--A lot is being made of the fact Ben Roethlisberger went out and spent a bunch of money at a Dallas area bar on Tuesday night. Yes, the Pittsburgh quarterback should know better than to be visiting bars considering his past, but this is no big deal as far as I'm concerned. It was Tuesday night and the Superbowl is Sunday. If he doesn't play well, don't hang his social life as the reason why. If Big Ben was doing this Friday or Saturday night, you could bitch, but there really is no story here.
--Those criticizing Andy Fantuz for jumping to the NFL are just selfish as far as I'm concerned. You love the guy when he is here, but when he gets a chance to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL you are all over him. Why? Do you have dreams? If you get a chance to live them out, do you do it? As I have said before when guys like John Chick and Stevie Baggs went to the NFL, I would rather have NFL teams plucking our guys instead of having no guys to pluck. It says something for the organization. It means our guys are elite. Yeah, it also means a big hole has been created, but that means its time for some guys to step up. Andy will be missed, but Rider fans should be thanking him for his time spent here and not getting on his case because he is no longer a member of the beloved green. Good luck Andy. I know you have the hands, but I don't know if you have the speed to be an NFL receiver. If you do, I'll be watching a lot of you on Sunday. I just wonder how long it will take before you go I'd rather have Darian Durant as my quarterback instead of Jay Cutler.
--I really do find it funny hearing all these people whine about how cold it is at the Super Bowl in Dallas. Yes, Dallas does not get temperatures like this normally in early February, but to hear some think its the end of the world just because it got down to minus 7 celsius. Game time temperature tomorrow is to be plus 3 celsius ---so in other words, just a couple of degrees warmer than its been in Regina for the past couple of days.
--I'm really starting to think the Oilers will have the number one draft pick in this year's draft again. I don't know if that should please me or not. The rebuilding process is working, but its not moving as quickly as I thought it would. A playoff team is needed next year.
--The Flames have gotten hot since gassing Darryl Sutter as GM, but they know a youth movement is needed as well. Do you try and start that youth movement at the trade deadline with Iginla and Kiprusoff or do you let those guys try to get you to the playoffs, do what you can and then move them in the off-season. I am thinking new Flames GM Jay Feaster will get a lot of calls on both. Kiprusoff to Philly---why not? What would it take to get him though?
--I can't believe that Alex Ovechkin only got his 20th of the year on Friday night.
--I don't know if I've ever seen a goalie one-punch another goalie like Brent Johnson did to Rick Dipietro.
--The NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers have lost 23 games in a row. Didn't Lebron wear 23 in Cleveland? Tell me again how one man can't change the fortunes of a team.
--The proudest papa in Regina right now has to be Kelly Moskowy and why not. His son Braeden went 12-0 at the Canadian Junior Curling championships and has a spot in Sunday's final while his daughter Brooklyn will compete for Team Sask in girls hockey at the Canada Winter Games. Brooklyn's a pretty good little hockey player too.
--My sympathies and thoughts are with my Access 7 Locker Talk co-host Pete Paczko. Pete has gone back home to Ontario after his mother died this week. With me on the road doing some SJHL duties, it throws the show into some chaos for the next couple of weeks, but we will get through. Pete's a huge Packers fan so perhaps a win can give him a couple of hours of happiness at a time when there can't be much of that going on.
--I heard someone say the other day with the arrival of Steve Buratto that the Riders have formed a great coaching staff with a lot of experience and that they have never had that before. Uh, can we go back one year when people were saying the same thing.
--Do you think Brian Towriss will ever make the leap from the CIS to the CFL? The U of S Huskies coach is one of the best in Canada if not the best, but I really don't think he wants to take that next step.
--That's all I got. Have a good Saturday!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Fantuz Story From Chi-Town
The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs has this story on Andy Fantuz signing with the Bears.
He has his own cereal in Canada, where Andy Fantuz has been one of the top offensive players in the CFL.
But the 27-year-old wide receiver wants to make it in the NFL and signed a reserve/futures contract with the Bears on Friday, putting him in the mix for training camp this summer and giving the team something it doesn't have other than tight end Greg Olsen: a big target at 6-4, 220 pounds.
Fantuz caught 87 passes for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns last season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was the first Canadian-born player to lead the league in receiving since 1995.
"It was a tough decision," Fantuz told the Tribune. "I had a great thing going and I was happy with what was going on. In sports and in any business you always want to reach the top level. If you reach the top level, you want to find a bigger business.
"It's been a dream for me growing up in an Americanized community where we watched more NFL than CFL to reach the NFL. That was the end goal. I have nothing against the CFL or Sasketchewan, both the team and the league have been great to me. I'm going to miss them but I'm looking forward to this opportunity."
Fantuz, who worked out at Halas Hall last month, chose the Bears over similar offers from the Steelers, Patriots and Bills. He hit it off with wide receivers coach Darryl Drake and weighed factors like the offensive scheme and depth chart when making his decision. He's familiar with the Bears, having grown up in Chatham, Ontario, not 50 miles from Detroit and NFC North country.
"I like how the organization is tough-nosed and classy," he said. "I see myself having a good opportunity to make the team and I'm excited to come into camp and try."
Fantuz met Bears defensive end Israel Idonije at an awards banquet after the receiver's freshman year at the University of Western Ontario. Idonije was being honored as the top defensive lineman in Canada and Fantuz won rookie of the year honors. He has followed Idonije's career closely and Miami Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake is an inspiration for all players in the CFL after making 19 1/2 sacks in his first two NFL seasons following a transition from the Canadian game.
"This is a big step forward but I still have a long ways to go," Fantuz said. "I just have my foot in the door. I have to fight for a position on the team now but it's almost like a dream."
Don't look for Fantuz Flakes in the cereal aisle at your grocery store anytime soon. He's just looking to fit in.
"I personally see myself having a good opportunity," he said.
Fantuz helped the Roughriders reach the Grey Cup and was named an all-star for the first time in 2010.
The only other big target on the depth chart for the Bears is Devin Aromashodu, and the 6-2, 200-pounder is a restricted free agent. Based on how seldom he was used, it wouldn't be a surprise if he was not tendered.
He has his own cereal in Canada, where Andy Fantuz has been one of the top offensive players in the CFL.
But the 27-year-old wide receiver wants to make it in the NFL and signed a reserve/futures contract with the Bears on Friday, putting him in the mix for training camp this summer and giving the team something it doesn't have other than tight end Greg Olsen: a big target at 6-4, 220 pounds.
Fantuz caught 87 passes for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns last season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was the first Canadian-born player to lead the league in receiving since 1995.
"It was a tough decision," Fantuz told the Tribune. "I had a great thing going and I was happy with what was going on. In sports and in any business you always want to reach the top level. If you reach the top level, you want to find a bigger business.
"It's been a dream for me growing up in an Americanized community where we watched more NFL than CFL to reach the NFL. That was the end goal. I have nothing against the CFL or Sasketchewan, both the team and the league have been great to me. I'm going to miss them but I'm looking forward to this opportunity."
Fantuz, who worked out at Halas Hall last month, chose the Bears over similar offers from the Steelers, Patriots and Bills. He hit it off with wide receivers coach Darryl Drake and weighed factors like the offensive scheme and depth chart when making his decision. He's familiar with the Bears, having grown up in Chatham, Ontario, not 50 miles from Detroit and NFC North country.
"I like how the organization is tough-nosed and classy," he said. "I see myself having a good opportunity to make the team and I'm excited to come into camp and try."
Fantuz met Bears defensive end Israel Idonije at an awards banquet after the receiver's freshman year at the University of Western Ontario. Idonije was being honored as the top defensive lineman in Canada and Fantuz won rookie of the year honors. He has followed Idonije's career closely and Miami Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake is an inspiration for all players in the CFL after making 19 1/2 sacks in his first two NFL seasons following a transition from the Canadian game.
"This is a big step forward but I still have a long ways to go," Fantuz said. "I just have my foot in the door. I have to fight for a position on the team now but it's almost like a dream."
Don't look for Fantuz Flakes in the cereal aisle at your grocery store anytime soon. He's just looking to fit in.
"I personally see myself having a good opportunity," he said.
Fantuz helped the Roughriders reach the Grey Cup and was named an all-star for the first time in 2010.
The only other big target on the depth chart for the Bears is Devin Aromashodu, and the 6-2, 200-pounder is a restricted free agent. Based on how seldom he was used, it wouldn't be a surprise if he was not tendered.
Riders Comment On Fantuz Signing
The Saskatchewan Roughriders received confirmation today that slotback Andy Fantuz has signed with the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
“It is always difficult when you lose one of your top players, but we do congratulate Andy and wish him all the best in Chicago,” stated Roughrider General Manager Brendan Taman.
“We knew this was a possibility and we will continue with our off-season plan to replace Andy,” added Taman. “We will monitor our options, both within the personnel we have, and with recruiting as we go forward.”
Fantuz was originally drafted by the Riders in the first round (3rd overall) in the 2006 Canadian College Draft. In five seasons with the Green and White, the 27-year-old has tallied 276 receptions for 4,136 yards and 23 touchdowns in 73 regular season games. 2010 was a banner year for the Western Ontario product as he was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian after grabbing 1,380 yards off 87 catches. He also finished in top spot for receiving yards in the regular season and was named a West Division and CFL All-Star for the first time in his career.
“It is always difficult when you lose one of your top players, but we do congratulate Andy and wish him all the best in Chicago,” stated Roughrider General Manager Brendan Taman.
“We knew this was a possibility and we will continue with our off-season plan to replace Andy,” added Taman. “We will monitor our options, both within the personnel we have, and with recruiting as we go forward.”
Fantuz was originally drafted by the Riders in the first round (3rd overall) in the 2006 Canadian College Draft. In five seasons with the Green and White, the 27-year-old has tallied 276 receptions for 4,136 yards and 23 touchdowns in 73 regular season games. 2010 was a banner year for the Western Ontario product as he was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian after grabbing 1,380 yards off 87 catches. He also finished in top spot for receiving yards in the regular season and was named a West Division and CFL All-Star for the first time in his career.
Andy Goes To Chi-Town
Andy Fantuz has "tweeted" within the last half hour that he has signed a contract with the Chicago Bears.
OK Rider Nation, what are you thinkin??
OK Rider Nation, what are you thinkin??
Buratto Is Back
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that Steve Buratto will join the Green and White coaching staff and take over as Offensive Line Coach for 2011 CFL season.
Buratto has three decades of CFL coaching experience to his credit in a career which began with the Riders in 1980 when he was named Offensive Line Coach for two seasons. Since then the University of Idaho product has spent time in a variety of coaching roles across the league.
Most recently Buratto served as the Offensive Line Coach with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for one season. Before joining the Ti-Cats Buratto worked as Offensive Coordinator, and then Special Teams Coordinator and Running Backs Coach over a period of three seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. He also served as an Offensive Coordinator with the Calgary Stampeders in 2005-06 and with the B.C. Lions in 2003-04.
Buratto has been named a head coach twice over the course of his career. First with the Stampeders in 1984 and then he helped lead the Lions to a Grey Cup title in 2000 after taking over the reins mid-season.
In addition, Buratto helped the Baltimore Stallions reach back-to-back Grey Cup appearances in 1994 and 1995 as their offensive coordinator. In 1995, the Stallions successfully claimed the championship title. Prior to joining the expansion squad, Buratto made his second stop in Saskatchewan in 1993 where he once again served as Offensive Line Coach for the Green and White.
His first taste of CFL coaching came in 1977 and 1978 when he served as a guest coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Roughriders, respectively.
Buratto was the starting centre for Idaho and was teammates with CFL legends Jerry “Soupy” Campbell and Don Matthews.
*The Riders also announced today that Mike Scheper will not be returning to the team’s coaching staff for the 2011 season.
Buratto has three decades of CFL coaching experience to his credit in a career which began with the Riders in 1980 when he was named Offensive Line Coach for two seasons. Since then the University of Idaho product has spent time in a variety of coaching roles across the league.
Most recently Buratto served as the Offensive Line Coach with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for one season. Before joining the Ti-Cats Buratto worked as Offensive Coordinator, and then Special Teams Coordinator and Running Backs Coach over a period of three seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. He also served as an Offensive Coordinator with the Calgary Stampeders in 2005-06 and with the B.C. Lions in 2003-04.
Buratto has been named a head coach twice over the course of his career. First with the Stampeders in 1984 and then he helped lead the Lions to a Grey Cup title in 2000 after taking over the reins mid-season.
In addition, Buratto helped the Baltimore Stallions reach back-to-back Grey Cup appearances in 1994 and 1995 as their offensive coordinator. In 1995, the Stallions successfully claimed the championship title. Prior to joining the expansion squad, Buratto made his second stop in Saskatchewan in 1993 where he once again served as Offensive Line Coach for the Green and White.
His first taste of CFL coaching came in 1977 and 1978 when he served as a guest coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Roughriders, respectively.
Buratto was the starting centre for Idaho and was teammates with CFL legends Jerry “Soupy” Campbell and Don Matthews.
*The Riders also announced today that Mike Scheper will not be returning to the team’s coaching staff for the 2011 season.
The Whitney Forum
Back at Casa De Blair after a couple of 18 hour days. I started yesterday leaving Flin Flon at 6 AM and returned just before 1 AM--yes I was exhausted. One of the highlights of the three day jaunt to La Ronge, Flin Flon and Humboldt was a trip to the historic Whitney Forum. A building that truly was built before its time. What a fantastic rink to watch a hockey game in. When you mention the word "Flin Flon", the word "Bombers" is usually the first thing that people respond with.
The town and the team are synonomous with one another. Here are some pix of the rink.
This is pretty much self-explanatory. It is a wall of pictures of players that have gone on to the bigs after playing for the Bombers. I don't remember all the names on there, but I remember many.
It shouldn't be hard remembering this guy....perhaps the greatest Bomber of all....
Yes, his number has been retired. I thought he wore 16 in Flin Flon though--not 11.
While it wasn't "zoo-like" Wednesday night, I hear it can be. In fact, I am told they through moose legs onto the ice some nights when the Bombers score. Moose Legs??? Those suckers must be big. I love this sign. I think they should put it up in the Victoria Club on High Impact Wrestling nights...
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I don't know how many of you that read this have ever been there for a game, but I'm guessing not many. It is a building that just smells of history. It truly is one of the best buildings I have ever been in big or small. I'm glad I had a chance to see it. If you have been there, you know what I'm talking about.
The town and the team are synonomous with one another. Here are some pix of the rink.
This is pretty much self-explanatory. It is a wall of pictures of players that have gone on to the bigs after playing for the Bombers. I don't remember all the names on there, but I remember many.
It shouldn't be hard remembering this guy....perhaps the greatest Bomber of all....
Yes, his number has been retired. I thought he wore 16 in Flin Flon though--not 11.
While it wasn't "zoo-like" Wednesday night, I hear it can be. In fact, I am told they through moose legs onto the ice some nights when the Bombers score. Moose Legs??? Those suckers must be big. I love this sign. I think they should put it up in the Victoria Club on High Impact Wrestling nights...
-----
I don't know how many of you that read this have ever been there for a game, but I'm guessing not many. It is a building that just smells of history. It truly is one of the best buildings I have ever been in big or small. I'm glad I had a chance to see it. If you have been there, you know what I'm talking about.
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