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Posted (edited)

Rooster Fleming played two years with the Steelers.  When they let him go in '65, the Jets offered him $45,000.  The Ticats offered him C$48,000.  In those days, the Canadian dollar was worth $1.05, so he signed with Hamilton.

Ralph Sazio's secretary was a nice older lady named Audrey Brigger.  Part of her job was to open all the fan mail, and pass it on, usually to the publicity department for a photo for the player to sign.

Mrs. Brigger told me that Rooster's fans were young women who were unusually candid, and wrote with frankness regarding what they would be happy to do if he asked them out.  Rooster was a happily married man, and he instructed Mrs. Brigger to just tear up the letters and throw them away.  He didn't want to see them.

Rooster won the Grey Cup with the Ticats three times, in '65, '67 and '72.

He retired following the '74 season.  He returned to Pittsburgh and became a successful stockbroker.

In 1980, my girl friend and I went to a game of a new semi-pro team called the Pittsburgh Colts.  Today, the Colts are the oldest semi-pro team still in existence.  Two rows behind us, there was a guy who started screaming at the top of his lungs at the opening kickoff, and never stopped.  "Come on!  What are you doing out there?  Hit somebody!"  Sounded like he was drunk as a skunk.

We didn't turn around to look at him, because sometimes drunks can take a look the wrong way, and want to start a fight.  But near the end of the second quarter, my curiosity got the better of me, and I sort of turned around and vaguely looked his way.  And I thought, That's no drunk.  That's Rooster Fleming!

We chatted after the game (he was cold sober), and he asked me to say hello to Ralph the next time I saw him.

Rooster passed away April 22 at 76.  RIP Rooster!

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/dave-fleming-tiger-cats-obituary-cfl-1.5543348
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/04/23/cfl-tiger-cats-mourn-passing-dave-fleming/
https://triblive.com/sports/david-rooster-fleming-hazelwood-legend-cfl-star-signed-with-steelers-out-of-high-school/
https://3downnation.com/2020/04/23/former-ticats-star-running-back-dave-fleming-passes-away/

Here are videos of the 1972 Grey Cup.

 

 

 

Edited by GA Russell
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Posted

Post-draft team analyses

Montreal
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/03/maciocia-got-little-bit-better-football-club-2020-cfl-draft/

Ottawa
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/02/redblacks-snatch-versatile-laval-defender-adam-auclair-with-first-of-eight-picks-in-2020-cfl-draft/
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/03/redblacks-draft-creates-ratio-flexibility/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/06/breaking-eight-ottawas-draft-picks/

Toronto
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/01/argos-continue-local-gta-trend-in-2020-cfl-draft/
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/08/argos-2020-cfl-draft-class-showcases-gta-talent-and-versatility/

Hamilton
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/01/ticats-fortify-the-trenches-with-top-picks-in-2020-cfl-draft/
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/04/ticats-reinforce-the-trenches-and-six-other-draft-thoughts/

Winnipeg
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/01/without-a-first-round-pick-bombers-get-value-in-2020-cfl-draft/

Sask
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/01/riders-start-local-end-with-nfl-pick-in-2020-cfl-draft/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/08/riders-roster-designed-push-club-cup/

Calgary
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/02/stampeders-land-coveted-dl-isaac-adeyemi-berglund-in-2020-cfl-draft/

Edmonton
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/02/eskimos-nab-pro-ready-ol-tomas-jack-kurdyla-in-2020-cfl-draft/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/03/no-post-draft-regrets-sunderland-eskimos-brass/

BC
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/01/heckuva-hervey-haul-lions-nab-elite-prospects-in-cfl-draft/

*****

The television ratings for this year's draft were double those of last year.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/06/tv-ratings-for-2020-cfl-draft-jump-116-percent-year-over-year/

*****

The Canada West Conference (university) has approved a plan for a five-game season.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/04/canada-west-conference-approves-plan-for-five-game-football-season/

*****

Chuba Hubbard of Oklahoma State was named the best Canadian player in the NCAA.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/06/dynamic-oklahoma-state-canadian-rb-chuba-hubbard-wins-cornish-trophy/
https://www.tsn.ca/oklahoma-state-rb-chuba-hubbard-wins-jon-cornish-trophy-as-top-canadian-in-ncaa-football-1.1473195

*****

Ontario has allowed the teams there to re-open their facilities.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/08/cfl-teams-in-ontario-permitted-to-reopen-facilities/
https://www.tsn.ca/ontario-says-pro-teams-can-open-training-facilities-1.1473848

*****

Ambrosie informed the federal government that the most likely scenario would be the league not playing this year.  If that happens, ss1 wins this year's contest!
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-randy-ambrosie-house-of-commons-testimony-1.5560467
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/07/commissioner-randy-ambrosie-delivers-plea-to-canadian-finance-committee-for-150-million/

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Since our last post, there has been much speculation regarding the 2020 season, but not much of substance to report.

*****

Marv Luster has passed away at 82.  RIP.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/marv-luster-obituary-1.5583872
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/25/all-time-argos-defensive-back-marv-luster-passes-away/

*****

Las Vegas let go Derrick Moncrief.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/11/las-vegas-raiders-waive-former-riders-cfl-all-star-linebacker-derrick-moncrief/

*****

Jeff Hunt is leaving Ottawa's ownership group.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/13/jeff-hunt-the-time-is-right-to-leave-redblacks-ownership-group/

*****

Winnipeg posted a profit for 2019 of C$3.5 million.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/13/bombers-post-3-5-million-operating-profit-report/

*****

Each team chipped in C$600,000. to keep the Als going last year.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/13/each-team-paid-over-600000-to-prop-up-alouettes-in-2019/

*****

Sask has given all of its people a pay cut.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/15/riders-adjust-compensation-for-every-employee-in-the-organization/

*****

Dexter Manley is now 62, and has the Covid virus.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/17/former-ottawa-rough-riders-dl-dexter-manley-hospitalized-with-covid-19/

*****

Here we go!  See Lucky Whitehead pulling a semi!
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/17/viral-video-bombers-lucky-whitehead-pulls-semi-truck/

And see Adam Bighill pull a dump truck with a full load!
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/24/bombers-lb-adam-bighill-tows-dump-truck-with-full-trailer/

*****

The 73 players drafted are not being offered contracts, and won't be until the questions about the virus are settled.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/18/cfl-draft-selections-not-being-offered-contracts-amid-covid-19-uncertainty/

*****

Currently the Canada-US border is closed through June 21.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/19/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-canada-u-s-border-closed-30-more-days-through-june-21/

*****

Ambrosie sees September to be the earliest the season can begin.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/20/commissioner-randy-ambrosie-september-earliest-cfl-could-play-games-in-2020-grey-cup-moves-to-win-and-host-model/

*****

Regina's hosting the Grey Cup Final has been postponed from this year to 2022.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/20/cfl-roughriders-announce-saskatchewan-grey-cup-moved-2022/
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/20/saskatchewan-grey-cup-hosted-by-riders-moved-to-2022-due-to-covid-19/

*****

Marcel Bellefeuille has agreed to become the head coach of the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/21/official-university-of-ottawa-hires-marcel-bellefeuille-as-football-head-coach/

*****

Now it can be told:  When Peter Dyakowski played for Nick Saban at LSU, Saban made it clear that he hated Dyakowski's mullet!
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/21/nick-saban-hated-canadian-ol-peter-dyakowskis-mullet-at-lsu/

*****

Deon Lacey has signed with Sask.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/21/former-eskimos-nfl-lb-deon-lacey-signs-with-riders/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/21/riders-bring-lb-deon-lacey-back-cfl/

*****

It seems late to me, but Delvin Breaux had surgery on his thumb.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/22/ticats-all-star-db-delvin-breaux-undergoes-thumb-surgery/

*****

Here are candidates for the best team ever.  I saw the '95 Stallions in Baltimore.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/24/which-team-is-the-best-in-cfl-history/

*****

The league's CFO Greg Dick believes the decision to play this year must be made before the end of August.
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/26/cfl-head-of-football-operations-greg-dick-believes-drop-dead-date-for-season-in-2020-is-august/

*****

The league today allowed all teams to re-open their facilities on a limited basis.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-opening-facilities-limited-1.5587465
https://3downnation.com/2020/05/27/cfl-permits-reopening-of-every-team-facility/

*****

Here are the league's analyses of each team.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020-off-season-depth-charts/

*****

The league's website is rolling out 40-minute videos of 2019's ten best games.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/29/ranking-10-best-games-2019/
https://www.cfl.ca/live/2020/05/07/cfl-game-40-bc-cgy-2019/
https://www.cfl.ca/live/2020/05/14/cfl-game-40-wpg-tor-week-8-2019/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/21/cfl-game-40-overtime-magic/

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Khari Jones revealed that he received death threats when he played for the Bombers 2000-2004.  The issue was that his is an interracial marriage.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/02/while-playing-qb-in-winnipeg-khari-jones-had-death-threats-made-against-him/

*****

Sam Hurl has retired.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/03/riders-canadian-lb-sam-hurl-announces-retirement/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/03/riders-lb-sam-hurl-announces-retirement/

*****

Sask lost C$200,000. last year.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/04/riders-post-over-200000-loss-for-2019-2020-fiscal-year/

*****

For the first time in decades, Chris Cuthbert will not be calling the league's televised games.  He has moved on to GlobeMedia's Sportsnet, which has Hockey Night in Canada.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/05/cfl-play-by-play-man-chris-cuthbert-leaves-tsn-for-sportsnet/
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/05/choosing-between-tsn-and-sportsnet-contract-offers-was-tough-call-for-chris-cuthbert/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/31/oleary-chris-cuthbert-top-10-calls-career-behind-mic/

*****

The universities have cancelled their team sports through the end of the year.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/08/atlantic-university-sport-suspends-competition-until-january-2021/
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/08/canada-west-cancels-2020-2021-first-term-team-competitions/
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/08/oua-cancels-sports-until-end-of-december-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic/
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/08/u-sports-cancels-2020-fall-championships-due-to-covid-19/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/08/u-sports-cancels-2020-fall-championships-due-covid-19/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/08/ferguson-celebrating-2020-u-sports-season/

Edited by GA Russell
Posted
Posted

Ambrosie has announced a reduction of the league's football operations budget of about 20% for 2021.  Apparently not many people were consulted before the decision was announced.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/15/cfl-imposes-football-operations-cap-reduction-for-2021-season/

*****

The union surveyed its members with these questions regarding their current preferences about playing a short season this year.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/16/the-cfl-players-association-covid-19-season-survey/

*****

Apparently the collective bargaining agreement will need to be amended for a short season.  The union has filed a grievance, claiming that the league has been unwilling to bargain.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/16/cflpa-files-grievance-prepares-for-cba-negotiations-memo/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-cflpa-no-contact-1.5614852

*****

Ambrosie and his league executive colleagues have each voluntarily taken a pay cut of at least 20%.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/18/cfls-executive-team-voluntarily-took-pay-cuts-of-at-least-20-per-cent-randy-ambrosie/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-commissioner-ambrosie-statement-1.5617304

*****

This week's 40-minute game is November's Western Semi-Final.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/18/cfl-game-40-reminiscing-western-semi/

*****

Here is a review of the five seasons with the most kicks returned for touchdowns.  The top two were '95 and '94, when there were more teams and therefore more games.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/16/breaking-year-return/

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

The league is conducting a poll of the fans to name the best players of the past decade.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/23/cfl-unveils-voting-process-for-leagues-first-ever-team-of-the-decade/
https://www.cfl.ca/2010s-all-decade-team-wrs-dbs/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/30/numbers-looking-decade-receivers-dbs/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/23/oleary-decade-voters-size-hefty-task/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/26/landry-selecting-decade-team/
https://the-waggle-6144160a.simplecast.com/episodes/debating-the-decades-best

https://www.tsn.ca/former-receiver-adarius-bowman-humbled-to-be-included-on-cfl-all-decade-list-1.1489509

*****

TSN is picking the all-time best players for each team.

Winnipeg
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/19/tsn-unveils-all-time-blue-bombers-roster/

Hamilton
https://www.tsn.ca/angelo-mosca-garney-henley-highlight-cfl2020-s-all-time-ticats-roster-1.1489807
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/26/tsn-unveils-all-time-tiger-cats-roster/
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/27/few-quibbles-with-tsns-all-time-ticats-roster/

*****

James Wilder, Jr., has retired!
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-james-wilder-retirement-1.5625690
https://www.tsn.ca/talent/montreal-alouettes-james-wilder-jr-reluctantly-retires-due-to-cfl-season-uncertainty-1.1489244
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/24/running-back-james-wilder-jr-retires-from-the-cfl/
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/24/get-wilder-fitness-high-school-coaching-job-draws-james-wilder-jr-off-the-football-field/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/24/report-james-wilder-jr-elects-retire-cfl/

*****

Sask led the league last year, averaging over 29,000 tickets sold per game.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/25/riders-led-cfl-in-tickets-sold-with-over-29000-per-game-during-2019-season/

*****

Jonathan Rose is attempting to come back after spinal fusion surgery.
https://3downnation.com/2020/06/27/free-agent-cfl-cover-man-jonathan-rose-cleared-following-spinal-fusion-surgery/

*****

This week's 40-minute game is last year's Eastern Final.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/25/cfl-game-40-looking-back-eastern-final/

*****

Bob O'Billovich turned 80 today.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/06/30/happy-birthday-bob-obillovich/

 

 

Posted

TSN has named its Calgary all-time lineup.
https://www.tsn.ca/doug-flutie-jon-cornish-highlight-cfl2020-s-all-time-calgary-stampeders-roster-1.1491769
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/03/tsn-unveils-all-time-stampeders-roster/

*****

This is your last chance to vote for the Receivers and DBs of the Decade.
https://www.cfl.ca/2010s-all-decade-team-wrs-dbs/

*****

This week's 40-minute game is last year's Western Final.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/02/cfl-game-40-goalpost/

 

Posted

JC Abbott of 3 Down Nation is compiling a list of Top 10 personal feuds in league history.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/06/unveiling-a-3downnation-project-top-10-feuds-in-cfl-history/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/07/top-10-cfl-feuds-adam-rita-vs-jeff-reinebold/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/08/top-10-cfl-feuds-dieter-brock-vs-the-city-of-winnipeg/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/09/top-10-cfl-feuds-tyrone-jones-vs-cal-murphy/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/10/top-10-cfl-feuds-dave-chaytors-vs-doug-flutie/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/11/top-10-cfl-feuds-ed-harrington-vs-sonny-wade/

*****

Wade Miller is willing to play the season in the winter.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/08/winter-cfl-games-in-2020-canadians-can-sit-outside-any-time-of-year-bombers-wade-miller/

*****

TSN has listed its all-time Montreal team.
https://www.tsn.ca/anthony-calvillo-mike-pringle-highlight-cfl2020-s-all-time-alouettes-roster-1.1493997
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/10/tsn-unveils-all-time-alouettes-roster/

*****

Voting is now open for the 2010s best running back and linebackers.
https://www.cfl.ca/cfl-decade-team-rbs-lbs/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/08/numbers-looking-decade-rbs-lb-milestones/

*****

This week's 40-minute game is November's Grey Cup.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/09/cfl-game-40-re-living-107th-grey-cup/

*****

The league is now seeking C$42.5 million from the federal government to help it pay for this year's games without ticket sales.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-federal-government-aid-1.5645622
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl-submits-financial-aid-request-to-federal-government-1.1494145

 

Posted

I hope everyone has clicked on the Cookie Gilchrest link in the previous post.  He was an interesting character.

Here are the final three feuds.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/17/top-10-cfl-feuds-michael-lysko-vs-the-board-of-governors/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/18/top-10-cfl-feuds-troy-westwood-vs-ed-philion/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/19/top-10-cfl-feuds-joe-kapp-vs-angelo-mosca/

*****

TSN on Friday named its all-time Sask roster.  What say you, Dana?
https://www.tsn.ca/george-reed-ron-lancaster-backfield-highlight-cfl2020-s-all-time-roughriders-roster-1.1495641
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/17/tsn-unveils-all-time-saskatchewan-roughriders-roster/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/20/greatest-roughriders-not-on-tsns-all-time-team/

*****

Speedy Banks tweeted that he will not play this year, and will plan to play next year on the terms of this year's contract.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/19/cfl-most-outstanding-player-brandon-banks-i-wont-put-on-a-helmet-til-2021/
https://www.tsn.ca/hamilton-tiger-cats-receiver-brandon-banks-i-won-t-put-on-a-helmet-til-2021-1.1497322

*****

The Eskimos are considering changing the team name, even though the majority of the team's Eskimo fans have no objection to it.  This even made bing.com's headlines!
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/edmonton-cfl-club-reportedly-will-drop-eskimos-name/ar-BB16SRhs?li=BB15ms5q
https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2020/07/18/report-cfls-edmonton-eskimos-to-change-team-name/
https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/edmonton-cfl-team-reportedly-will-change-name-from-eskimos-after-sponsors-threaten-to-bow-out/
https://www.tmz.com/2020/07/17/edmonton-eskimos-cfl-name-change/
https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/edmonton-eskimos-consider-name-change-after-backlash-and-sponsor-pushback/

*****

Five stars from the 2011 BC Lions relive the season.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/20/remote-reunion-episode-1-2011-bc-lions/

Posted

Edmonton announced Monday that they will no longer be called the Eskimos.  They would like to keep the logo, and promise no prompt decision on a new name.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-cfl-team-name-1.5657661
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/21/edmonton-football-team-discontinues-use-name-eskimos/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/21/edmonton-executives-comment-on-pending-name-change/
https://www.tsn.ca/edmonton-cfl-franchise-confirms-team-will-change-name-1.1498045
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/21/costs-for-edmonton-name-change-over-1-million/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/21/edmonton-discontinues-use-of-the-word-eskimos-in-teams-name/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/21/new-era-for-the-edmonton-football-team-as-fresh-name-process-begins/

I think they should call themselves the Edmonton Rough Riders.

*****

The league is said to be considering playing a regular season of six games, with eight teams making the playoffs.  All of this would be done in a hub city.  Winnipeg, Regina and Calgary submitted bids to be the hub city.  The league Monday tentatively chose Winnipeg.

No formal decisions have been announced about anything.  I have refrained over these past weeks from posting the many articles which are merely speculation.

https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/21/winnipeg-tentatively-chosen-hub-city-2020-season/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/winnipeg-cfl-hub-city-1.5657988
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/20/manitoba-premier-brian-pallister-invites-cfl-to-play-2020-season-in-winnipeg-commits-2-5-million-if-selected-as-hub-city
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/20/manitobas-chief-medical-health-officer-brent-roussin-details-winnipeg-cfl-bubble-plans/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/21/manitobas-proposal-for-cfl-hub-city-far-from-perfect-amid-covid-19-pandemic/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/20/riders-submit-competitive-bid-for-cfl-hub-city-in-regina/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/21/calgary-rounds-out-cfl-hub-city-bid-proposals/

*****

It is now time to vote for the best o- and d- linemen of the past decade.
https://www.cfl.ca/cfl-decade-team-ol-dl/

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

As the saying goes, the people who are talking don't know, and the people who know aren't talking.

It appears that there will be no 2020 season unless the government provides financial assistance.  The federal govt offered a short term loan at a high interest rate.  The league turned it down, saying that the deal would make them even worse off financially.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/27/federal-government-still-examining-financial-aid-request-from-the-cfl/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/28/canadian-government-examining-request-to-see-where-cfl-may-fit-in-existing-emergency-assistance-programs/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/30/ontario-alberta-provincial-support-vital-for-potential-cfl-loan-from-business-development-bank-of-canada/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/31/federal-government-offers-high-interest-loan-cfl-believes-it-would-put-league-in-worse-position-moving-forward/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/31/cfl-no-longer-talking-to-bdc-about-loan-focus-shifts-to-business-credit-availability-program/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/steven-guilbeault-federal-assistance-cfl-1.5658960
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-federal-government-funding-assistance-1.5670646
https://www.tsn.ca/feds-offer-loan-to-cfl-but-league-wary-of-conditions-1.1502405

*****

The league suggested to the union that the regular season be six games, 33% of normal, with pay reduced to 33% of their contract amounts.  Many players, especially Americans, are saying that the 33% pay amount just doesn't make any sense for an annual income.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/23/cfl-players-overwhelmingly-reject-most-recent-financial-proposal-for-shortened-2020-season/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/24/riders-brett-lauther-33-percent-base-salary-offer-from-cfl-not-even-a-conversation-starter/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/24/brandon-banks-doubles-down-on-2020-cfl-season-absence-its-not-worth-it/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/29/veteran-redblacks-db-antoine-pruneau-i-dont-know-if-its-worth-playing-for-the-proposal-thats-on-the-table/

*****

This week's 40-minute game is the Week 9 contest between Hamilton and BC.  This was Dane Evans' first start.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/30/cfl-game-40-danes-time-shine/

*****

TSN has announced two more teams' all-time rosters.

Ottawa
https://www.tsn.ca/canadian-qb-russ-jackson-highlights-cfl2020-s-all-time-ottawa-roster-1.1499375
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/24/tsn-unveils-all-time-ottawa-football-roster/
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/28/recency-bias-muddies-tsns-all-time-ottawa-team/

Edmonton
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/tsn-s-all-time-cfl-teams-edmonton~2005765
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/31/tsn-unveils-all-time-edmonton-football-team-roster/

*****

Here is a video of a Duron Carter catch, just to remind us of what we are missing.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/26/redonkulous-duron-carter-grab-wins-cfls-catch-madness-bracket/

*****

There are a number of guys who are still looking for a contract.
https://3downnation.com/2020/07/29/the-3downnation-cfl-all-free-agent-team/

*****

Ted Gerela has died at 76.  RIP.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/07/22/cfl-lions-mourn-loss-ted-garela/

Edited by GA Russell
Posted

No word yet on government funding.  There won't be any unless Health Canada approves.
https://www.tsn.ca/approval-from-health-canada-crucial-for-cfl-in-quest-for-federal-money-1.1505816

*****

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and colleagues have purchased the XFL out of bankruptcy.  Johnson put up half the money.  A fool and his money?
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/dwayne-johnson-xfl-purchase-1.5673849
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/03/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-becomes-part-owner-of-xfl/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/03/cfl-players-react-to-the-rock-purchasing-the-xfl/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/03/alouettes-qb-vernon-adams-jr-says-he-choose-cfl-over-xfl/

*****

Vernon Adams, Jr., ranks the league's top quarterbacks and defensive ends.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/04/vernon-adams-jr-announces-his-cfl-quarterback-rankings/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/10/alouettes-qb-vernon-adams-jr-ranks-charleston-hughes-as-best-de-in-the-cfl/

*****

The league is again this year asking players to name the best players in the league.  At quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/04/best-in-the-league-quarterback-2/
https://www.cfl.ca/bitl2020
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/05/best-best-cfl-players-weigh-leagues-top-pivot/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/04/cfl-players-pick-bo-levi-mitchell-over-cody-fajardo-for-best-qb-in-the-league/

*****

The juniors have cancelled their 2020 season.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/cjfl-cancels-season-1.5676400
https://www.tsn.ca/canadian-junior-football-league-cancels-20-season-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-1.1505198
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/06/canadian-junior-football-league-cancels-2020-season-due-to-covid-19/

*****

The Bombers have revealed their Grey Cup ring, and will give one to Bob Irving.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/07/bombers-get-iced-gc107-rings/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/06/winnipeg-blue-bombers-unveil-2019-grey-cup-championship-rings/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/07/bombers-gift-long-time-cjob-play-by-play-voice-bob-irving-with-grey-cup-ring/
https://www.tsn.ca/winnipeg-blue-bombers-unveil-grey-cup-championship-rings-1.1505503

*****

I don't believe polls, but...An Angus Reid poll says that the majority of Canadians support Edmonton's dropping the Eskimo name, but the majority of CFL fans and the majority of Edmonton fans do not.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/poll-cfl-edmonton-name-change-fans-dislike-1.5677820
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/07/majority-of-cfl-fans-oppose-edmonton-name-change/

*****

TSN Friday announced its all-time Argonaut roster.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/07/tsn-unveils-all-time-toronto-argonauts-roster/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/tsn-s-all-time-cfl-teams-toronto-argonauts~2010050
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/who-stands-out-on-the-argos-all-time-team~2010047

*****

Vote now for members of the Special Team of the Decade.
https://www.cfl.ca/cfl-all-decade-team-st/

*****

The league reviews the 1996 Argo team (whom I saw in both the Eastern Final and the Grey Cup) on its website, and has conducted a virtual reunion.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/06/long-read-don-matthews-often-overlooked-argos-defence-96/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/05/remote-reunion-1996-argos/

Posted

And now Derek Dennis lists his top seven defensive ends.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/11/former-most-outstanding-offensive-lineman-derek-dennis-shares-his-breakdown-of-top-cfl-des/

*****

Here the players pick the league's best playmaker.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/11/best-in-the-league-s5-ep2-playmaker/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/12/cfl-stars-debate-best-playmaker-league/

*****

Joe Barnes (!) and Matt Dunnigan discuss the two-quarterback system.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/12/cfl-stars-debate-best-playmaker-league/

*****

This week's 40-minute game is the Toronto-Montreal TD Atlantic game.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/13/cfl-game-40-td-atlantic-trickery/

Last week's game was the '96 Grey Cup, which was one of the best games I've ever attended.
https://www.cfl.ca/live/2020/08/06/cfl-game-40-84th-grey-cup/

 

 

Posted

The federal government has informed the league that it will not lend it the money it needs for a 2020 season.  The board of governors will meet tomorrow to discuss if there is any point in continuing to work toward a 2020 Grey Cup.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-federal-loan-denied-reports-1.5688868
https://www.tsn.ca/talent/federal-government-denies-cfl-s-request-for-30m-loan-1.1510103
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/16/canadian-federal-government-wont-provide-cfl-specific-financial-package-for-2020-season/

*****

Sportsnet reported that the Argos didn't want to play this year anyway.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/14/argos-dont-want-to-play-modified-2020-cfl-season-report/

*****

TSN announced its all-time BC roster.
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/tsn-s-all-time-cfl-teams-b-c-lions~2014304
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/14/tsn-unveils-all-time-b-c-lions-roster/

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Last week's 40-minute game was the great '76 Grey Cup - Rough Riders vs. Roughriders.


https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/21/oleary-retro-blogging-64th-grey-cup/

*****

Tommy Joe Coffey has died at 83.  RIP.  I had his bubble gum card in 1959.  That was an unusual card because that was his rookie year.  A rookie having a card was unheard of then.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/26/cfl-ticats-mourn-loss-legendary-wr-k-tommy-joe-coffey/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/tommy-joe-coffey-cfl-obit-1.5701131
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/26/cfl-legend-tommy-joe-coffey-passes-away-at-age-84/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/26/ticats-mourn-the-passing-of-wall-of-honour-member-tommy-joe-coffey/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Joe_Coffey

*****

Wade Miller discusses the federal government's refusal to lend the league money.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/17/bombers-president-wade-miller-vents-about-canadian-federal-government/

*****

The Riders will lose C$10 million due to the cancellation of the season.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/18/president-craig-reynolds-states-riders-will-lose-10-million-due-to-cancelled-cfl-season/

*****

With no games being played, the teams will not be paying the players this year.  However, the federal govt will pay the players a form of emergency unemployment insurance.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/19/cfl-players-association-secures-cews-package-opt-out-provision-for-players-seeking-nfl-deals/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl-players-association-says-it-has-secured-financial-assistance-for-members-1.1511542

*****

Due to the unexpected provincial govt's COVID-19-related spending, the plans for a Halifax stadium are out the window.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/21/cfl-stadium-in-halifax-another-likely-covid-casualty-report/
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/24/cfl-team-in-atlantic-canada-very-unlikely-states-halifax-mayor-mike-savage/

*****

The league has granted players whose contracts expire in February or the following February the opportunity to terminate their contracts.  This will give them the opportunity to try to make an NFL roster.  More on this later.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/22/cfl-players-association-details-opt-out-procedures-for-contracts-which-expire-in-february-2021-and-2022/

*****

Vernon Adams, Jr., has now posted his list of the best defensive tackles.
https://3downnation.com/2020/08/26/alouettes-qb-vernon-adams-jr-ranks-his-list-of-the-top-cfl-dts/

*****

This week, the players discuss the best pass rushers.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/24/best-in-the-league-s5-ep3-pass-rusher/

*****

Now we can vote on the best quarterback of the past ten years.
https://www.cfl.ca/cfl-decade-team-quarterbacks/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/25/oleary-eyes-shift-quarterbacks-decade-voting/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/26/kevin-glenn-weighs-decade-qbs/

 

Edited by GA Russell
  • 2 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

In my last post, I mentioned that the players were given the right to terminate their contracts.  This would make them available to sign with the NFL or any other league.  The downside is that any player who terminated his contract forfeited his unemployment insurance.

The window for the players to act extended from August 17 through September 3.  Quite a number chose to exercise their right.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/26/tracking-cflers-exercised-opt-outs/
https://www.cfl.ca/transactions/

*****

The league has let go a number of its staff members.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/02/cfl-terminates-league-office-staff-furloughs-many-more-amid-covid-19-financial-crisis/
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/05/weve-had-to-say-goodbye-to-some-wonderful-people-cfl-commissioner-randy-ambrosie/

*****

The Chicago Bears hired Henry Burris to be an assistant coach this week.  It looks like he will be doing more scouting than coaching.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/03/chicago-bears-officially-hire-cfl-legend-henry-burris-as-coach-for-the-2020-nfl-season/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/04/burris-added-chicago-bears-coaching-staff/
https://www.tsn.ca/henry-burris-staying-on-with-bears-after-internship-1.1518806

*****

The NFL's cut-down day was Saturday.  Here is how former CFL players and Canadians are faring.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/05/canadian-and-cfl-related-nfl-cutdown-tracker/

*****

The Riders have released a documentary series about the '89 Grey Cup.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/29/unfinished-business-riders-release-mini-doc-89-gc/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/02/unfinished-business-part-iii-the-kick/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/03/unfinished-business-riders-release-final-part-mini-doc-89-gc/

*****

Here the players discuss the league's best pass rusher.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/30/cfl-stars-weigh-leagues-best-pass-rusher/

...and who has the best hands.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/01/best-in-the-league-s5-ep4-hands/

*****

Here are six recent memorable Labor Day Weekend moments.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/05/six-memorable-marks-ld-weekend-moments/

*****

The Grey Cup will have a new base next year, and the league for a surprisingly small amount is selling to the fans the opportunity to have their names engraved on it.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-raising-money-grey-cup-fans-names-1.5697741

 

Edited by GA Russell
Posted

Bob Young revealed this week that he was very much in favor of playing this year.  He also said that every year the league as a whole loses money.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/08/ticats-owner-bob-young-wouldve-much-preferred-to-play-this-year/

*****

Here's an initial look at Canadian college players and their prospects for next year's draft.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/11/3downnation-2021-cfl-draft-rankings-1-0/

*****

Here's a list of the best Canadians currently active, by province.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/12/the-best-active-pro-football-player-from-each-canadian-province/

*****

Here's a look at BC's Grey Cup teams.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/08/bc-lions-fans-role-team-championship-history/

*****

This week the players discuss who is the league's best trash talker.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/08/best-in-the-league-s5-ep5-trash-talker/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/09/stars-around-league-debate-best-trash-talker/

*****

Here is a single link to the "virtual reunions" of four Grey Cup teams.
https://www.cfl.ca/remote-reunion-driven-kubota/

 

Posted

Attention Jim Sangrey!  Isn't the Univ. of North Texas your alma mater?  They have hired Dane Evans to be a graduate assistant for this year.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/15/ticats-quarterback-dane-evans-hired-by-university-of-north-texas-as-graduate-assistant/

*****

Quebec's university conference (RSEQ) has officially cancelled its 2020 season.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/14/quebec-university-conference-officially-cancels-2020-football-season/

*****

Halifax has an election for mayor coming up, and the candidates in their debate discussed their views on building a football stadium.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/15/halifax-mayoral-candidates-opinions-vary-on-potential-cfl-stadium/
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/17/halifax-mayoral-candidates-spar-over-cfl-stadium-in-first-debate/

*****

Andrew Harris and DJ Lalama are starting a pro flag football league.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/15/cfl-veterans-andrew-harris-dj-lalama-launch-pro-pep-flag-football-league/

*****

With the Riders not playing this year, it looks like the City of Region will not be able to make the payments on the New Mosaic Stadium's note.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/16/mosaic-stadiums-30-year-pay-off-plan-in-jeopardy-as-regina-faces-massive-deficit/

*****

Remember Doug Flutie's video game?  Football Canada has joined with Flutie to have a Canadian rules version.
https://3downnation.com/2020/09/17/football-canada-reaches-licensing-agreement-with-doug-fluties-maximum-football/

*****

Ed Tait has begun a review of Winnipeg's pro team by the decade.  He starts with the 1930s.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/15/bombers-quest-decades-1930s/

*****

This week the players discuss who is the fastest.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/15/best-in-the-league-s5-ep6-fastest/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/16/cfl-stars-weigh-leagues-fastest-player-debate/

*****

It's time to vote for the best coach of the decade.
https://www.cfl.ca/cfl-decade-team-coaches/

*****

The league has posted videos of six memorable Labor Day Weekend moments.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/09/05/six-memorable-marks-ld-weekend-moments/

 

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