FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
TORONTO – The Canadian Football League announced on Wednesday day that it has fined the following players:
Hamilton Tiger-Cat linebackers Marc Beswick and Simoni Lawrence for making public comments to media that were critical of CFL game officials.
As per league policy, the amounts of the fines were not disclosed.
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BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) – Police have cleared Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch in an assault and property damage case.
The Bellevue Police Department issued a statement late Wednesday night saying Lynch wasn’t involved and that the case remained open. The police department expressed appreciation for co-operation from Lynch and the Seahawks.
Police initially released a statement Monday mentioning Lynch. The Seahawks released a statement a day later saying they believed the accusations to be “bogus” after speaking with Lynch.
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CHICAGO (AP) – Jared Allen can see it all coming together for the Chicago Bears and their defence. Now, all he needs to do is get on the field.
The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end anticipates suiting up for the first time with the Bears when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday (6:00 pm, TSN).
Chicago’s prized free agent acquisition, Allen sat out last week’s preseason opener against Philadelphia after missing practices because his wife gave birth to a girl. Assuming he plays this week, it will provide the first glimpse at a rebuilt defence that the Bears are counting on to make a playoff run functions with its new star.
“I think we’re well where we need to be, past where we need to be,” Allen said. “I think guys really understand where certain guys are going to be, how we’re going to react to certain things. From that standpoint, it just takes reps. But it’s huge. And you can see that.”
The Bears made a bunch of big moves after their defence struggled last season on the way to an 8-8 record, none bigger than signing Allen away from Minnesota. With him now anchoring the line, Chicago believes it is poised for a run at the playoffs after missing out for the sixth time in seven years.
All 11 starters are back on an offence that ranked among the NFL’s most prolific last season, the first under coach Marc Trestman. If the Bears are going to make the playoffs, they’ll need more from their defence after it ranked among the worst in the league – and in franchise history – a year ago.
The fines were they each had to buy the refs a sandwich. Comfort food always makes those bad feelings go away.
I don't blame those Ti-cat players. The Zebras have been horrible this year. I just wish that sometime they would have to explain why they saw what they thought they saw or didn't see what they should have.
Regardless of how bad he performs, they keep Proulx around. I can't say there is any movement to clean up the officiating. Perhaps with the exception in Glen Johnson and Cohon's minds.
Add in the challenges etc and the game gets stupid. Every year they get some new guys in and they want to make their names by constantly dropping flags.
There's no pity for the officials here. How they can stand there and totally ignore an obvious infraction right in front of them, then on the next play drop a flag on questionable contact forty yards away is a great mystery to me.
Old Cuss
Say what you want about Proulx, but we usually win when he's in. I just like the guy.
I guess he's responsible for his crew, but has to depend on what they are telling him.
I think the officiating will become more consistent as the season progresses.
As a long time Bears fan all I can say is GO BEARS!!!!