The Wes Cates Saga

Rider running back Wes Cates seemingly has a chip on his shoulder. The personable running back was shooting from the hip Monday afternoon. Cates seemingly isn't happy with the fact that some people are writing him off and that some want Hugh Charles to be starting in place of him Thursday when the Riders open up against the Alouettes.
We didn't really learn a lot about the Rider running game during the exhibition season, so Charles wasn't given a good shot at supplanting Cates. Thus, it shouldn't be a question as to who should start. Granted, Charles has shown that he is more than capable of being a starting running back in this league. In fact, I will admit I'm surprised Charles didn't get traded for someone when the final cuts were announced.

Good arguments were had on both "The Sportscage" and "The Jamie Nye Show" last night. While I didn't hear if Rod Pedersen or John Lynch used the word, Drew Remenda used the word and that word is loyal. Drew asked the question "How loyal can you be?" Its a great statement. Rider fans don't want to let the past go. Cates is a hero for playing well in the Grey Cup winning season. Fans don't want to see Cates leave because of his previous contributions. Its why a large majority of fans wanted Kerry Joseph back.

The thing about Wes Cates is that his play was not great last year. Yes, he was coming off a shoulder injury, but he was not even close to the Wes Cates of 2007 and 2008. He seemed tentative and hesitant to run through the holes last year. If that trend continues, I can't endorse his spot in the backfield, but if he can return to his old form, then he deserves to be the starting tailback. How long is Ken Miller's leash? The job is Cates' to lose, but Wes has to start performing the way we know he can. If he can't, its time for Hugh Charles to get his shot. Dancing into the line won't get it done anymore when a guy like Charles is breathing down your neck. Cates needs to become the power back he has been and start bursting through the holes created for him. If he doesn't, Cates could be one of those guys who is a veteran casualty by the midway point of the season. I like Wes Cates and I think when he is on top of his game, there is no one better, however, the coaches of this team aren't like coaches of old. Past performance means nothing. Its what have you done for me lately.
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Did anyone really think there was going to be labour unrest in the CFL? The CFL and the players association will formally announce they have come to terms on a new four year deal tomorrow. We know a drug-testing policy is in there, but that's about it. I have heard the NFL window has closed for option year players, and I have heard the Canadian limit won't go down, but full details will come later today.
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Good news for the league out of Ottawa as City Council votes in favour of redeveloping Lansdowne Park. This should pave the way for yet another return of Ottawa to the CFL. Can we now get a team in the Maritimes to make it a 10 team league?
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Bob McCown suggested on "Prime Time Sports" last night that a better way for a home plate umpire to call balls and strikes is to stand behind the pitcher. Yeah, that won't create a problem or six. C'mon Bob, you are a much smarter man than that!
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Looks like Chris Bosh's days as a Toronto Raptor are over. Is it safe to say the Raptors might be the worst team in the NBA next year. What can Toronto fans look forwrd to next year?
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The Pats released their schedule the other day, but seemingly no one noticed. Click here to take a look at it. The Pats are also going to play a couple of exhibition games at the Co-Operators Centre. It makes me wonder when Regina will play host to a pre-season tournament. One team that will have a pre-season tourney is the Everett Silvertips. They will be joined by the other American teams and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario League. I would love to see the Pats welcome the Saskatchewan teams and a team from the Ontario or Quebec League, I think that would be a tremendous idea.
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My spidey senses tell me a big NHL trade is coming down very, very soon.
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Sweden didn't have a first round NHL pick this year. When was the last time that happened?
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Great, great line from Rod Pedersen in his famous Monday morning goalie column. He talks about Elin Woods getting 750 million dollars in her divorce settlement with Tiger. Rod says Elin could singlehandedly finance the construction of a new stadium here and have money left over. LOVE IT!
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Do Chinese people get English sayings tattooed on their bodies?