Monday Commentary: A Knockout
(Listen daily for the RP Commentary on the All New Hits 98 CKHD & LTD Radio)
Today, looking back on a fantastic weekend in point form.
#1 – Take a bow, CFL.
The Grey Cup game rarely disappoints and the 111th edition was no exception, although Toronto’s 41-24 win over Winnipeg was the biggest blowout since the 90’s.
Bomber quarterback Zach Collaros got injured, then came back, there were controversial but indisputable calls, and a journeyman back-up pivot named Nick Arbuckle was named game MVP, leading the Argonauts to their 19th Grey Cup.
There was even a streaker.
Nice job!
#2 – People are beefing that the Grey Cup trophy was handed first to Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment Chairman Larry Tannenbaum.
Ummmm, he’s the most powerful man in Canadian sports and is the CFL’s daddy.
He’s going to take this league where it needs to go, including expansion, in short order.
#3 – The Jonas Brothers were good as the halftime act. But a Canadian act would’ve been just as good.
I’ve worked in Canadian radio since 1988 and long been a champion of Canadian music and acts.
The Grey Cup halftime act should always be Canadian.
#4 – The attendance of 52,349 at BC Place was the most for a Grey Cup since 2018 in Edmonton, which drew 55,819.
#5 – Connor Bedard was held pointless in his hometown return Saturday night as the Chicago Blackhawks were whalloped 4-1 by the Canucks in Vancouver.
Bedard told the media he got so upset as a child when the Canucks lost that his mom had to suspend him from watching games at times.
So was he happy the Canucks won on Saturday?
And #6 – The weekend began with the much-hyped Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight Friday night which ended up being as boring as hell, went the full eight rounds, and ended in a judge’s decision (Paul won).
People asked what we expected between a YouTuber and a washed-up 58-year old champ?
I expected a knockout.
That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary.
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm & 4 pm ET on Game+TV, WQEE Radio, Podcast & YouTube Live)
Maybe the Riders could learn from Toronto how to cover Kenny Lawler. He was targeted 7 times but only managed 2 receptions, and no touchdowns! 🏈🏈
Why does the halftime show need to be Canadian? It should be the best act they can get. The Superbowl has had non American halftime shows. Btw, if the best the Grey Cup can attract is the Jonas Bros the league has some serious work to do…
Bedard will be happy when he’s out of Chicago.
The Toronto Argonauts are the oldest professional sports team in North America (Canada/USA) – and they are the most celebrated. Since 1983 which was the first Grey Cup I watched. This organization through various trials are automatic to win championships.
19 Grey Cups. 8-0 since 1983.
They can start calling it the Pinball Invitational.
……yet they averaged 13,000 attendance this year! Apparently in Toronto you’re only considered first rate if you suck and lose regularly and, in the case of the LEAFS, forever!!
The good news? 13,000 is an upward trend. I was in Toronto for the Rider game and there was just shy of 20,000! Of course a lot of green there, and it was a blast!!
Seems to me I can recall the other CFL trams chipping in to pay Doug Flutie’s wages to play for the Argos.
I agree….the halftime act should be Canadian. I don’t care if there are better or more well known acts available…..this is a Canadian game and we should be celebrating all things Canadian.