10 THINGS I THINK I THINK
1 – It was Super Bowl weekend but the buzz in the province was about Rider star Duron Carter getting arrested for marijuana possession in Saskatoon. I’m no lawyer but the charge doesn’t seem right since pot’s going to be legal in four months. On the other hand, the law is the law and I’m a HUGE supporter of Law Enforcement. Either way, it’s a disappointing deal all around.
However my affection for Duron is well-known. He and his Dad have bent over backwards for me and therefore, I’m in their corner until the end.
2 – But don’t think for a second that Duron won’t be a Saskatchewan Roughrider in 2018. I only bring that up because several have asked.
3 – The addition of DE Charleston Hughes makes the Riders defensive front a force to be reckoned with, but I’m not yet ready to say it’s the tops in the CFL. Some wonder about Hughes’ pricetag, and how the Riders can fit these stars under the salary cap? I say it’s February, and the roster will look a lot different by training camp.
4 – Do you think when John Hufnagel dealt Hughes to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday, that he thought the 34-year old would end up in Saskatchewan by day’s end? Friday was an insane day in the Canadian Football League, and fans are still raving about the buffet of CFL news even when it’s -34 with the windchill.
5 – The inaugural Sober Bowl Canada was a raging success at Tony Romas’s and I’d like to thank all who played a part, including sponsor Saputo. The Sober Bowl at the Minneapolis Super Bowl was gigantic and featured live entertainment and an awards ceremony. It’s got me thinking I’d like to bring this event to Grey Cup, beginning with Edmonton in 2018.
Meanwhile it’s sad and disturbing to see how substances (drugs & alcohol) are killing the soul of good, smart and talented people. It’s so easy to see from the other side.
6 – Super Bowl 52 was “off-the-hook”, as they say. Nick Foles pulled off the unthinkable and gave the great city of Philadelphia its first-ever Super Bowl title with a 41-33 win over the Patriots! All the Brady-haters got what they wanted but New England isn’t going away any time soon. Bill Belichick told the media he wants to coach the Pats as long as owner Robert Kraft will have him. But they’ll be seething today because it might’ve been their worst game of the year.
7 – The best Super Bowl commercial? I was busy hosting a party so I didn’t see them all but the one that caught my eye was Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. ballroom dancing! Ironically, the add was for the NFL. Kudos to the CRTC for lightening up and allowing Canadians to see the American TV ad.
8 – Rider great and Winnipeg Defensive Coordinator Richie Hall has written a book entitled Smoke and Mirrors and it’s being launched this week. Watch for details on book signings near you! Plus we’ll be giving away copies on the SportsCage and Richie will be coming on the air with us as well.
9 – Commissioner Randy Ambrosie is coming through town this Saturday as part of his cross-Canada tour of townhall meetings in CFL markets. The Roughriders made 300 spots in AGT Lounge available to Rewards Program members (season ticket holders) by reservations, and they were snapped up in hours. I’m grateful to be the moderator of the event and if you’re weren’t lucky enough to get in, we’ll have tons o’ coverage of this great event.
10 – We’ve got miles to go on this Regina Pats season but after calling Saturday’s 5-4 OT win over PA on Access, here’s my analysis: If this all blows up, it won’t be on John Paddock. He’s assembled a team capable of making some noise in the playoffs and, indeed, winning the Memorial Cup in the short tournament. But they can’t seem to keep their eye on the ball for 60 minutes! That’s all John needs to figure out between now and late-March, or mid-May. He’s done it before.
Y’er welcome,
RP
