Toronto, ON – (August 05, 2009) – Anthony Calvillo, Siddeeq Shabazz, Larry Taylor and Calvin McCarty were named the Gibson’s Finest CFL Players of the Month for July the Canadian Football League announced today.
The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
Gibson’s Finest CFL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
QB – Anthony Calvillo – Montreal Alouettes
Highlights / Key Stats:
Anthony Calvillo continued his climb up the CFL record lists in July while leading the Montreal Alouettes to a league-best record of 4-1. Calvillo led the league in both yards and completion percentage for the month. He completed 75.6% of his passes for 1,519 yards and seven touchdowns compared with only two interceptions.
Calvillo’s touchdown pass to Jamel Richardson in the second quarter of the Als week four win against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats moved him past Ron Lancaster into sole possession of second place on the all-time regular season TD pass list. He also eclipsed the 60,000 career passing yards mark a week later.
For his career, Calvillo has now passed for 60,202 yards and 335 touchdowns.
Runner Up
RB – DeAndra’ Cobb – Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Gibson’s Finest CFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
LB – Siddeeq Shabazz – Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Highlights / Key Stats:
Siddeeq Shabazz had an excellent first month as a Blue Bomber. Shabazz finished the month of July leading the league in interceptions, second in fumble recoveries and seventh in tackles.
Through the first five games, Shabazz has 23 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He also returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns. His two touchdown returns came in week two against Calgary and week three against Hamilton.
- Unanimous Selection -
Gibson’s Finest CFL SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE MONTH
KR/WR – Larry Taylor – Montreal Alouettes
Highlights / Key Stats:
Montreal Alouettes’ kick return specialist Larry Taylor led the league in total punt return yards in July and was fourth in kick return yards.
Taylor finished the month with 27 punt returns for 348 yards and 17 kick returns for 306 yards. His longest return was a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown in Week 2 against the Edmonton Eskimos.
Runner Up
KR – Tristan Jackson – Edmonton Eskimos
Gibson’s Finest CFL CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE MONTH
RB – Calvin McCarty – Edmonton Eskimos
Highlights / Key Stats:
Calvin McCarty was a key contributor for the Eskimos offence scoring five touchdowns in July, helping Edmonton to a first place tie atop the West division with a 3-2 record. McCarty had 34 carries for 167 yards and three touchdowns for the month. He also had 13 catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
McCarty’s best game of the month came in week four against the Riders where he ran for 76 yards on nine carries and scored two touchdowns.
Runner Up
SB - Ben Cahoon – Montreal alouettes
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Is It Hockey Season Already???
There is hockey talk this morning. You know what, even though we are in the middle of the CFL season, and the NFL season is just starting with training camps with baseball in its stretch, I'm OK with that.
42 players will take the ice in Saskatoon tonight as Hockey Canada begins the process of forming the World Junior team that will look to complete a "Saskatchewan six-pack" at next year's event. The camp runs from tonight until Monday. Some of those in attendance include Regina Pats forward Jordan Eberle, teammate Colten Teubert, Saskatoon's Brayden Schenn(Brandon), and Matt Duchene who is the highest North American NHL draft pick at the camp seeing John Tavares is not coming and Victor Hedman is Swedish. Duchene went 3rd to the Avalanche if you remember. I'm guessing this will be a very intense camp. I know if I were in Saskatoon, I'd be checking this one out. Then again, I'd have to be in Saskatoon. (ITS A JOKE!!)
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Meanwhile, Hockey Canada has named its national under 18 team that will compete at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Regina's Jordan Weal and Moose Jaw's Quinton Howden are on that team as is Notre Dame Hound Jaden Schwartz. I have never seen Jaden play, but I am told he could be something special one day.
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If there is all this hockey going on, it must mean WHL and NHL training camps are right around the corner. Judging by the weather, one wonders why the season isn't already underway. Is it really supposed to be just 13 degrees for a high on Saturday. Good god!! Then again, I see a story that says Canada could be in for a warmer than normal winter with perhaps a green Christmas(that will happen anyways when the Riders win the Grey Cup). I will gladly trade in a cool August for a mild December. I've never been one to like the 30 degree plus heat so I haven't complained like some have(talk to my wife) about the cool summer, but if it isn't 30 below or worse for a big stretch this winter, I will be happy. You will too, be honest with yourself when you answer that question.
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I feel a little sorry for Riders receiver Chris Getzlaf today. You know that Getzlaf had a great game Saturday and had the winning touchdown in the win over Calgary, but once again he is being overshadowed. Chris has always been referred to as Ryan's brother which I can understand. Then you look at the fact that this very talented receiver has to play behind Andy Fantuz and Jason Clermont, but when he finally gets his moment in the sun by being named the league's top Canadian, his accomplishment is pushed aside because of the Scott Schultz retirement. Its too bad there wasn't a little more attention given to this by everyone, but there is only so much time and so much print that can be given and the events of yesterday certainly were bigger. I do feel sorry for Chris though because his break-out moment that would have been heavily publicized has been pushed back to the back-burner. He'll start again this week in B.C as coach Miller has already said Fantuz won't play so Chris will just have to have a repeat performance.
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Rod Pedersen has stirred it up on his blog this morning by repeating comments made by John Gormley about Carm Carteri. John is not the biggest Carm fan and he let that be known on his program Tuesday morning. Let me start by saying I think John Gormley is an outstanding individual, he is one of the most well-versed men and one of the classiest men I know and I think he is the best at what he does in this country. In fact, there's a wide gap between Gormley and who might be number two. He's certainly better than Charles Adler!!! Then again. most of you reading this are better than Adler as far as I'm concerned. However, I think John has gone a little too far on this one.
I have no problems with Carm, but I know there are many out there who agree with John. For what its worth, I think Carm does a good job on the Rider broadcasts. Is he TSN material??? No!! Does he think he's TSN material?? I'm guessing he doesn't. Carm brings you the game through his eyes and if those eyes have a green tinge to them then that's OK because of the audience he is delivering the game to. I wonder if John would ever consider saying or allowing people to come on and give their opinions on Wray Morrison and Drew Remenda. There are some out there who don't like the job Wray does on the sidelines at Rider games for TSN and there were many who didn't like Drew's performance on Hockey Night in Canada when he worked for them for one season. There are also many that don't care for his show either (Trust me on that one from the conversations and e-mails that I had and took when co-hosting with him. For the record, I have no problem with either although I think HNIC watered Drew down somewhat compared to his work in San Jose). I think if someone phoned up the show to openly criticize these two the way John did with Carm that they wouldn't be allowed to and would then be chastised openly by John. On this matter, I believe John should just move on to something else. In my opinion, its a cheap shot and John is a much better person than that in my mind.
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I can't believe this story is getting the legs it is. If you want a chuckle, read on.....
http://deadspin.com/5329581/fart+gate-officially-the-dumbest-sports-scandal-of-the-year
42 players will take the ice in Saskatoon tonight as Hockey Canada begins the process of forming the World Junior team that will look to complete a "Saskatchewan six-pack" at next year's event. The camp runs from tonight until Monday. Some of those in attendance include Regina Pats forward Jordan Eberle, teammate Colten Teubert, Saskatoon's Brayden Schenn(Brandon), and Matt Duchene who is the highest North American NHL draft pick at the camp seeing John Tavares is not coming and Victor Hedman is Swedish. Duchene went 3rd to the Avalanche if you remember. I'm guessing this will be a very intense camp. I know if I were in Saskatoon, I'd be checking this one out. Then again, I'd have to be in Saskatoon. (ITS A JOKE!!)
----
Meanwhile, Hockey Canada has named its national under 18 team that will compete at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Regina's Jordan Weal and Moose Jaw's Quinton Howden are on that team as is Notre Dame Hound Jaden Schwartz. I have never seen Jaden play, but I am told he could be something special one day.
-----
If there is all this hockey going on, it must mean WHL and NHL training camps are right around the corner. Judging by the weather, one wonders why the season isn't already underway. Is it really supposed to be just 13 degrees for a high on Saturday. Good god!! Then again, I see a story that says Canada could be in for a warmer than normal winter with perhaps a green Christmas(that will happen anyways when the Riders win the Grey Cup). I will gladly trade in a cool August for a mild December. I've never been one to like the 30 degree plus heat so I haven't complained like some have(talk to my wife) about the cool summer, but if it isn't 30 below or worse for a big stretch this winter, I will be happy. You will too, be honest with yourself when you answer that question.
-----
I feel a little sorry for Riders receiver Chris Getzlaf today. You know that Getzlaf had a great game Saturday and had the winning touchdown in the win over Calgary, but once again he is being overshadowed. Chris has always been referred to as Ryan's brother which I can understand. Then you look at the fact that this very talented receiver has to play behind Andy Fantuz and Jason Clermont, but when he finally gets his moment in the sun by being named the league's top Canadian, his accomplishment is pushed aside because of the Scott Schultz retirement. Its too bad there wasn't a little more attention given to this by everyone, but there is only so much time and so much print that can be given and the events of yesterday certainly were bigger. I do feel sorry for Chris though because his break-out moment that would have been heavily publicized has been pushed back to the back-burner. He'll start again this week in B.C as coach Miller has already said Fantuz won't play so Chris will just have to have a repeat performance.
------
Rod Pedersen has stirred it up on his blog this morning by repeating comments made by John Gormley about Carm Carteri. John is not the biggest Carm fan and he let that be known on his program Tuesday morning. Let me start by saying I think John Gormley is an outstanding individual, he is one of the most well-versed men and one of the classiest men I know and I think he is the best at what he does in this country. In fact, there's a wide gap between Gormley and who might be number two. He's certainly better than Charles Adler!!! Then again. most of you reading this are better than Adler as far as I'm concerned. However, I think John has gone a little too far on this one.
I have no problems with Carm, but I know there are many out there who agree with John. For what its worth, I think Carm does a good job on the Rider broadcasts. Is he TSN material??? No!! Does he think he's TSN material?? I'm guessing he doesn't. Carm brings you the game through his eyes and if those eyes have a green tinge to them then that's OK because of the audience he is delivering the game to. I wonder if John would ever consider saying or allowing people to come on and give their opinions on Wray Morrison and Drew Remenda. There are some out there who don't like the job Wray does on the sidelines at Rider games for TSN and there were many who didn't like Drew's performance on Hockey Night in Canada when he worked for them for one season. There are also many that don't care for his show either (Trust me on that one from the conversations and e-mails that I had and took when co-hosting with him. For the record, I have no problem with either although I think HNIC watered Drew down somewhat compared to his work in San Jose). I think if someone phoned up the show to openly criticize these two the way John did with Carm that they wouldn't be allowed to and would then be chastised openly by John. On this matter, I believe John should just move on to something else. In my opinion, its a cheap shot and John is a much better person than that in my mind.
-----
I can't believe this story is getting the legs it is. If you want a chuckle, read on.....
http://deadspin.com/5329581/fart+gate-officially-the-dumbest-sports-scandal-of-the-year
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thanks For The Memories Scott!!
It was the Wednesday before Grey Cup 2007. Wray Morrison and myself were just arriving in Toronto to begin our Grey Cup coverage on CJME. We were staying at the Skydome Hotel and as I looked at my watch upon arriving, I knew I had time to get some tape of the guys even though it would be tight as their practice would be coming to an end about the time we got to the hotel.
Wray said he would set up and start the show with Drew Remenda and that I can try and get some tape for usage the next morning and for the show that night if I could get there. Even though I wasn't accredited yet, Rider communications man Ryan Whippler said there shouldn't be a problem getting interviews so with scant minutes to spare, I got on to the Skydome turf. I spoke with a few players and then went into a room where some of the guys would speak to the national media en masse. Of course the national media wanted to hear from Scott Schultz. Why wouldn't they?? If you needed a quote, he was the guy to get it from.
The national media gets together in this room--not a large one. I have my recorder rolling and am sitting at the back of the room. Scott walks in, he surveys the room and then says "Thanks everyone for showing up. Mitch its nice to see you in the back of the room and I'm glad you dressed up for the occasion." Yes, I was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans and was quite under-dressed compared to some of the others in the room. I thanked him then and I laugh about it now.
I also remember walking into the Rider dressing room after the game. One of the first people I saw was Schultzie as he puffed away on a cigar. You could see the relief on the faces of many, but it was so evident on Scott. The years of the blood, sweat and tears he had given to the game was finally giving back by giving him that championship feeling. He relished in every moment of it as well he should. Its one of the lasting images I have of that special Sunday night.
Make no doubt about it, number 96 will be missed by everyone connected with the Riders. Some are questioning his reasons for leaving, but I'm not. He was thinking about life after football, and he has the opportunity to do something that will carry him through for a number of years. Unfortunately, it means he has to give up football, but he leaves on his terms and does not leave because of injury or health. He must be applauded for that.
He is one of the more popular players in Riders history, and being a local like Bill Baker, Roger Aldag or Bob Poley, he will always be around and he will always be embraced as one of the good guys.
Wray said he would set up and start the show with Drew Remenda and that I can try and get some tape for usage the next morning and for the show that night if I could get there. Even though I wasn't accredited yet, Rider communications man Ryan Whippler said there shouldn't be a problem getting interviews so with scant minutes to spare, I got on to the Skydome turf. I spoke with a few players and then went into a room where some of the guys would speak to the national media en masse. Of course the national media wanted to hear from Scott Schultz. Why wouldn't they?? If you needed a quote, he was the guy to get it from.
The national media gets together in this room--not a large one. I have my recorder rolling and am sitting at the back of the room. Scott walks in, he surveys the room and then says "Thanks everyone for showing up. Mitch its nice to see you in the back of the room and I'm glad you dressed up for the occasion." Yes, I was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans and was quite under-dressed compared to some of the others in the room. I thanked him then and I laugh about it now.
I also remember walking into the Rider dressing room after the game. One of the first people I saw was Schultzie as he puffed away on a cigar. You could see the relief on the faces of many, but it was so evident on Scott. The years of the blood, sweat and tears he had given to the game was finally giving back by giving him that championship feeling. He relished in every moment of it as well he should. Its one of the lasting images I have of that special Sunday night.
Make no doubt about it, number 96 will be missed by everyone connected with the Riders. Some are questioning his reasons for leaving, but I'm not. He was thinking about life after football, and he has the opportunity to do something that will carry him through for a number of years. Unfortunately, it means he has to give up football, but he leaves on his terms and does not leave because of injury or health. He must be applauded for that.
He is one of the more popular players in Riders history, and being a local like Bill Baker, Roger Aldag or Bob Poley, he will always be around and he will always be embraced as one of the good guys.
One last thing. As I sat beside the table where Schultz and Jim Hopson sat, I couldn't help but wonder if I am seeing the present and the future of this organization. Hopson has done a tremendous job as president and CEO of the football club. As I have said on many occasions, Hopson is the reason why this team's fortunes have changed. Success starts at the top and filters its way down. I wonder if some day after Jim's days are done if Schultz could assume the position. I don't think the organization's committment to excellence would change any. I think Jim was thinking what I was to as he made a statement about two big bald guys up there and that one needs to grow a white goatee. It would not surprise me one bit if some day Schultz has a high position within the organization if not the top one. The same goes for guys like Makowsky and O'Day.
Best of luck to you Schultzie!!!
Best of luck to you Schultzie!!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Scott Schultz Calling It A Career
I'm sure you have all heard the story by now. If not, here it is courtesy The Canadian Press
A CFL source requesting anonymity told The Canadian Press on Monday that Riders veteran defensive tackle Scott Schultz will announce his retirement Tuesday.
An official with the Saskatchewan football club declined comment when contacted Monday night.
The six-foot-two, 292-pound Schultz is in his ninth CFL season, all with Saskatchewan. Schultz, a native of Moose Jaw, Sask., has 178 career tackles and 35 sacks during his tenure with the Riders.
In five regular-season games this season, Schultz has three tackles for the Riders (3-2), who are tied with Edmonton (3-2) atop the West Division standings.
Schultz has been a durable player for the Riders, having missed just one game the past three years.
The Roughriders originally drafted Schultz, 31, first overall in the 2001 CFL Canadian college draft out of North Dakota. Schultz was a four-year starter at nose guard for the Fighting Sioux and served as team captain in 2000.
At North Dakota, Schultz had 11.5 sacks and 146 tackles in 39 regular-season games. He was twice named a first-team conference all-star (1999-2000) and made the all-academic team in 2000.
Schultz signed as an undrafted free agent with San Diego in 2001, then joined the Riders to appear in eight games, starting four at defensive tackle. But he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002, only to return to Saskatchewan and suit up in the 11th week of the CFL season.
Schultz has become a mainstay of the Riders' defence since then, anchoring a unit that has traditionally been among the CFL's best. A rugged force on the defensive line, Schultz's physical play and tenacity forced rival offences to often have men block him, leaving other Saskatchewan defensive lineman in one-on-one situations.
A career highlight came in 2007 when Schultz helped the Roughriders beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19 in the Grey Cup at Rogers Centre in Toronto. It was only the third CFL title in franchise history and the club's first since 1989.
Schultz had a tackle and fumble recovery in the Grey Cup contest.
Schultz recorded a career-high 32 tackles in 2003 and two years later had a career-best nine sacks.
Schultz did not practice with the team on Monday. After practice, coach Ken Miller said Scott was attending to some personal matters. It is expected Schultz will speak later today.
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Has the CFL season already hit the one month mark?? It just seemed like yesterday we were itching for the 2009 campaign to get underway, and we are already almost to the one third mark. What have we learned over the first month of the season? All teams have certainly given us something to talk about.
B.C LIONS
Everyone knew that one of these seasons would be one in which the Lions took a tumble, and it appears to be finally happening. The losses of players like Cam Wake and Rob Murphy have taken its toll on the team. While many good players like Brent Johnson and Geroy Simon remain, the Lions are struggling and Wally Buono is having a hard time finding the answers for the questions he has.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
After an 0-2 start to the season, the defending Grey Cup champs rebounded to even their record at 2-2. Saturday’s tough last second loss to the Riders had to be a slap in the face to the confident and cocky Calgarians. They don’t seem to be as cohesive in year two of the John Hufnagel regime as they were in year one. Could the release of linebacker Ja Juan Armour be one of the reasons for the 2-3 start.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Something happened to this team during the 2nd quarter of their win at Mosaic Stadium. A team that looked to be terrible found a way in game to turn the page and they have looked great over the past game and a half. Talk of Ricky Ray being washed up have stopped, Arkee Whitlock has rebounded after a miserable game in Montreal to combine with Calvin McCarty to give Edmonton the run game it needed after Jesse Lumsden went down, and a defence led by Mo Lloyd looks like it needed a couple of more games to get used to the system.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
The Ti-Cats were arguably the story of July in the CFL. This team that has struggled to find wins over the past few years have shown signs that they are once again ready to become a contending team. Quinton Porter continues to learn on the job, but he has made more good decisions than bad. Running back Deandra Cobb has been a godsend for a team that lost Kenton Keith, Terry Caulley and Tre Smith to injury. Veterans Otis Floyd and Jamaal Johnson have helped a young defence mature. Marcel Bellefeuille deserves a lot of praise for what is happening in Hamilton at this time.
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
They may have beaten in Edmonton, but the Alouettes are still the best football team in the CFL at 4-1. Anthony Calvillo continues to drink from the fountain of youth as the defending most outstanding player is still playing at a high level. The offensive line is making life easy for Calvillo as he is hardly touched and the defence is creating havoc with guys like Anwar Stewart, Shea Emry and Chip Cox making big plays.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
It was a roller-coaster first month for the team as they won their first two, then lost their next two before rebounding to beat Calgary in what was likely the best game of July. Darian Durant is having his ups and downs as quarterback and so is the defence. One would have to say when analyzing the first month that there have been more ups than downs.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Bart Andrus is not having the first year success that guys like John Hufnagel and Marc Trestman have had. Kerry Joseph is struggling, but he has not had the help of his receivers who have let him down. Locker-room clashes with guys like Arland Bruce and Adriano Belli have also made the first month of Andrus’ CFL coaching career rough. The light seems to be at the end of the tunnel, but that tunnel is a long one.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Did Mike Kelly push the panic button? His decision to go with Stefan Lefors as quarterback to start the season blew up in his face. He’s gone out and signed Michael Bishop. In his first game, Bishop showed he is a guy that can look all-world in one series and terrible the next. The Bombers have a good defence led by Barrin Simpson. If they can get their offensive woes sorted out, they could make life difficult for the opposition.
Perhaps the best thing about the first month is we are seeing a lot of parody. There haven’t been many one-sided games and a lot have gone down to the final three minutes before being decided. TV audiences are up, attendance is up and the excitement level is up as we head into August. What will we be saying about the teams as Labour Day hits? That’s a question no one can answer at this time, but it will be fun watching to see who rises and who falls.
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The CFL players of the week for week 5 should come out later today. I don't think the long weekend affects whether or not there is a delay in announcing the top players. My top 3 for offensive player this week are
1)Deandra Cobb-Hamilton
2)Ricky Ray-Edmonton
3)Weston Dressler-Saskatchewan
For top defensive player, I will go with
1)Jamaal Jackson-Hamilton
2)Rey Williams-Saskatchewan
3) Siddeeq Shabazz-Winnipeg
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NFL training camps have started and that means fantasy football drafts have started. Its not a fantasy football league, but it is something that has occupied my Sunday nights for the past decade and then some. If you know what Strat-O-Matic is, you might know what APBA is. Its a tabletop football game in which each player in the NFL who played is assigned a card with a value on it. You play the game calling plays and rolling dice, and see what happens. 15 other good-natured mouthbreathers and myself have been doing this as mentioned for the last number of years and yesterday being the holiday Monday was our traditional draft day. The teams carry over from year to year with 53 man rosters and so on. Draft night is a great night as everyone gets together to yak it up, make some trades and build their teams. In the end, Matt Ryan ended up being the number one pick to no one's surprise. For those who care, I have a team consisting of Aaron Rodgers, Maurice Jones-Drew, Leron McClain, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald and Antonio Gates. A powerful team indeed, but one needs some dice rolls to be successful. Here's hopin!!! This is one of the reasons why I immerse myself so much into the NFL.
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Dany Heatley on the Sharks??? Yeah that will get them over the top. If I was San Jose, I'd be running away from this very quickly.
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Did Tiger let one rip at the end of the Buick Open. Have a listen to this around the 13 second mark and then watch him....
EMBED-Tiger Woods Farts - Watch more free videos
Methinks he is guilty folks!!!
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I haven't watched Monday Night RAW yet, but I am planning to as its on the PVR. MNR is in Calgary next week so I wonder who the celebrity host will be. With it being in Calgary next week, I hope its Bret "Hitman" Hart. I know his relationship with Vince MacMahon still isn't that great, but seeing him come down the ramp next Monday and getting saluted by the city that still loves him would be great. The WWE is in Regina on Saturday. I'm sure I speak for all my friends that are coming with me when I say its hoped Michelle McCool is in attendance seeing its the Smackdown stars that will be here. Oh if only Stacy Keibler were still in the WWE. I used to have a connection that would get us tickets in row one---right in the area where you can start jawing at these guys. I'm still close to ringside Saturday, but it won't be the same. OK, I guess I should go watch RAW now. I get the feeling its going to be a busy Tuesday.
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A CFL source requesting anonymity told The Canadian Press on Monday that Riders veteran defensive tackle Scott Schultz will announce his retirement Tuesday.
An official with the Saskatchewan football club declined comment when contacted Monday night.
The six-foot-two, 292-pound Schultz is in his ninth CFL season, all with Saskatchewan. Schultz, a native of Moose Jaw, Sask., has 178 career tackles and 35 sacks during his tenure with the Riders.
In five regular-season games this season, Schultz has three tackles for the Riders (3-2), who are tied with Edmonton (3-2) atop the West Division standings.
Schultz has been a durable player for the Riders, having missed just one game the past three years.
The Roughriders originally drafted Schultz, 31, first overall in the 2001 CFL Canadian college draft out of North Dakota. Schultz was a four-year starter at nose guard for the Fighting Sioux and served as team captain in 2000.
At North Dakota, Schultz had 11.5 sacks and 146 tackles in 39 regular-season games. He was twice named a first-team conference all-star (1999-2000) and made the all-academic team in 2000.
Schultz signed as an undrafted free agent with San Diego in 2001, then joined the Riders to appear in eight games, starting four at defensive tackle. But he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002, only to return to Saskatchewan and suit up in the 11th week of the CFL season.
Schultz has become a mainstay of the Riders' defence since then, anchoring a unit that has traditionally been among the CFL's best. A rugged force on the defensive line, Schultz's physical play and tenacity forced rival offences to often have men block him, leaving other Saskatchewan defensive lineman in one-on-one situations.
A career highlight came in 2007 when Schultz helped the Roughriders beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19 in the Grey Cup at Rogers Centre in Toronto. It was only the third CFL title in franchise history and the club's first since 1989.
Schultz had a tackle and fumble recovery in the Grey Cup contest.
Schultz recorded a career-high 32 tackles in 2003 and two years later had a career-best nine sacks.
Schultz did not practice with the team on Monday. After practice, coach Ken Miller said Scott was attending to some personal matters. It is expected Schultz will speak later today.
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Has the CFL season already hit the one month mark?? It just seemed like yesterday we were itching for the 2009 campaign to get underway, and we are already almost to the one third mark. What have we learned over the first month of the season? All teams have certainly given us something to talk about.
B.C LIONS
Everyone knew that one of these seasons would be one in which the Lions took a tumble, and it appears to be finally happening. The losses of players like Cam Wake and Rob Murphy have taken its toll on the team. While many good players like Brent Johnson and Geroy Simon remain, the Lions are struggling and Wally Buono is having a hard time finding the answers for the questions he has.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
After an 0-2 start to the season, the defending Grey Cup champs rebounded to even their record at 2-2. Saturday’s tough last second loss to the Riders had to be a slap in the face to the confident and cocky Calgarians. They don’t seem to be as cohesive in year two of the John Hufnagel regime as they were in year one. Could the release of linebacker Ja Juan Armour be one of the reasons for the 2-3 start.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Something happened to this team during the 2nd quarter of their win at Mosaic Stadium. A team that looked to be terrible found a way in game to turn the page and they have looked great over the past game and a half. Talk of Ricky Ray being washed up have stopped, Arkee Whitlock has rebounded after a miserable game in Montreal to combine with Calvin McCarty to give Edmonton the run game it needed after Jesse Lumsden went down, and a defence led by Mo Lloyd looks like it needed a couple of more games to get used to the system.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
The Ti-Cats were arguably the story of July in the CFL. This team that has struggled to find wins over the past few years have shown signs that they are once again ready to become a contending team. Quinton Porter continues to learn on the job, but he has made more good decisions than bad. Running back Deandra Cobb has been a godsend for a team that lost Kenton Keith, Terry Caulley and Tre Smith to injury. Veterans Otis Floyd and Jamaal Johnson have helped a young defence mature. Marcel Bellefeuille deserves a lot of praise for what is happening in Hamilton at this time.
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
They may have beaten in Edmonton, but the Alouettes are still the best football team in the CFL at 4-1. Anthony Calvillo continues to drink from the fountain of youth as the defending most outstanding player is still playing at a high level. The offensive line is making life easy for Calvillo as he is hardly touched and the defence is creating havoc with guys like Anwar Stewart, Shea Emry and Chip Cox making big plays.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
It was a roller-coaster first month for the team as they won their first two, then lost their next two before rebounding to beat Calgary in what was likely the best game of July. Darian Durant is having his ups and downs as quarterback and so is the defence. One would have to say when analyzing the first month that there have been more ups than downs.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Bart Andrus is not having the first year success that guys like John Hufnagel and Marc Trestman have had. Kerry Joseph is struggling, but he has not had the help of his receivers who have let him down. Locker-room clashes with guys like Arland Bruce and Adriano Belli have also made the first month of Andrus’ CFL coaching career rough. The light seems to be at the end of the tunnel, but that tunnel is a long one.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Did Mike Kelly push the panic button? His decision to go with Stefan Lefors as quarterback to start the season blew up in his face. He’s gone out and signed Michael Bishop. In his first game, Bishop showed he is a guy that can look all-world in one series and terrible the next. The Bombers have a good defence led by Barrin Simpson. If they can get their offensive woes sorted out, they could make life difficult for the opposition.
Perhaps the best thing about the first month is we are seeing a lot of parody. There haven’t been many one-sided games and a lot have gone down to the final three minutes before being decided. TV audiences are up, attendance is up and the excitement level is up as we head into August. What will we be saying about the teams as Labour Day hits? That’s a question no one can answer at this time, but it will be fun watching to see who rises and who falls.
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The CFL players of the week for week 5 should come out later today. I don't think the long weekend affects whether or not there is a delay in announcing the top players. My top 3 for offensive player this week are
1)Deandra Cobb-Hamilton
2)Ricky Ray-Edmonton
3)Weston Dressler-Saskatchewan
For top defensive player, I will go with
1)Jamaal Jackson-Hamilton
2)Rey Williams-Saskatchewan
3) Siddeeq Shabazz-Winnipeg
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NFL training camps have started and that means fantasy football drafts have started. Its not a fantasy football league, but it is something that has occupied my Sunday nights for the past decade and then some. If you know what Strat-O-Matic is, you might know what APBA is. Its a tabletop football game in which each player in the NFL who played is assigned a card with a value on it. You play the game calling plays and rolling dice, and see what happens. 15 other good-natured mouthbreathers and myself have been doing this as mentioned for the last number of years and yesterday being the holiday Monday was our traditional draft day. The teams carry over from year to year with 53 man rosters and so on. Draft night is a great night as everyone gets together to yak it up, make some trades and build their teams. In the end, Matt Ryan ended up being the number one pick to no one's surprise. For those who care, I have a team consisting of Aaron Rodgers, Maurice Jones-Drew, Leron McClain, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald and Antonio Gates. A powerful team indeed, but one needs some dice rolls to be successful. Here's hopin!!! This is one of the reasons why I immerse myself so much into the NFL.
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Dany Heatley on the Sharks??? Yeah that will get them over the top. If I was San Jose, I'd be running away from this very quickly.
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Did Tiger let one rip at the end of the Buick Open. Have a listen to this around the 13 second mark and then watch him....
EMBED-Tiger Woods Farts - Watch more free videos
Methinks he is guilty folks!!!
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I haven't watched Monday Night RAW yet, but I am planning to as its on the PVR. MNR is in Calgary next week so I wonder who the celebrity host will be. With it being in Calgary next week, I hope its Bret "Hitman" Hart. I know his relationship with Vince MacMahon still isn't that great, but seeing him come down the ramp next Monday and getting saluted by the city that still loves him would be great. The WWE is in Regina on Saturday. I'm sure I speak for all my friends that are coming with me when I say its hoped Michelle McCool is in attendance seeing its the Smackdown stars that will be here. Oh if only Stacy Keibler were still in the WWE. I used to have a connection that would get us tickets in row one---right in the area where you can start jawing at these guys. I'm still close to ringside Saturday, but it won't be the same. OK, I guess I should go watch RAW now. I get the feeling its going to be a busy Tuesday.
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So Much for Fedor-Lesnar
That's a battle that would have been epic. It doesn't look like its going to happen for a while now though...
From Sherdog.com
Fedor Emelianenko has signed a multi-fight agreement that will see the world’s No. 1-ranked heavyweight compete for Strikeforce, the promotion announced Monday. Emelianenko, who became a free agent after Affliction Entertainment canceled its Aug. 1 event two weeks ago, will make his debut on Showtime under a co-promoted Strikeforce/M-1 Global production this fall. Emelianenko was to have faced Josh Barnett at Affliction “Trilogy” on Aug. 1, but Barnett failed a pre-fight test for anabolic steroids and was refused licensure by the California State Athletic Commission.
Emelianenko, along with his promoters and management team M-1 Global, negotiated with the UFC last week, but could not come to an agreement over co-promotion."Strikeforce is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world," said Emelianenko in a press release. "I am prepared to fight any of them."Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told Sherdog.com last week that he plans to match the stoic Russian against the likes of Brett Rogers, Fabricio Werdum and the promotion’s heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem.
I wonder who Dana White will decide to throw into the octagon against Lesnar now?? Whoever it is might as well have the nickname "Sacrificial Lamb".
From Sherdog.com
Fedor Emelianenko has signed a multi-fight agreement that will see the world’s No. 1-ranked heavyweight compete for Strikeforce, the promotion announced Monday. Emelianenko, who became a free agent after Affliction Entertainment canceled its Aug. 1 event two weeks ago, will make his debut on Showtime under a co-promoted Strikeforce/M-1 Global production this fall. Emelianenko was to have faced Josh Barnett at Affliction “Trilogy” on Aug. 1, but Barnett failed a pre-fight test for anabolic steroids and was refused licensure by the California State Athletic Commission.
Emelianenko, along with his promoters and management team M-1 Global, negotiated with the UFC last week, but could not come to an agreement over co-promotion."Strikeforce is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world," said Emelianenko in a press release. "I am prepared to fight any of them."Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told Sherdog.com last week that he plans to match the stoic Russian against the likes of Brett Rogers, Fabricio Werdum and the promotion’s heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem.
I wonder who Dana White will decide to throw into the octagon against Lesnar now?? Whoever it is might as well have the nickname "Sacrificial Lamb".
Sunday, August 2, 2009
I Suck!!
Was I the only person in Regina who did not go to see MC Hammer on Sunday night as Buffalo Days(it will always be that to me) wrapped up. It would sure seem that way, although some of my Facebook friends said they too missed the show. I would have liked to have seen Hammer and done some people watching, but the wife had no desire to go back to the exhibition after two trips this week and I didn't want to go by myself. Going to the fair by yourself is a little creepy. One of my friends said I could have left her at home which I could have, but I'm leaving her at home next week. Why is that?? Simple--the WWE is in town. She wouldn't want anything to do with me at that event anyhow. Speaking of which, when is High Impact Wrestling returning. Rumour says the new home could be the Victoria Club.
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I went 0-4 this week on my CFL picks. OUCH!!! Oh well, that means I took Calgary and they didn't win. Shucks damn!! Its a short week for the Riders as they are in BC Friday meaning they will be back on the practice field tomorrow. I won't be there, but I'm guessing there will be smiles all around and why shouldn't there be. As I've said, Saturday's game may have been a season-saver. Now you head to Vancouver knowing a win over the Lions and you would have to self-destruct big time to have them catch you. You would have two wins over them head-to-head and you would be three wins ahead of them in the standings. That would likely mean no crossover and that the road to MacMahon would go through the West.
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Just some random thoughts after Week 5
--Yeah the Bombers won with Michael Bishop at quarterback. Sorry, there's still a lot of work to do in Winnipeg.
--Will Kerry Joseph ever be able to recapture his form of 2007. The more I see KJ struggle, the more I admire Kent Austin for the job he did with him. He's now doing that with Jevan Snead at Ole Miss and there is talk Snead could be a late first round selection in the 2010 NFL draft.
--Why doesn't Weston Dressler get more recognition across the league??
--Why doesn't Weston Dressler have a nickname yet??
--Henry Burris is a bad dancer, and yes I think that he was using the intro of the Purple Cobras in Dodgeball when he went in the endzone.
--No one is talking about Ricky Ray being washed up anymore are they??
--The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are one game behind first place Montreal in the CFL East. That's good for the entire CFL.
--I wonder what Wally Buono is thinking these days??? BTW: Is it just me or does the guy in the Boston Pizza Win a Trip ads remind you of Wally.
--The Argos should strike a deal to play their home games at BMO Field---home of Toronto FC.
--With BC struggling having lost the likes of Wake, Clermont, Logan, Williams, Murphy and Bates, it only magnifies how good of a coach Ken Miller is when he had to go into 2008 without Joseph, Perry, Hunt and then dealing with all the injuries he had and getting 12 wins out of the team. They should do the coach of the year voting again.
--Someone at TSN or in the CFL offices should let Glen Suitor know its OK to point out holding calls on offensive linemen in the league.
--Seeing Sandro De Angelis miss a field goal that could have given his team a win that turned into a loss puts a big smile on my face.
--Seeing the way Rey Williams has played, have Rider fans forgotten about Mo Lloyd. I have!
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I went 0-4 this week on my CFL picks. OUCH!!! Oh well, that means I took Calgary and they didn't win. Shucks damn!! Its a short week for the Riders as they are in BC Friday meaning they will be back on the practice field tomorrow. I won't be there, but I'm guessing there will be smiles all around and why shouldn't there be. As I've said, Saturday's game may have been a season-saver. Now you head to Vancouver knowing a win over the Lions and you would have to self-destruct big time to have them catch you. You would have two wins over them head-to-head and you would be three wins ahead of them in the standings. That would likely mean no crossover and that the road to MacMahon would go through the West.
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Just some random thoughts after Week 5
--Yeah the Bombers won with Michael Bishop at quarterback. Sorry, there's still a lot of work to do in Winnipeg.
--Will Kerry Joseph ever be able to recapture his form of 2007. The more I see KJ struggle, the more I admire Kent Austin for the job he did with him. He's now doing that with Jevan Snead at Ole Miss and there is talk Snead could be a late first round selection in the 2010 NFL draft.
--Why doesn't Weston Dressler get more recognition across the league??
--Why doesn't Weston Dressler have a nickname yet??
--Henry Burris is a bad dancer, and yes I think that he was using the intro of the Purple Cobras in Dodgeball when he went in the endzone.
--No one is talking about Ricky Ray being washed up anymore are they??
--The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are one game behind first place Montreal in the CFL East. That's good for the entire CFL.
--I wonder what Wally Buono is thinking these days??? BTW: Is it just me or does the guy in the Boston Pizza Win a Trip ads remind you of Wally.
--The Argos should strike a deal to play their home games at BMO Field---home of Toronto FC.
--With BC struggling having lost the likes of Wake, Clermont, Logan, Williams, Murphy and Bates, it only magnifies how good of a coach Ken Miller is when he had to go into 2008 without Joseph, Perry, Hunt and then dealing with all the injuries he had and getting 12 wins out of the team. They should do the coach of the year voting again.
--Someone at TSN or in the CFL offices should let Glen Suitor know its OK to point out holding calls on offensive linemen in the league.
--Seeing Sandro De Angelis miss a field goal that could have given his team a win that turned into a loss puts a big smile on my face.
--Seeing the way Rey Williams has played, have Rider fans forgotten about Mo Lloyd. I have!
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Saturday, August 1, 2009
WOW!!!
How about that game Rider Nation!!! Be honest now, how many of you thought it was game over when Luca Congi bounced that 26 yard field goal off the uprights. I'm raising my hand!
I said last week that Edmonton's win after being down 22-0 may have perhaps saved their season, and I'm thinking the same thing can apply to the Riders. Here was a team that had been beaten soundly and appeared to perhaps be on the cusp of losing their 3rd straight when Darian Durant hit Chris Getzlaf for a 65 yard TD pass. That was followed by two much needed stops by the defence and all of a sudden this team is riding high. Edmonton followed up their big win with a win over Montreal so we will see how the Riders react to this one next weekend in Vancouver. If you missed that play, here it is. Thanks for getting it to me Glen!!
The play of the quarterbacks was great. Head coach Ken Miller created a lot of debate with his decision to sit Darian down for Steven Jyles and that debate only intensified when Jyles led the team down the field on a nice drive to end the first half only to be replaced by Durant. I thought Durant played what might have been his best game of the year, and when a big play was needed, he orchestrated it by threading the needle with a perfect pass to Getzlaf.
Gene Makowsky's presence on the o-line was huge. He helped open holes for Wes Cates, who was the Wes Cates that Miller say we know and love, and he helped give some added protection to the quarterbacks.
The defence still has some problems stopping the run, but when the chips were on the table, they came up big. I thought Donovan Alexander had a rough night, but he made the big play at the end.
How lame was Hank's TD dance? What exactly was that? Is he auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance Canada Part 2? That was LAME!!
Who does Dwight Anderson think he is? I just shake my head at this guy.
Bottom line is the Riders are tied for first with the Eskimos at 3-2 and a lot of people ---even the most ardent of Rider fans--didn't think that would be the case. I'll have to go back and check, but I think I was 0-4 this week on my picks. Oh well!!!
I thought the cheapest shot of the night came courtesy of TSN's Chris Schultz before the game. Was I wrong or did I hear the big man say that Miller is too nice and that if they lose this game, they should perhaps look at replacing Miller. C'mon Chris!!! That's the first extremely ridiculous thing I think I have ever heard you say. I think Miller and the team should be highly insulted by that statement. If I took it in the wrong context, than I apologize, but suggesting Miller be replaced is just insane.
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Memo to self: Don't watch again this year when Toronto plays Winnipeg. It was bad enough last week in Winnipeg when these two teams played and it was no better one week later in Toronto. You gotta feel bad for the Argos though. Justin Medlock nails a 47 yard field goal in the final minute only to have it called back because of a time count penalty. That time count penalty is worth 10 yards in the final 2 minutes so it meant Medlock had to try it from 57 and he hit the upright. That's gotta leave a mark! Michael Bishop was less than impressive and Kerry Joseph had it rough throwing 4 INT's, but two of them were the fault of his receivers.
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NFL training camps are underway and I found it interesting that Ben Roethlisberger apologized to his Steelers teammates before getting camp going. Roethlisberger apologizing because of the sexual assault claim that has been laid against him. Those that know me know I do not like the Steelers, but there was no reason for Roethlisberger to apologize and his teammates told him that. From everything we are hearing, Big Ben is the victim here. It seems this woman has fabricated this story right from the get go for whatever reason and it is Roethlisberger that has to go through this. Big Ben isn't the first man to be wrongly accused of a sexual crime and he won't be the last. It would seem to me as if his accuser didn't get what she wanted, so now she is going to try and make an issue out of it. I've seen this story before and so have you.
While its obvious something happened in Kobe Bryant's Colorado hotel room, it wasn't what we were originally told and it sounds here like nothing happened in Roethlisberger's Lake Tahoe hotel room, but someone is trying to make it sound like there was. This story and Roethlisberger's accuser just needs to go away or something needs to come out that shows some kind of guilt on the hands of the Pittsburgh quarterback. I'm not seeing that. I'm not even seeing womens groups defend his accuser. That should tell you something.
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Today's the last day of the Exhibition. Get out your Hammer Pants. Tonight is the night MC Hammer takes the stage. I just can't do it. Many will, but I can't see myself dragging my butt back to the Ex to see Hammer. Sorry MC!
I said last week that Edmonton's win after being down 22-0 may have perhaps saved their season, and I'm thinking the same thing can apply to the Riders. Here was a team that had been beaten soundly and appeared to perhaps be on the cusp of losing their 3rd straight when Darian Durant hit Chris Getzlaf for a 65 yard TD pass. That was followed by two much needed stops by the defence and all of a sudden this team is riding high. Edmonton followed up their big win with a win over Montreal so we will see how the Riders react to this one next weekend in Vancouver. If you missed that play, here it is. Thanks for getting it to me Glen!!
The play of the quarterbacks was great. Head coach Ken Miller created a lot of debate with his decision to sit Darian down for Steven Jyles and that debate only intensified when Jyles led the team down the field on a nice drive to end the first half only to be replaced by Durant. I thought Durant played what might have been his best game of the year, and when a big play was needed, he orchestrated it by threading the needle with a perfect pass to Getzlaf.
Gene Makowsky's presence on the o-line was huge. He helped open holes for Wes Cates, who was the Wes Cates that Miller say we know and love, and he helped give some added protection to the quarterbacks.
The defence still has some problems stopping the run, but when the chips were on the table, they came up big. I thought Donovan Alexander had a rough night, but he made the big play at the end.
How lame was Hank's TD dance? What exactly was that? Is he auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance Canada Part 2? That was LAME!!
Who does Dwight Anderson think he is? I just shake my head at this guy.
Bottom line is the Riders are tied for first with the Eskimos at 3-2 and a lot of people ---even the most ardent of Rider fans--didn't think that would be the case. I'll have to go back and check, but I think I was 0-4 this week on my picks. Oh well!!!
I thought the cheapest shot of the night came courtesy of TSN's Chris Schultz before the game. Was I wrong or did I hear the big man say that Miller is too nice and that if they lose this game, they should perhaps look at replacing Miller. C'mon Chris!!! That's the first extremely ridiculous thing I think I have ever heard you say. I think Miller and the team should be highly insulted by that statement. If I took it in the wrong context, than I apologize, but suggesting Miller be replaced is just insane.
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Memo to self: Don't watch again this year when Toronto plays Winnipeg. It was bad enough last week in Winnipeg when these two teams played and it was no better one week later in Toronto. You gotta feel bad for the Argos though. Justin Medlock nails a 47 yard field goal in the final minute only to have it called back because of a time count penalty. That time count penalty is worth 10 yards in the final 2 minutes so it meant Medlock had to try it from 57 and he hit the upright. That's gotta leave a mark! Michael Bishop was less than impressive and Kerry Joseph had it rough throwing 4 INT's, but two of them were the fault of his receivers.
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NFL training camps are underway and I found it interesting that Ben Roethlisberger apologized to his Steelers teammates before getting camp going. Roethlisberger apologizing because of the sexual assault claim that has been laid against him. Those that know me know I do not like the Steelers, but there was no reason for Roethlisberger to apologize and his teammates told him that. From everything we are hearing, Big Ben is the victim here. It seems this woman has fabricated this story right from the get go for whatever reason and it is Roethlisberger that has to go through this. Big Ben isn't the first man to be wrongly accused of a sexual crime and he won't be the last. It would seem to me as if his accuser didn't get what she wanted, so now she is going to try and make an issue out of it. I've seen this story before and so have you.
While its obvious something happened in Kobe Bryant's Colorado hotel room, it wasn't what we were originally told and it sounds here like nothing happened in Roethlisberger's Lake Tahoe hotel room, but someone is trying to make it sound like there was. This story and Roethlisberger's accuser just needs to go away or something needs to come out that shows some kind of guilt on the hands of the Pittsburgh quarterback. I'm not seeing that. I'm not even seeing womens groups defend his accuser. That should tell you something.
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Today's the last day of the Exhibition. Get out your Hammer Pants. Tonight is the night MC Hammer takes the stage. I just can't do it. Many will, but I can't see myself dragging my butt back to the Ex to see Hammer. Sorry MC!
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