Something To "Mitch" About

There is still a lot of buzz about the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Johnny Manziel. Did they work him out? Is Justin Dunk's story wrong? Did White House press secretary Sean Spicer give the news to Dunk? OK, that's my thought as to how that might have happened.  It doesn't matter what sources Dunk had for the story, the bottom line is it has tongues wagging not only here, but across the nation and really across the football universe.

ESPN was talking about it. NFL Radio was talking about it and even TMZ was talking about it. By the way, credit the above pic to U of R Rams quarterback Noah Picton. Well done!

Do I think Manziel worked out for the Riders? The answer is no! I put up a poll on Twitter asking if you thought the Riders had done it and over 60 percent of you said no as well.  Yes, Chris Jones has not played by the book, and he has been punished for it, but Jones isn't that stupid.  He would know Manziel's rights are owned by another club and that working him out would be a huge violation and one that would rightfully see the CFL come down on the organization in harsh fashion. If it is discovered that it actually did happen, then some serious questions have to be answered.

If there is one positive, it has people talking CFL before free agency because there hasn't been a lot of CFL talk for whatever reason as the league has seemed content to let the other sports have the spotlight while hibernating.  That will obviously pick up on Tuesday though as free agency begins.

As for CFL Week, we will get some information on that later today as the CFL is holding a news conference in Regina to give some details on the event which goes next month.

LET THE FREE AGENT FRENZY BEGIN -  Valentine's Day takes on a little more significance for CFL fans as they hope their team can get some "sweet treats" delivered to them Tuesday.  Will the Riders be a big player in free agency?  I would think they would try to get some o-line and perhaps a running back. You would have to think that in saving money after the Durant trade, there might be some money to throw at guys like Derek Dennis and Nolan McMillan.  Could some money be used to upgrade the secondary? I don't know how big of a splash the Riders will make in free agency, but I would think they will be active.

RUNNING BACK TO SASKATOON -  Rider assistant GM Jeremy O'Day let it slip while appearing on Saskatchewan's #1 sports show that training camp will go in Saskatoon. O'Day made the revelation on the Sportscage while discussing the schedule. Nothing against Saskatoon and the facilities at the U of S, but I thought with the first year at the new stadium that training camp would be in Regina. I do have to wonder though when Regina will once again be the training camp home for the green and white. I would have to think this is the last year in S'too, but I'm not making that call.

WELCOME BACK -  The Regina sports scene suffered a blow a couple of months ago when Leader-Post reporter Ian Hamilton "retired" as did several others.  Ian has re-surfaced though as the senior writer for Riderville.com. That's a solid pickup in free agency by the green-and-white. A solid pickup indeed.  Welcome back Hammy!

IS THE SHIP STILL FLOATING?  -  CFL free agency is upon us, and the Toronto Argonauts don't have a general manager or a head coach! Who is going to do their bidding for them? Moving to BMO Field was supposed to save the Argos, but ever since that move happened, the situation has gotten worse. How much longer can this last?  Maybe TSN's Chris Cuthbert was right when he said the Argos should trade for Manziel's rights and then try to lure him north of the border.  There may be more wrongs than rights to that scenario, but there would certainly be more eyes on the team. By the way, whatever happened to Michael Sam?

CMON HENRIK!!  - If you haven't seen what Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist did to Minnesota's Jared Spurgeon on Sunday, go check it out.  After you have seen it, listen to Henrik Zetterberg when he tells a reporter "I don't think he meant to spear him in the face." Really?  Henrik, what was he trying to do then?  By the way, what type of suspension will Nyquist get.  I am thinking a minimum of five, but these days who knows!

ON TO THE PLAYOFFS -  There was no doubt going into the weekend that Dave Taylor's U of R women's basketball team was playoff-bound. They got ready for the playoffs with a couple of dirty beatings to Thompson Rivers.  The men's team had to sweep Thompson Rivers just to get in. After winning Friday, it looked like the Wolfpack would earn a split as Regina just couldn't get their game together missing some easy baskets. However, Steve Burrows' squad showed some character as thanks to some big efforts by 5th year Travis Sylvestre playing his last game at home, Brian Ofori, Johneil Johnson and Alex Igual, the Cougars came back to get the win they needed.  They will be in tough next weekend in Winnipeg as they play Manitoba. They can pull off an upset, but it won't be easy. The women will wait to see who they get as they have a first round bye with their playoff series at home starting Thursday, February 23. I hope on that night that A) the gym is full  and B) Dean Kleisinger--father of Cougar super soph Michaela and all around good man does not wear the same sport jacket he wore Saturday as he took some good-natured and dare I say well-deserved grief. You knew that jab was comin Dean! :) The only thing worse was the warm-up garb for Thompson Rivers!

BACK TO WORK -  Pitchers and catchers report this week. Another baseball season is here! I have no problems with that whatsoever!

That's all I got.  Have a good week everyone!

Can The Oilers Hold On To A Playoff Spot?

Twenty-seven games.

That is all that stands between the Edmonton Oilers and their first playoff berth in 11 years.

If they can navigate these last eight weeks without any major stumbles, they’re in.

“It’s exciting. It’s the first time the Oilers have played meaningful hockey in February in a long time,” said captain Connor McDavid, as the Oilers returned to practice Friday after their last extended break of the season. “It’s something that we can be excited about and the fans can be excited about. We’re eager to get it going.”

With 27 games left and the Oilers sitting three teams and seven points clear of the playoff cutline, it’s not an absolute lock that they’re going to make it – ask the Atlanta Falcons if stranger things have ever happened – but their fate is most definitely in their own hands.

And that’s a good feeling.

“We’ve put ourselves in a good spot,” said McDavid. “We just have to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

Their push to the finish line – or starting line, to be more exact – begins Saturday when they host the Chicago Blackhawks. Right out of the box, it’s a big, tough game.

“The cushion that we created closed a little bit in the four games from All-Star break to this break, with us only getting two points,” said head coach Todd McLellan, who is a long way from comfortable even though it’s been over a decade since the Oilers were in this solid a position this late in the season.

“There’s no such word as comfort. We’re well aware of what’s going on around us and how much hockey is left.”

Twenty-seven games is a lot of hockey – and during the Death March days it always seemed like the season would never end – but it goes by fast when you’ve got something to play for.

“It’s tight, and it’s going to be tight for the rest of the season,” defenceman Oscar Klefbom said of the playoff push. “Every game is going to be so important. We have some big games coming up, so we have to be ready from the start here.”

The Oilers had their troubles coming out of their previous break, losing three straight to Minnesota, Nashville and Carolina after the All-Star weekend before beating Montreal in a shootout to end the drought. They scored just three goals in the four games and were shut out twice (2-0 against Nashville and 0-0 at the end of overtime in Montreal).

So there is concern that it might take time to get back up to speed this time, too.

“We failed once miserably coming out of a break, so we’ve adjusted some things practice-wise,” said McLellan. “And we expect the players to adjust a few things individually Saturday so we have a better opportunity at success.”

Because of CBA fine print, the Oilers couldn’t practice until 5 p.m. Friday, which didn’t help with the preparation. McLellan couldn’t run the team hard or he’d risk seizing up their legs.

“They’re going to be rusty, we expect that, so they’ll have to adjust their games a little bit,” he said. “Hopefully, we can put together a better effort than we did against Minnesota and be happy with the results.”

Because he didn’t have much practice time, McLellan decided to leave his lines the same as they were heading into the break, even though the chemistry wasn’t really working anywhere.

“We haven’t scored at the pace we wanted to, but I also look t the way we defended and we haven’t given up much, going all the way back to the Anaheim road trip,” he said. “Coming out of a break like this we’re going to stay with some familiarity and give these guys an opportunity to try and find a little more offence.”

After Chicago, the Oilers don’t play again until Tuesday, so it’s a stretch of one game in eight days, followed by a stretch of six games in 11 days.

Welcome to the NHL!

“We’re trying to figure out a five day break after a four day break,” sighed McLellan. “It’s just a confusing time for a lot of teams right now. It is what it is.”

(Edmonton Journal)

CFL News

The BC Lions Football Club today announced that it has parted ways with international defensive back Ryan Phillips.

“After a number of conversations with Ryan this off-season regarding his role in our defence, we have mutually decided at this time that the best path for both parties is to grant him free agent status,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono.

“I have tremendous respect for Ryan and everything he has contributed to our organization during the past 12 years. Decisions like this are never easy and are made after careful consideration. Our organization is extremely grateful for his service to the club both on and off the field and we wish him the very best.”

Phillips departs the Lions after 12 seasons, 212 regular season appearances and two Grey Cup championships (2006, 2011).

 (BC Lions)

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REDBLACKS receiver Greg Ellingson has signed a contract extension that will keep him in the Nation’s Capital for the next two seasons, the club announced Friday.

The signing ensures that another key piece of the REDBLACKS Grey Cup-winning offence will be back in the fold as they look to defend their title in a year in which Ottawa will play host to the championship game.

“Greg is an integral part of our offence and we’re very pleased to have a player of his caliber, experience and character in the REDBLACKS organization for another two years,” said REDBLACKS GM Marcel Desjardins. “Trevor and Greg have a good relationship and this continuity will only benefit our offence.”

After signing with Ottawa following the REDBLACKS’ inaugural 2014 season, Ellingson quickly endeared himself to RNation as one of four receivers on the roster to hit at least 1,000 yards in 2015. His fan base only grew when Ellingson hauled down the now-legendary 93-yard game-winning touchdown pass in the 2015 East Final to send the REDBLACKS to their first Grey Cup.

This past year, Ellingson finished with 1,260 yards and four touchdowns, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the second-straight year that ended in a Grey Cup Championship – the first of Ellingson’s career in his fourth straight trip to the Grey Cup.

Ottawa’s latest signing comes with CFL Free Agency set to open February 14.

(Ottawa REDBLACKS Football Club)

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It  appears the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have locked up one of their most dangerous pass catchers, signing Terrence Toliver to a contract extension just days before the February 14th deadline.  Toliver tweeted out a photo of himself inking the deal late Friday night stating that it was a two-year deal.

The club has yet to issue any confirmation.

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This And That

Welcome to Friday! Here are the usual weekly thoughts running through my muddled mind, and as always they come in no particular order.


--The schedule's out, the schedule's out!! Rider fans are now planning their summer as the schedule came out Tuesday afternoon,  The Riders first game will be against Darian Durant, but it will be in Montreal. Durant won't be here until late October.  ???  Yes, as some as mentioned it could mean the former Rider quarterback who has had problems playing a full season may not make it to that date. The game could be a meaningless affair for one or both teams when he shows up,  By the time that game comes, the Durant buzz will be gone.  Maybe the Riders wanted it that way.  I am guessing not many will categorize that season opener as Duron Carter's return to Montreal!

--The home opener comes in Week 2. I can't think of a better place to spend Canada's 150th birthday than at the new Mosaic Stadium watching the home opener. Will there be fireworks after the game? Will there be cake before the game? Will some of the events you normally find at Wascana Park move to Evraz Place for some pre-game festivities?  How about a pre-game concert of some kind in Conferedation Park?  While it's OK having the Bombers come in for that first game, I have to ask why it couldn't be Calgary.  I am guessing the CFL didn't want the Stamps to start the year with two straight road games seeing they will be in Ottawa Week 1 in what has come a Grey Cup rematch.  That just leads me to ask why you would have Ottawa and Calgary play at McMahon in Week 2. That will be it for those two teams in the regular season after two weeks.  ???

--What happened to teams getting a bye week in the first half of the season and the second half?  The Rider bye weeks are Week 4 and 9.  Ottawa gets their byes in Week 18 and 20. Who approved that in REDBLACKville?

--Who might be the happiest in Rider Nation with the sked? Those that bought or are going to buy Country Thunder tickets. There is no conflict this year as the Riders have their first bye.  Yes, you can party at Craven and not worry about missing a Rider game at home or on the road.

--The Riders can't be THAT desperate for a QB that they worked out Johnny Manziel can they? It would appear as if the report stating they worked him out is false, but even if it is true, why? I can't imagine the circus Riderville would be if Manziel came north of the border.  Lee Jones would likely be doing daily hits for ESPN and O'Hanlons would be waiting for a Johnny Football sighting. No thanks! Let's move on!

--How will we remember the Shawmaud Chambers era in Riderville? Will we even remember there was one in two to three years?

--Are the Oilers going to ditch their blue jerseys for the orange ones?  Teams won't be wearing third jerseys next year and the word in the Alberta capital is they are going to stick with the orange ones to wear at home. A poll was done in Edmonton with the results being almost 50-50. I say the blue ones have to stay.  That being said, the Oilers are really pushing orange-coloured merchandise. SIGHHHHH


--Did you steal Tom Brady's jersey? Has anyone checked Roger Goodell's bag?  Didn't Vladimir Putin steal a Super Bowl ring? Maybe he has it!

--Face it guys, you have to admire the young man who asked Genie Bouchard if she would go out with him if the Patriots came back and you have to admire the Canadian tennis star for saying yes after it happened. Make the most of your opportunity son!  Don't cheap out!

--How did we go through life without putting bacon on a Big Mac?

--Christie Brinkley is 63!  Remember that when you see her Sports Illustrated swimsuit photos from this year.  The woman hasn't aged one bit.  #amazing

--Who in their right mind thinks its a good idea for baseball to put a runner on 2nd to start things off if the game goes into extra innings? There are plenty of ways to shorten up a game, but this isn't one of them.  How about stopping the endless trips to the mound? How about having a pitcher face one batter before replacing him? How about getting rid of the intentional walk with teams just saying what they plan to do instead of the time it takes to lob four balls wide of the plate. If baseball follows through with this move, it will be laughable.

--With the Pats not home tonight or tomorrow, go check out some Cougar basketball as they play Thompson Rivers with everything starting at 6 both nights. 

Shawmaud Chambers Returns To Edmonton

The Edmonton Eskimos have signed free agent national receiver Shamawd Chambers.

Chambers returns to Edmonton where he was originally selected in the first round (6th overall) of the 2012 CFL Draft.

In four seasons with Edmonton, the six-foot-three native of Markham, Ontario amassed 112 receptions for 1,234 yards and seven touchdowns in 50 games. In 2012, he was the Eskimos nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie.

Chambers spent last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders where he recorded 25 receptions for 269 yards and one touchdown.

DUNK: Riders Workout Manziel

This isn't a joke!

3 Down Nation's Justin Dunk is reporting the Saskatchewan Roughriders have worked out quarterback Johnny Manziel even though they don't own his CFL rights.

Dunk's story can be found right here

TSN's Gary Lawless states the Riders are completely refuting the report and are that HC and GM Chris Jones is considering legal action against the website.

The Riders released a statement from Jones on Thursday afternoon stating

“The Saskatchewan Roughriders have not held or attended a workout involving Johnny Manziel,

With that, I will not be commenting further on the report.” 

Xavier Fulton Re-Signs With Ti-Cats

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Wednesday that the football club has re-signed international offensive lineman Xavier Fulton to a two-year contract.

Fulton, 30, split the 2016 season between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Tiger-Cats, starting 14 regular season games (10 with Saskatchewan, four with Hamilton) and the Eastern Semi-Final at left tackle. He was acquired by the Tiger-Cats on October 10, 2016 along with defensive end Justin Capicciotti from the Roughriders in exchange for defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh, wide receiver Tommy Streeter, and fourth and seventh round selections in the 2017 CFL Draft.

Fulton has started in 79 games over five CFL seasons (2012-16) with Saskatchewan and Hamilton. The 6-4, 300-pound offensive tackle also spent time with the National Football League’s Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts in 2010, and the United Football League’s Virginia Destroyers in 2011. Fulton was originally selected in the fifth round, 155th overall, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Flossmoor, Illinois, played four seasons (2005-08) at the University of Illinois. Fulton recorded 13 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one pass defended and 0.5 sacks at defensive end in 2005 before switching to offensive tackle.

(Hamilton Tiger-Cats)