regards to the agreement that paved the way for him to play in the CFL.
- The Alouettes aren't really elaborating too much on this, with GM Kavis Reed being quoted as saying that the Alouettes are "disappointed," and "gave Johnny a great deal of support and presented alternatives to him." Reed also said that Manziel was "Unwilling to proceed."
- Montreal has four other QB's on their roster. Vernon Adams, Jeff Mathews, Antonio Pipkin, and Matthew Shiitz are all available. Unfortunately, none of them are standouts, and in my opinion, not really starter material. Montreal now has a big problem to go with all their other problems.
- Manziel's career in professional football is more than likely over at this point. If he really did screw himself over with the CFL, he won't be touched by any other professional league. Before anyone says it, I have no doubt that the AAF will reject him as well. Remember, the AAF is a development league that leads to the NFL. Hell, I doubt if Manziel will even be touched by that garbage known as the Arean League. They'd have to be extremely desperate to sign him.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Sunday, February 24, 2019
2020/2021 Grey Cup games have been awarded. (CFL)
I know, I know. This happened on Thursday and I'm just getting to it now. Some of us work for a living and were also out of town when the announcement came down the pipes. In a perfect world, I could have had my laptop with me and posted live from the commuter train, but I digress. It's an imperfect world.
In case you DIDN'T hear about this, and live under a rock, it was announced Thursday that Saskatchewan would host the 2020 Grey Cup, while Hamilton receives the 2021 Grey Cup. And now, I will regale everyone with my problems with these choices.
Saskatchewan? Let me begin by saying that Saskatchewan is showing up too often in this blog. As a Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan, this is completely unacceptable. Now then, the last three of four Grey Cups had been played out west, this year's game also in Calgary. Too much western love going on here. I'd rather see it broken up, and have a Grey Cup in Montreal (but not at Big O), as well another Grey Cup game back in Ottawa (Why not?).
Rusty hammer. I am in no way a Hamilton Tiger-Cats fan, but they should have been a shoo-in for the 2019 game. Having to wait until 2021 to have the Cup there? Come on CFL, you can do better. With it's rich tradition and history with football, Hamilton should have gotten the nod before Calgary and Saskatchewan (That word again! Oh my!). Besides, the east as a whole needs more love. Watching a Grey Cup from Tim Horton's Field on TV alone would be great, and being there in person would probably be a unique and awesome experience all by itself!
Oh, and we're still waiting the Schooners.....
Say what? (CFL/AAF/NFL)
Three things I've seen in sports news that pertain to the world of professional football have left me scratching my head, or in one particular case, has me laughing my ass off quite uncontrollably. Let's begin, shall we?
Bridge signs with the Argos. This one falls under the head-scratching category. Brandon Bridge has spent the last three seasons backing up the often-injured Zach Collaros in Saskatchewan. The guy has a great arm, and can be developed. Instead, they let him go to the Argos, leaving the Roughriders with Drew Tate (who was retired last season) and Zach 'Brain Damage' Collaros. Not a good decision by the Roughrider's front office, but then again, it's Saskatchewan.
AAF. According to various sports outlets, the AAF (Alliance of American Football) is struggling. I don't think 'struggling' is the right word here. One, it's a brand new league. Two, it's in smaller cities (for the most part). Three, fans are slow to fill up the stands. All of this should have been expected for a startup league. I've watched several of the games and have found them to be quite exciting, and not nearly as bogged down as the NFL is with penalty flags and such. This league needs a little time before all the haters start hating.
Kraft is a dirty bastard. No easy way to say this, but it's true. Patriots owner Robert Kraft (who I despise) got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, so to speak. He's been caught soliciting sex and going to a spa run by hookers (shocking). This is just par for the course for an owner who is as dirty as his franchise. The NFL needs to come down harder on him than they did on Jim Irsay (Colts owner) several years back. Time to send a message to that fool and his team of punks.
In case anyone is wondering, that last bit made was the thing that made me laugh my ass off.
Bridge signs with the Argos. This one falls under the head-scratching category. Brandon Bridge has spent the last three seasons backing up the often-injured Zach Collaros in Saskatchewan. The guy has a great arm, and can be developed. Instead, they let him go to the Argos, leaving the Roughriders with Drew Tate (who was retired last season) and Zach 'Brain Damage' Collaros. Not a good decision by the Roughrider's front office, but then again, it's Saskatchewan.
AAF. According to various sports outlets, the AAF (Alliance of American Football) is struggling. I don't think 'struggling' is the right word here. One, it's a brand new league. Two, it's in smaller cities (for the most part). Three, fans are slow to fill up the stands. All of this should have been expected for a startup league. I've watched several of the games and have found them to be quite exciting, and not nearly as bogged down as the NFL is with penalty flags and such. This league needs a little time before all the haters start hating.
Kraft is a dirty bastard. No easy way to say this, but it's true. Patriots owner Robert Kraft (who I despise) got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, so to speak. He's been caught soliciting sex and going to a spa run by hookers (shocking). This is just par for the course for an owner who is as dirty as his franchise. The NFL needs to come down harder on him than they did on Jim Irsay (Colts owner) several years back. Time to send a message to that fool and his team of punks.
In case anyone is wondering, that last bit made was the thing that made me laugh my ass off.
Monday, February 18, 2019
The Fleet win, the Bombers lose. (AAF/CFL)
Week Two of the Alliance of America Football is now in the books, and after being able to watch two more games, I can say it was another exciting week of football! I'm really enjoying the quality of game play and officiating thus far. I'm now going to break down the two AAF games I saw, as well as throw in some CFL news that has caught my attention.
The Fleet win at home. It's nice to see a professional football team back in San Diego, and was even better to see them pick up their first win of the season at home. The Fleet started off a but sluggish, but then picked it up and came out with the victory. There were some hard hits, and great plays, which is starting to become a trademark of the AAF.
Hotshots and Express go down to the wire. The Memphis Express had a big lead going into the second half, and let it all fade away, with the Hotshots coming back to win the game in dramatic fashion. Timely blocks and stops on defence allowed their offence to get back on the field and crank up the score, helping them to win. It was very fun to watch!
Hey Winnipeg, what's the deal? Almost a week into CFL free agency, and my Winnipeg Blue Bombers have done next to nothing. In the first few days, most of the big names were signed by other teams who were quick to make their upgrades for the upcoming season. Yes, Winnipeg did re-sign Adam Bighill ahead of time, but have done next to nothing so far. The Bombers need a franchise quarterback that doesn't tank in the playoffs. Matt Nichols is not that QB.
It's a little frustrating to watch your team do little when other teams do so much in free agency. Need I remind the Bombers that we haven't won a Grey Cup since 1990. Let that sink in.
The Fleet win at home. It's nice to see a professional football team back in San Diego, and was even better to see them pick up their first win of the season at home. The Fleet started off a but sluggish, but then picked it up and came out with the victory. There were some hard hits, and great plays, which is starting to become a trademark of the AAF.
Hotshots and Express go down to the wire. The Memphis Express had a big lead going into the second half, and let it all fade away, with the Hotshots coming back to win the game in dramatic fashion. Timely blocks and stops on defence allowed their offence to get back on the field and crank up the score, helping them to win. It was very fun to watch!
Hey Winnipeg, what's the deal? Almost a week into CFL free agency, and my Winnipeg Blue Bombers have done next to nothing. In the first few days, most of the big names were signed by other teams who were quick to make their upgrades for the upcoming season. Yes, Winnipeg did re-sign Adam Bighill ahead of time, but have done next to nothing so far. The Bombers need a franchise quarterback that doesn't tank in the playoffs. Matt Nichols is not that QB.
It's a little frustrating to watch your team do little when other teams do so much in free agency. Need I remind the Bombers that we haven't won a Grey Cup since 1990. Let that sink in.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
CFL free agent frenzy! (CFL)
Damn, that didn't take long at all. One day into CFL free agency, and all hell has broken loose, with some major moves across the league. I'm going to try to go over as many of these story lines as I can right now. From the looks of it, several teams are looking to beef up their rosters immediately, in preparation for training camp.
Mike Reilly! Well, I'm starting with the biggest signing so far, which is Mike Reilly heading back to the BC Lions. Just a few days ago, Reilly was given permission by the Eskimos to start talking to others teams. I personally called this, saying a week ago to my friends that he'd go to BC first and foremost, with the second likely destination being Calgary IF they hadn't re-signed Mitchell. One hell of a good pick up by the Lions right out of the gate.
Trevor Harris goes west. This one actually surprised me, as I really thought that Harris would either stay in Ottawa, or sign with the Toronto Argonauts. Edmonton might end up being a good fit for Harris, providing they get him some additional targets. It's interesting that Ellingson went with him to the Eskimos, and gives said team a boost right away.
Jennings to the RedBlacks. This one was makes sense, as a short time earlier, the RedBlacks lost their starting QB Trevor Harris to the Eskimos. Problem is, Jennings is a very inconsistent QB that can have amazing games, and crap games with equal frequency. I have never been fully sold on Jennings, but hope he can be turned into a legit starting QB in the CFL. Hopefully, Ottawa has a plan.
Lemon goes in for another squeeze. Shawn Lemon is back with the Argos, after bouncing around the league last year. Not a big deal, but still something positive for the Argos, who also need a proper starting QB, and an O-line, and..... well, you get the picture. Here's hoping the Argos do something rather than nothing in free agency, before it's too late.
Winnipeg. Helloooooo? Anyone home in Bomber land? Why haven't we done anything of consequence? Are we forgetting that it's been 28 years since our last Grey Cup? I would have preferred Mike Reilly, but that train has left the station.....
Mike Reilly! Well, I'm starting with the biggest signing so far, which is Mike Reilly heading back to the BC Lions. Just a few days ago, Reilly was given permission by the Eskimos to start talking to others teams. I personally called this, saying a week ago to my friends that he'd go to BC first and foremost, with the second likely destination being Calgary IF they hadn't re-signed Mitchell. One hell of a good pick up by the Lions right out of the gate.
Trevor Harris goes west. This one actually surprised me, as I really thought that Harris would either stay in Ottawa, or sign with the Toronto Argonauts. Edmonton might end up being a good fit for Harris, providing they get him some additional targets. It's interesting that Ellingson went with him to the Eskimos, and gives said team a boost right away.
Jennings to the RedBlacks. This one was makes sense, as a short time earlier, the RedBlacks lost their starting QB Trevor Harris to the Eskimos. Problem is, Jennings is a very inconsistent QB that can have amazing games, and crap games with equal frequency. I have never been fully sold on Jennings, but hope he can be turned into a legit starting QB in the CFL. Hopefully, Ottawa has a plan.
Lemon goes in for another squeeze. Shawn Lemon is back with the Argos, after bouncing around the league last year. Not a big deal, but still something positive for the Argos, who also need a proper starting QB, and an O-line, and..... well, you get the picture. Here's hoping the Argos do something rather than nothing in free agency, before it's too late.
Winnipeg. Helloooooo? Anyone home in Bomber land? Why haven't we done anything of consequence? Are we forgetting that it's been 28 years since our last Grey Cup? I would have preferred Mike Reilly, but that train has left the station.....
Monday, February 11, 2019
Thoughts on Week 1. (AAF)
Well, Week One in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) has come and gone, and I was able to catch two of the games myself. I was pleasantly surprised at how both games went, and I have some points to make thus far. Tally ho!
Excitement! In the first game (Fleet at Commanders), I witnessed several big hits, a couple of interceptions that got the crowd (and me) roaring, as well as relatively smooth game play that was a lot of fun to watch. There are a lot of good players on these teams, and it was interesting to see Mike Martz coaching again.
Lack of flags. I can count at least four or five plays (of many) that would have been instant flags in the NFL or CFL, but weren't called here. From a hit out of bounds, to a quarterback getting smoked, it was refreshing to see officials that actually let the players play, and not have flags every snap. Also, the 'SkyJudge' reversed a call on the field quickly, whereas in the NFL, the refs would have had a conference that lasted 10 minutes, used a replay, and still managed to screw it up. Kudos to the AAF.
Uniforms. Now that I've seen the majority of uniforms and colours in game action, let me just say that the players look awesome in their new duds. The colour schemes are vibrant, and look great on TV! Every team has a distinctively different look, and it's really neat.
Overall, I think Week One was a huge success. I'll have more for you when Week Two commences! Three cheers for the AAF!
Excitement! In the first game (Fleet at Commanders), I witnessed several big hits, a couple of interceptions that got the crowd (and me) roaring, as well as relatively smooth game play that was a lot of fun to watch. There are a lot of good players on these teams, and it was interesting to see Mike Martz coaching again.
Lack of flags. I can count at least four or five plays (of many) that would have been instant flags in the NFL or CFL, but weren't called here. From a hit out of bounds, to a quarterback getting smoked, it was refreshing to see officials that actually let the players play, and not have flags every snap. Also, the 'SkyJudge' reversed a call on the field quickly, whereas in the NFL, the refs would have had a conference that lasted 10 minutes, used a replay, and still managed to screw it up. Kudos to the AAF.
Uniforms. Now that I've seen the majority of uniforms and colours in game action, let me just say that the players look awesome in their new duds. The colour schemes are vibrant, and look great on TV! Every team has a distinctively different look, and it's really neat.
Overall, I think Week One was a huge success. I'll have more for you when Week Two commences! Three cheers for the AAF!
Saturday, February 2, 2019
One week until the Alliance. (AAF)
Everyone is talking about tomorrow night's Super Bowl (of which I won't be watching this time around, but that's for another day's post), with not too many mentioning the start of the new Alliance of American Football, or AAF. Personally, I welcome this new league and it's eight teams. The list of names that are already associated with the AAF is impressive to say the least. They include:
Mike Singletary, head coach of the Memphis Express.
Steve Spurrier, head coach of the Orlando Apollos.
Mike Martz, head coach of the San Diego Fleet.
Troy Polamalu, head of player relations.
Hines Ward, executive.
Jared Allen, Executive.
That's just a smattering of the who's who involved with this fledgling league. I'm looking forward to this, as it seems enough time was taken to think this new league out and give fans the best possible football for us to watch. Everyone knows that February and beyond is a football wasteland until June, when the Canadian Football League starts up.
The only thing we really had to look forward to before was the NFL draft in April.
Let's give the AAF a warm welcome, and watch us some football!
Mike Singletary, head coach of the Memphis Express.
Steve Spurrier, head coach of the Orlando Apollos.
Mike Martz, head coach of the San Diego Fleet.
Troy Polamalu, head of player relations.
Hines Ward, executive.
Jared Allen, Executive.
That's just a smattering of the who's who involved with this fledgling league. I'm looking forward to this, as it seems enough time was taken to think this new league out and give fans the best possible football for us to watch. Everyone knows that February and beyond is a football wasteland until June, when the Canadian Football League starts up.
The only thing we really had to look forward to before was the NFL draft in April.
Let's give the AAF a warm welcome, and watch us some football!
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