Friday Commentary: Must Win

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A coupla three or more thoughts entering the weekend …

#1 – We are in the throes of the CFL season and to be frank, more and more of my attention is going there. Fine by me; I love the league.

Commissioner Stewart Johnston was on the RP Show Thursday and I got the distinct impression that he’s a bit rattled by the criticism that’s rained down this week following the rule and field changes he announced on Monday.

I asked him if Tampa Bay’s Dave Randorf and I can be the official CFL Ambassadors to Florida and Stew said YES, and that he can use all the support he can get right now. Hell hath no fury like a CFL fan scorned.

#2 – I chatted with famed NFL & CFL coach Marc Trestman by phone on Thursday, hoping to get him on our TV show in the near future. However the former Bears & Alouettes head coach said he wasn’t prepared to discuss the CFL rule changes at the moment and that’s about all I can about his feelings on the matter.

Safe to say, he’s not a fan.

#3 – It was a little shocking to learn of the passing of Edmonton Elks owner Larry Thompson on Thursday. The team and league released statements on his death, just a year or so after he purchased the iconic CFL franchise.

I never met him but he really seemed like my kind of guy; blue collar, down-to-earth, and passionate about his city and team.

That poor franchise has been through too much the past decade.

And #4 – Rider games at Edmonton are always special, especially in the Fall. And it’s a must-winner for the Elks on Saturday, as their playoff hopes are flickering. The game notes tell us Edmonton QB Cody Fajardo is 0-1 against the Riders all-time and this one doesn’t look favorable as the Riders roll in at 10-3.

But … that’s why they play the games.

That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary.

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