The Grey Cup Logo Gets My 👎

Long before Randy Ambrosie started his cross country popularity tour the logo for the 108th Grey Cup in Regina was unveiled.  It's green.  Is it anything special and unique?  Definitely not.  In fact, it is literally interchangeable with the 107th Grey Cup logo and possibly even the 106th as well.  

This is a side by side comparison of last year & this year. 

Randy Ambrosie was in Regina on "Randy's Roadtrip" which I think is his attempt to connect with fans in every CFL city.  While in Regina, which apparently had 200 in attendance, he talked about the state of the league and promoted his global dream CFL 2.0.  He also helped to promote the Grey Cup festivities for 2020.  The Grey Cup will be held all in one area so it's completely accessible to fans and for the first time ever will be free to attend.  An understated part of the announcement is that it will also include the League of Legends tournament.  If you talk to someone who partakes in this - it is HUGE.  

So let me take a step back here for a second.  My Grey Cup tickets (which I've chosen not to purchase) were $400 each.  That means for myself and my husband to attend the game it would cost $800 and that's with the $25 discount the Roughriders gave season ticket holders.  Let me contain my excitement.  So the Grey Cup festival better be free in my opinion.  Who can afford all this?

Stack a hotel room, gas or flight dollars and food expenses on top of that too!

The province stands to make a gopher hole full of tourism money.

The fangirl in me says "but Sandra it's all worth it if the Riders win at home again." It could be yes.  Celebration in Ridernation was amazing on so many levels.

That logo.

I tend to keep my eyes on the merchandise the Roughriders and CFL produce.  Several seasons ago I posted a blog which went semi-viral about the sizing of merchandise and the quality of it all.  I know that since that time great strides have been made and the merchandise has really improved with new sponsors coming on board.  However, does this new Grey Cup design make you want to rush out to the nearest Rider Store and buy it all?  It doesn't for me.  I mean it's green and I'm sure it will sell regardless but I'm afraid to say - it's boring.  If it's only fractionally different than the last 2 designs why do I need it?

Oh and how much does that green Grey Cup merch cost?  The most inexpensive tee shirt is $30.  Want a zip up ladies sweater?  That's $104.  Would you pay that much for a sweater in any other store?  Likely not.

We know that Roughrider merchandise sells.  Slap that logo on a loaf of bread and we will flock to the store for it.

Let's also remember that the Riders recently closed stores in Saskatoon.  To get this merchandise you'll have to go to the new store at Midtown Plaza or order online if you don't live in Regina.  Why are they closing stores?  That doesn't seem like a good thing for the team with the greatest spread of fans does it.

I seem like I'm whining here and yes well I am.  I just remember all too well how the city of Saskatoon spent tax payer money to come up with “rRemai” and I hope the same isn’t true for the CFL logo.  I love that my team and province get to hold this event once again.  I'd love it even more if the Roughriders can repeat their 2013 at home win.  We all have to wait and see if that comes to fruition.  I know one team would love to spoil our fun.  Meanwhile, the pressure is on.

News of the World

Is it just me or has March felt like it was 60 days long?  No matter as we will soon be in the glow of the upcoming season and all will be right in our world once again.  In the meantime, let's have a look at what the top 8 CFL stories were (in random order) over the last month.

1.  The Randy Ambrosie Tour.   The Commissioner of the CFL visited each franchise city to connect with management, fans, season ticket holders and who ever else wanted to gain insight.  He talked (hyped) a lot about CFL 2.0 and what that means for the leagues future successes.

2.  The CFL & Players Association met for talks over 3 days and pretty much nothing was accomplished.  At least, there's been no news and not even any rumours floating around.  The current CBA expires May 18th so there's still plenty of time to get things worked out.  Us fans are antsy and would like things settled sooner than later.

3.  Ratio Ga Ga.  There was a massive discussion surrounding the ratio rules of the CFL's Canadians but also about the proposed amount of Global players.    What we did see was an outpouring of CFL players posting their thoughts all over social media and often getting in arguments with each other or fans which was pretty embarrassing.

4.  The Combine was held.  I was otherwise distracted...Life, but thankfully I had some great people (John Strutt) who kept me in the know or at least updated about what was happening.  I understand that the Combine is like a coming out party for possible players because it gives perspective teams a chance to view their skills.  What I've always failed to see is how that might make someone a great player in the end, but that's just me, there must be something to it because it's done.  It's important to note that this was the first time Global players were invited to attend and because of that there was gained exposure from both their leagues and Canadian media.

5.  Mosaic Stadium was going to be home to an NFL preseason game...on second glance, nope it's not...or maybe yes?  Between this and Olive Garden my Twitter feed was full of the ying yang of polar opposites.  Some (John Gormley) wanted to say it was the Riders who put the kibosh on the event but when they later put out a statement about how the turnaround from an NFL field to CFL field less than 24 hours later, well I believe them and let's all be honest here...would you have really gone to see the Raiders and Greenbay's 3rd stringers anyway?  I know I likely wouldn't have especially when I'd have to travel again the next day for the Rider game.  The NFL was at first reported as unwilling to change the date and was looking elsewhere, like Winnipeg and Edmonton.  Fine with me.  Bob Irving also posted his thought that CFL franchises should be pulled for supporting an NFL game...Come on Bob!  We are versitile people and can enjoy many forms of football in the world!  For the record, I also welcome Olive Garden.  The more choice the better.  

6.  The Alouettes are for sale.  Firstly, the report was denied but then the truth came out as it always does.  It's seemed to me for some time that their owners had lost interest in what was happening with their team and so I'd think new ownership would inject a much needed infusion at a time when they desperately are in need of it.  What is curious is that the CFL wants to be the middle man here and take it off the Wettenhall's hands before selling it to...?  Call me crazy if you'd like, but isn't this akin to Trudeau buying the pipeline?

7.  Remember when we all felt the CFL was threatened by the AAF?  Well Wednesday there were several stories about how the league is out of money.  There was a multitude of potential here and I think had they secured a TV deal that allowed us all to watch instead of having to subscribe to yet another channel or streaming option most of us forgot about following it all together.  Without exposure, there's little desire for anyone to attend the games and there have been some dismal crowd shots of the games that even make the Argonauts chuckle.  Let's not forget that Johnny Manziel recently signed there too and many of us thought this was his last kick at the can but when it comes down to it there may not be a can left to kick.

8.  There are some proposed rule changes surrounding the health of our players and the rolls of the referees and who and when penalties can be called.  I'm all for progress.  When you think of the end of the Riders season and the "I couldn't see" fiasco it was apparent something needed to be done besides adding more eyes on the field.  It'll be interesting if all of this does indeed come to fruition.

There you have it!  Those are the 8 CFL Stories of March.  What does April have in store for us?  We will have to wait and see.  In the meantime, don't forget to check out ABC Football's Facebook page and if you'd like to have a fun discussion with some other passionate (and slightly crazy) Rider fans, search and join ABC Rider Fans.  When the 2019 season begins, we all want to know all the latest news and I don't know a of better way to get involved.

Go Riders!

Ratio Ga Ga

HEADLINE - Something something blah blah, Sources.

We know that no CFL reporter is going to divulge their source but isn't it easy to fall back and support your argument just stating "my source".  I wrote a whole blog (Sources Say) post about it some time ago.  I don't expect Justin Dunk to reveal who he's talking to and it remains that he's often correct in what he tells us.  Still I think when anyone cites a source we should take everything with a grain of salt.

At least that's what my source says.

So "Sources" aside, it was reported that the Canadian Football League and it's Players Association who are in bargaining have discussed lowering the ratio of Canadian football players from 7 to 5.  It didn't take very long for players to respond to this idea and many of us got the popcorn ready as we watched them spout off on social media.  Even Brian Ramsey, executive director, refuted that this proposal had never been agreed to however he never stated that the idea was false.  You can read that 3 Down Nation article here --> CFLPA Responds

What do you think?

Two things are certain.  CFL 2.0 is moving ahead.  Ambrosie has discussed having 2 "global" players added to the roster from the countries with which he's stricken deals.  Whether those 2 spots are the same 2 being removed from the Canadian ratio isn't clear.  What fans and players are most disappointed with is that in instigating this plan we are removing the very essence of what makes it the Canadian Football League to begin with.  We are at odds between expanding the horizon of the CFL and protecting everything it stands for.  Then again, fans are never very open to change...are we?

Let's be clear here, the ratio only affects Canadians who are actually on the field.  It doesn't mean any less players will be on a teams roster.  Those 2 global spots also don't dictate whether they will be starters or not, only that 2 players on the roster should be from another country neither national or international.  What this does mean, I think at this point, is that only elite Canadian players will end up making the squad.  That means someone like Robb Bagg who was never drafted may never play professional football.  I can also see the other side of wanting to ensure that the best of the best do make teams.  The CFL is the only football league to demand that a certain amount of players hold a certain passport.  Does it seem to make a difference to the NFL or these other leagues that are springing up?  No.  There is already a large disconnect between USports and grooming players for pro football.  Or is there?  We are also seeing more Canadians heading south to the college ranks or NFL.  Where does this leave us?  This is because it seems they need that American exposure to be able to compete at the next level.  Not every team can draft from Laval.  

Perhaps we need to examine football in university and other levels.  I'll be the first person to admit I know next to nothing about football at this level.  Wouldn't it be great to be able to watch these teams and games on tv or streamed to our laptops or devices?  We'd be able to see what all the talk is about and learn why players are drafted first over all.  A tv deal would not only boost this level of Canadian football but it might lead more people to view CFL as well.  College football in the United States is almost on another level of fandom and there is a loyalty found not evident anywhere else.  That feeling is one reason lot's of players like the Roughrider team and game atmosphere...it reminds them of their college days.  

There could be a CFL expansion in the future.  Is there enough Canadian talent period?  Why is it players can go south and be successful while others spend up to 3 years getting acquainted with the CFL and still don't seem to play with the passion and motivation they should?  * cough St John cough *  Or do these players not realize the precious opportunity they're getting and fail to live up to expectations?  Perhaps if there were less opportunities Canadians would work harder?  Can it also work the other way around.  Someone who never expected to be a pro football player but gets the chance and doesn't waste it.  Someone like Chris Getzlaf who living not so far from Regina felt destined to be a Rider.

It seems like a catch 22.

Every one has an opinion on the ratio and as most subjects go amongst not only football fans but everyone in 2019 having an opinion is divisive.  I watched as Duron Carter and Ricky Foley had at it on Twitter Monday.  Travis Lulay posted the most level headed opinion I've seen.  It doesn't matter what your passport says as long as you are part of the locker room.  The players need to be united if they're going to get anything done and the CFL is counting on pushing through their agenda while they're busy scrapping over something that may have little meaning in July.  When was the last time you felt united?  I know it's been a long time for me.  I think we've forgotten how to be part of something bigger than ourselves in this journey of individuality.

Is this all just really cah cah.  Sometimes things are put out in the media to distract us from what is really going on.  While everyone is over here complaining about this ratio thing perhaps they'll be over there putting some other plan into motion.  It's a political move.  You don't like our negotiations well this is what we're proposing.  If that's the case, it sure has gotten everyone worked up in what was a rather slow moment in the CFL off season.  This story isn't over yet either.

If you enjoyed the title of this weeks blog post don't hesitate to read last weeks offering titled Any Way the Wind Blows which will give you a little inside look at other aspects of my life.  Good friend Tony Brice commented that it was one of my best posts yet.  Thanks for that Tony!  He follows me on Twitter @smilingsandra but you can find me elsewhere and mostly at the ABC Rider Fan Facebook page.  Search us up - Come talk to us about this Ratio Ga Ga.  

Report Card ~ The Commish ~

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has instituted CFL 2.0 in an attempt to promote the CFL around the world.  During different discussions on ABC Rider Fans and other social media pages it would seem that fans have a less than average rating of how Ambrosie is handling the affairs of this league we love so much.  With that in mind I revisited The Commish, a blog I published in May of 2017 and asked fans to tell me their thoughts on whether I had it right or the CFL got it right.

✅First and foremost the new Commish needs to be someone who knows and understands the league in all it's glory and issues.  They either need to be Canadian or someone who has played/coached/worked for the league.  They need to be fair in all judgements by treating all the teams equally and at the same time reserving judgement of issues covered by law up to the law makers.  None of this 'grey' rules for you while black and white rules for others.  They need to be in the public promoting the brand and attending games regularly so that fans see that he/she has our best interests at heart...which of course they must have always.

Randy Ambrosie, the 14th commissioner of the CFL, played offensive guard for Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton.  He hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba and played for the Manitoba Bison.  After retiring from the CFL mostly due to injury he became secretary for the CFLPA and gained a degree in commerce.  He was head of sales for HSBC Securities and worked for AGF Management Ltd. as head of sales and marketing.  He was promoted to AGF Funds and was reportedly praised for his ability to shake things up.  He became CEO of Accretive 360 Inc. and then went on to the investment firm MacDougall, MacDougall and  MacTier as president and CEO.  It would seem that Ambrosie not only has the knowledge of the Canadian Football League but also a better than firm grasp of business know how as well.  

✅This is the Canadian Football League.  Let's make it truly Canadian...really show What We're Made of...by having football teams located coast to coast.  The fan base is already in the Maritimes, willing and waiting.

Last season the story broke that the league was looking at expanding to a 10th team to be located in the Maritimes.  Hallelujah!  A contest was held to name the proposed team and in my opinion there was no other name that could possibly ever be used than the Atlantic Schooners.  For years I've followed a fan who's Twitter account had a Schooners emblem and was a huge CFL fan.  Even at Grey Cup fans showed up to all the parties.  The name won the contest and was registered with the CFL.  Soon after, and without a stadium to play in, season tickets were being sold and merchandise was marketed.  While I think this is a huge win there are big hurdles to overcome as the question of a home and place to play games looms.  When the 2019 CFL season schedule was released on December 20th it was also announced that two teams would be participating in a Touchdown Atlantic game.  It seems like it's all really happening.  If you want to stay up to date on the latest Schooners news then visit their website Atlantic Schooners.

✖Player safety is incredibly important and with new research coming out constantly on concussions then this has to be something the new commissioner supports.

If I had a buzzer I'd be pressing it right now.  It would have appeared early in Ambrosie's tenure that he might be the guy to set things straight.  One of the first things he did was change the coaches challenge rules not only mid season but mid week.  As time has gone on though other issues have become apparent.  Player safety should be Randy's first concern.  Without healthy players to play in the CFL we don't have a CFL.  Quarterbacks seem to take the brunt of this lack of attention while their assaulters barely get a slap on the wrist.  Only after Zach Collaros was removed from a game and there was a blatant hit to Brandon Bridge was a band aid applied.  Was it to change a rule or discipline the offending player?  No.  Instead another official was added to the field.  I'm not only complaining because this directly affected my Saskatchewan Roughriders but when we live in a time where talent is getting harder to find and lure to Canada we don't want to be losing our starting players to head injuries.  This problem is two-fold.  The referee's in the CFL need to be better educated and I don't believe for a second that they aren't intelligent because to evaluate on your feet and within seconds that something is or isn't a penalty is a job I'd not want.  Fans become irate when told "I didn't see it because I wasn't looking" or "someone was standing in front of me."  No.  CFL fans deserve better and Randy Ambrosie, the fans and players demand better.

✔...they should be developing a video game and online streaming for fans as well.

My statement may have been a big short sighted.  I realize these two things are likely out of the control of the CFL commissioner.  Every once and a while someone brings up the idea of a video game.  The CFL did come out with a video game app for tablets and smart phones called CFL Football Frenzy.  No I am not the best person to play a game like this because I can't even succeed at Crossy Roads!  However for a time it seemed like fans were having fun with it and at Christmas there was a release of a holiday version.  Next up on the agenda is online streaming.  As it stands, if you currently have a cable provider subscription you can stream games on the TSN site.  They've also brought out a subscription service for people who have cut the cable cords.  What I believe fans are really looking for though is for a game to be streamed on Facebook or Twitter or even by the CFL themselves.  Many people depend on streaming services like Netflix for entertainment and why not?  It's less expensive than a cable provider.  This is the way of the future and I believe if it's made easier to watch then fans and prospective fans will tune in.

✖The fans of this league have high expectations...please don't let us down.

When I asked CFL fans for input on how Randy Ambrosie is doing as commissioner they didn't hold back.

John Strutt's (ABC Rider Fans Moderator) assessment of the Commissioner

Jeff Scoggin (loyal football fan) lists his many concerns

Kerry Etter from recent podcast fame uses a Jones coined quote

Kerry (@kerette45) has it exactly correct.  Randy Ambrosie has made strides in some areas of the league that needed direction and help while in other areas the things implemented appear rushed into action with little detail being provided to media and fans.  Will CFL 2.0 actually work out?  Many fans are skeptical.  How will the coaching cap effect coaching development and luring new coaches to the CFL?  Can Ambrosie work with the CFLPA and strike a deal in the CBA negotiations?  These are all questions among others that require answers in the coming months.  So far...the jury is out.

5 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2018

Stores are frantically filling their empty shelves with Valentine's and Easter goodies but this Roughrider blogger is still feeling nostalgic.  I'll be packing up my Christmas decorations this weekend but for now I'm still looking back at 2018 and some of the topics which readers of ABC Football read and reacted to the most.  I've been reading over the last month about what makes sports blogs better and the thing I've seen most is 'don't put stock into the amount of views' and while keeping tabs on numbers isn't the number one thing I do in my spare time (what's that?) I won't discount that without readers there's no way I'd still be consistently putting out blogs since my first post in 2012.  I've learned a lot since then and I think the following topics in this weeks installment of the Football Friday 5 show that.  If you haven't had the pleasure of following all these stories I encourage you to step back with me and don't hesitate to explore the links listed here or in my blog archive.

5.  HOW SWEET IT IS was a post written right after the Labour Day Classic on September 4th 2018.  The Riders had just beat the Bombers and all of Rider Nation was riding high at 6 and 4 at that point in the season.  Chris Jones had made his first appearance in the Rider green Diversity is Strength tee shirt a few games earlier and we all decided he should never take it off.  It's funny how much conversation the mans wardrobe has always garnered.  

Meme from ABC Rider Fans Spirit Week

4.  T G D C was an acronym standing for Thank Goodness for Duron Carter and the title of a blog post from May 2nd, 2018.  Not much was going on at the time and there was a lull in the CFL news when Duron Carter started tweeting about how Bring 'em Out had gotten old and it needed to be shaken up.  His tweets broke up the doldrums.  Other topics of my blog consisted of Training Camp, parking for game goers, Don Narcisse moving home, CFL clothing, Brodie Lawson and the Broncos bus crash.  Who knew that by Labour Day Carter would find himself released from the Riders and who knew that Rob Bagg who had been released with other vets at the end of Training Camp would be welcomed back into the Riders locker room with open arms.  This change seemed to have a huge impact on how the Roughriders finished their season.  While Duron seems to be a terrific guy off the field we do see him without a team in 2019.  Will he end up in the AAFL too?  I guess we have to wait and see. 

3.  WINNIPEGISH.  Winnipegish is a word I first heard used on CKRM's Sportscage to describe Blue Bomber fans and their reactions to pretty much anything.  I thought it was appropriate to use as the title of this May 14th 2018 blog about Darian Durant and how he had signed with the football club and then scampered off with his $70K signing bonus.  Fans laughed at Rider Nation as players like Maurice Price signed, got the bonus and then promptly retired.  Apparently, it's not so much fun when the cleat is on the other foot but it sure was entertaining from this side of the border.  I was a huge fan of Darian Durant and I did support him.  I also worked through many of my feelings on him and the entire subject of his trade to the Alouettes in other blog posts.  Rider fans are not known for accepting change very well either.  Durant had Rider Radio pregame segments and did return to Mosaic Stadium to watch a home game...will CFL fans see him end up on the coaching side of football or after his contract with the Bombers expires will he end up elsewhere?  

Shared from the Saskatoon Hilltops Twitter while Durant was game ambassador.

2.  Number two and number one on this list work hand in hand.  My second most popular post of 2018 was a follow up blog entitled Weighing a Response.  Without giving away the number one post of 2018 I'm moving on. Please continue reading!

Quote from Sue Turner Moderator at ABC Rider Fans

1.  SIZING UP THE CFL was a blog post published on February 16th 2018.  This was a blog post that had male and female CFL fans commenting, tweeting, and messaging me their thanks for bringing up the subject of the lack of quality, sizing and choice for fans who don't fit the "model".  Female fans having to buy men's merchandise to represent their team because the ladies sizing was poor, more expensive and just not all inclusive.  Men told me that they too had issues with sizing not being right for them.  Fabrics were either cheap feeling or not comfortable enough.  It was a subject in which I got an overwhelming response.    At the urging of several people, who you'll find named in WEIGHING A RESPONSE , I emailed my blog to Randy Ambrosie who passed it down the chain I'm guessing because I did get a response from the CFL.  I was assured that I would see the model change and that they were working hard to ensure every fan has comfortable merchandise to choose from.  Now a lot of people thought that was just a form letter type of response but near the end of the 2018 season we did see the announcement that the CFL was ending it's relationship with Adidas and New Era would be taking over in 2019.  You can read that announcement HERE.  I am strongly encouraged by this news as I do own a few pieces of New Era merchandise and I think this is a move to make us all more content.  You can bet that when the full line rolls out I will be there to review everything.  As I promised, this is not a subject that our diverse fan bases cannot ignore and I will continue to keep my eyes on the topic.

There you have it - my 5 Most Popular Posts of 2018.  If you liked this blog don't forget to share it with others who might also enjoy it.  Don't miss out on last weeks feature 5 Biggest Stories in the CFL of 2018.  Thanks for reading in 2018 and don't forget that our continued interaction helps to make blogging all worth while.

5 Biggest Stories of 2018 in the CFL

Are you an exhausted reindeer, in the throws of turkey hangover and in deep CFL football withdrawal?  This post might just save you.  In today's Football Friday 5 I'm discussing the top 5 stories of the year.  Pour yourself a coffee or rum and eggnog and settle in to find out what the stories of 2018 were according to my discussions with CFL fans around social media and ABC Rider Fans.

5. The CFL expands to Halifax.  When the CFL was waiting to select it's next Commissioner for the league this was one of the topics I thought was relevant and wrote about it in a 2017 blog titled The Commish.  The CFL expanded to 9 teams in 2014 and I always thought that to make the league truly Canadian and unite all fans across this great nation there needed to be a 10th team located in the maritime provinces.  A 10th team would even out the schedule...no more having to play the Blue Bombers three times in a season...and there could be great Labour Day match ups without some teams having to sit out on bye weeks.  While it's true that the name, the Atlantic Schooners has been chosen and registered there is still much discussion and planning to be done with the biggest question mark being where will they play.  I'm sure this will continue to be a big story in the upcoming season.

4.  From Jon Gott guzzling beer to the Blue Bombers climbing their stair cases the CFL Celebrations were interesting in 2018.  At the start of the season things like sword slashes, ball spins or using props were penalized but mid season that rule was changed and they threw the door wide open to everything and anything as long as the players took responsibility.  Read the rule change HERE.  Now the problem is that without rules (and people love rules) things can run amuck.  When Jon Gott epically took a beer from his girlfriend in the stands and guzzled it on live TSN TV well it wasn't long before the CFL was saying "whoops, my bad" and amended the celebration rules.  If only they acted so quickly when it came to player safety.....

3. TSN's love affair with Johnny Manziel was something else.  First it was will he or won't he arrive in the league.  Then it was about him being signed in Hamilton and how he had to sit out while Masoli rose to fame.  When Montreal traded for Johnny Football no one could hardly wait for him to make his starting debut.  I'll admit that I did watch but for some reason I only remember the seagulls and Rod Black's reaction a la the movie The Birds instead of Manziel's actual performance.  I do recall the Monday after the Glenn Suitor discussing on Green Zone how many times the name Manziel was called on the broadcast and while he didn't seem to think it was that much...it was completely sickening to the rest of the fans watching or flipping channels at home.  Hopefully in 2019 the media circus will be over and John will be able to develop into the quarterback we are waiting to see.

2.  As I eluded to in number 4 injuries to CFL QB's was a story from the get go whether we knew it in June or not.  Zach Collaros was suffering from a concussion from a preseason game, Matt Nicholls was out and Streveler made a remarkable start and then there was the devastating neck injury to Ricky Ray who had contemplated retirement in the off season.  It was horrible to watch him lie prone for what seemed like forever before responders finally removed him from the field.  The talk about player safety and quarterback safety was only a murmur at that point but when the hit from Odell Willis to Zach Collaros happened and how that whole debacle was handled or lack there off fans were irate.  Where was the discipline?  Fines?  Suspensions?  Why was the Commish able to change a celebration rule but didn't have the gumption to look at the safety of the players who make this league what it is?  That conversation continued until Jackson Jeffcoat took out Brandon Bridge in a meaningless play in the West Semi Final and in a game that the Bombers seemed to care most about winning because they certainly didn't play with same determination against the Calgary Stampeders a week later. Let's hope that this is a huge discussion while the CBA is being negotiated in 2019. 

1.  Number One could easily be Darian Durant scampering off with $70k, Duron Carter being released, Rob Bagg's return, Messam's or Hughes charges or even how the Eskimos missed the playoffs while hosting the Grey Cup, but, I felt the number one story, even though not a football story was indeed and without question the Humboldt Broncos.  I live about an hour from Humboldt and pass through there a few times a year.  I didn't know any of the players.  I'm not even a hockey fan.  When the bus crash happened I was in New York on Easter vacation.  I was back in my hotel room after being out all day and had tuned in to CKRM's Sportscage and had tweeted in that I was listening.  Rod and Luc proceeded to roast me for listening when I was in such an amazing city.  While I was listening and scrolling through my Twitter feed I saw a post about the bus crash and then that the hockey game was cancelled.  It was one of those 'where were you' moments that I will never forget.  Everyone was in mourning in Saskatchewan and around the world.  The Roughriders held a special fan day and some of the players dedicated their play to the hockey team.  A Roughriders home game was held in the Broncos honour and fans were given green and yellow ribbons to wear while the Riders donned Humboldt Strong on their helmets for the season.  We may all enjoy different sports and even some of the same sports but regardless we are a community and in times like this we all come together and forget all other differences for the betterment of each other.  Be kind.  Love one another.  I don't know of a better theme for us all to follow now and into 2019.  

Friday Football 5 ~ Christmas Edition ~

🎵Tell me what you want - what you really really want!🎵

Baby Spice Image from Food & Wine Magazine via

The American Holiday Baking Show

Over the last week I poised a question to Rider fans on various social media platforms.  What are you wanting from Rider Claus this year?  Is it a quarterback, a new Roughriders jersey, the CBA to be settled or perhaps something else entirely?  The following Friday Football 5 Christmas Edition is a countdown to the number one item on every Rider fans wish list to the chubby dude who breaks and enters into all our homes on Christmas Eve.

This truck could be yours for $34.99 via The Rider Store

5.  Are you dreaming of a green and white Christmas?  If that answer is heck yeah!  Then you better check out the Rider Store's 13 days of Christmas for the deal of the day.  Right now there is free shipping in Canada with orders over $100.  I've purchased many Christmas items in this fashion over the years.  I noticed there is a Rider Santa tee shirt, trimmings for the tree, a nutcracker and the super popular truck with a tree in the back.  Hmmm....I might have to place another order!  Don't forget those Hillberk & Berk sparkle ball earrings for that special lady on your Christmas list.

4.  Rider fans want an announcement prior to Christmas with a number of the teams players who will be Free Agents in February re-signed with the team.  One big name on this list is Willie Jefferson who had 2 top 10 defensive plays in the CFL in 2018 and was seemingly snubbed in the CFL awards.  He doesn't have any NFL workouts planned and says his film stands for itself.  Since he is one of my favourite players it would be amazing to hear he'd be back with the Riders for 2019.

A previous Rider Store purchase

3.  It would stand to reason that many players on that Free Agent list likely don't want to sign because of the upcoming CFLPA negotiations.  It was announced early in the week that the CFL General Managers and Head Coaches will meet on January 10th, 2019 in Mount-Tremblant, Quebec.  They will meet with the media January 8th.  Wouldn't it be nice if all of these CBA issues were settled early in 2019 so the season can get underway?  Read the CFL's announcement HERE.

2.  Rider fans are not known for their/our/my ability to accept change.  Randy Ambrosie has instituted a coaching cap for 2019.  While it seems that Ambrosie has mostly changed things in the CFL for the better lot's of fans are seeing the detrimental effects of this "Rider Rule" since many teams have already had to part ways with staff.  If Randy doesn't shout Bazinga! then we all have to learn to accept this new situation.  While that's not really something Santa can bring us - it can strengthen our belief, hope and will to support our team through the next year and hopefully the number of coaches on staff has nothing to do with coaching a team to winning the Grey Cup...which is ultimately what Rider Nation wants in 2019.

1.  "I want a frickin' healthy QB and he stays around for awhile" are the exact words used by Twitters @trbltmd.  It's true.  The number one item on every Rider fans Christmas wish list is a healthy quarterback who not only leads the team for 2019 but stays loyal to the Riders for several years and leads us to the promised land.  While we'd like to think Mike Reilly is this guy, I've changed my thinking because I don't think the Riders want to throw the bank at him and sacrifice the rest of the team.  Collaros was a time bomb and that's not to say he wasn't well liked, it was just that he just wasn't able to take another hit and when that did happen (no thanks to Odell Willis) just when the Riders really had momentum in late October early November well, all hope was dashed.  Lot's of people think Jonathon Jennings is this teams best hope.  I'm remaining patient.  You never know when the person emerges as *that* guy when you didn't even know his name.  After all, in 2007 Darian Durant held a clip board and look how that turned out.  No matter the name of the quarterback, he's going to have to be strong of character because Rider Nation has HUGE expectations.

Dear Rider Claus... ($39.99 @ The Rider Store)

Thank you for being a reader of ABC Football and supporting all my adventures.  You can always find me on twitter (@smilingsandra), on facebook and instagram (@smilingriderfan) and don't forget to join ABC Rider Fans to get the scoop in 2019. I hope you find magic and sparkle over this holiday season and may Rider Claus bring us all our deepest hearts desire.  Go Riders!

Weighing A Response

Thank you so much for the response to the blog I published last week entitled  "Sizing Up the CFL".  I heard from numerous people in the comments of this blog as well as Twitter and the All Rider Fan page.  I was overwhelmed by the kind an sympathetic words from everyone regarding the sizing issue of all CFL merchandise and marketing.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, it honestly means so much to me that I wasn't alone in my thinking and that You even read my blog in the first place!

This particular response from Sue Turner was amazing to me:

THANK YOU 🙏🏻 Sandra!!  You totally rocked my world with that blog post!!!!!
I am not petite or small boned (and please ladies, I am not hating on you if you are!).
I have a helluva time finding any CFL gear to fit properly —- and, yes, I too buy guys or “unisex”, but sometimes even those “one-size-fits-all” means “all-but-me”!  Is it because so much is made off-shore and their models are petite?  I don’t know 🤷‍♀️.
I am glad I’m not the only one with this issue or these feelings!!
Maybe we need to push the envelope and chase the dream of having “real” clothing sizes available in CFL licensed wear!!!

At the urging of my fav Redblacks fan Hippie (@RBeesFan) I emailed Randy Ambrosie Commissioner of the CFL my blog.  I wanted him to know that along with these current promotions of Diversity is Strength and Bring It In that a large number of fans actually aren't included nor can they dress in their favourite teams gear because the sizing and styles do not include them.  I believe he read what I emailed him and likely forwarded my email along to those who are in charge of such things.  I'd like to believe that he and/or people who work in the CFL heard my words.

On February 20th I received an email from Clare Hutchinson Assistant Communications.

Hi Sandra;

Thank you for contacting the CFL! We appreciate you taking the time to write to us with your concerns and suggestions.

We’re currently in the middle of updating our retail model (as well as CFLShop.ca), so we very much appreciate this feedback. Often current order trends limit the items and sizes we can offer, but we agree that that can’t be an excuse and that we should always be doing our best to serve ALL our fans. Every fan of every team deserves to have stylish, comfortable clothes to wear their pride on their sleeve (if you’ll excuse the pun), and although we’re not currently there yet, we’re working hard behind the scenes to ensure we have great apparel available and accessible for all.

Thanks for being a fan, and I hope you’re as excited for the upcoming season as we are.

Best,

-c

While lot's of this reads to me and others a little like "fluff" it also says a few things to me.  They are updating their retail model.  They've recognized a problem of some kind and realized what they're doing isn't very successful. Does that include clothing? Who knows.  "Current order trends" means to me (because I have 5 years of retail experience under my belt) that their suppliers can only provide a limited amount of styles in the sizing we desire - which face it, is nothing for any of us who shop at plus size retailers like Pennington's, Addition-Elle or Torrid.  "That can't be an excuse." <-- They're hearing us with our complaints and lack of sales dollars coming in but while they might hear us there's likely little they can do or are willing to do about it.  It's a mixed message isn't it.

Before we pick up our torches and march to the closest Rider Store in protest, I can't help but think at least that response is something.  They could have just passed the buck.  They could have not put any thought or time into a response at all.  They could have easily mumbled something about crazed lunatic Rider fans and hit the delete button. 

I am one fan who is very over trying to fit clothes that don't feel good or look good. Until it changes I won't be spending my hard earned piano teaching money on more merchandise.  Let's face it...I, like a lot of other Rider fans, can dress in green for a week and never run out of clothing. When the Rider Store and other CFL stores get in the sizes and styles that include everyone I'll spend my money there again.  Sooner or later they will be forced to provide the clothing All of us can love.

I posted a very informal poll on Twitter to find out who in CFL households buys the merchandise. If the fan was single I asked them to choose the male/female equivalent.  46% of those who responded are women who do the purchasing. Interesting, right?  Women hold the power in this situation and we can help effect a change.

I'm not willing to give up on this subject.  I hope you aren't either.

Rout the Riders

In Week 6 the Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Toronto Argonauts 38 - 27 at home under scorching skies.  It was a pretty quiet up week with the only complaint being a lack of water provided at Mosaic Stadium.  That's how happy Ridernation was because no one complained at all about game points or coaching or quarterbacking. In Week 7 though, it's a different story and Ridernation has an insatiable thirst to chase someone out of town and they don't even care who it is or why.


I am well aware that I, too, in fact am a member of Ridernation, but it is times like these where I hang my head in shame as other fan bases...especially the Bombers...point and laugh at us.  Do you know how you sound on the radio? Do you know what your words look like hanging out there on the Facebook pages, Fan forums & Twitter posts?  They're right because we are not the best fans in the CFL.  We are however, the brunt of the jokes of the CFL.


When will they figure out Glenn isn't good anymore.  Well let's see. During the game in BC against the Lions Roughriders starting Veteran Quarterback crossed the milestone of being the 6th All Time in CFL Passing Yards.  It took Roughrider legend Ron Lancaster 19 years to set the record and it took Kevin Glenn 17 to check that box off his career stats list.  It's rather fitting because just as it was known the Little General would inevitably throw a few interceptions so will Kevin Glenn. This doesn't mean he's not good at his job...it just means that he's human.  It means he had a bad day at work.  We all have those!  I've had days where all I can do is laugh because of the messes I've made for myself.  Do I get fired though? Nope. Not even when I single handily broke a piano!  All you can do is get home, regroup, plan and pick yourself up for the next work day.  I have no doubt that once the Riders offence has a chance to watch game film that they will learn and regroup as well.


The most popular guy in the province is the backup quarterback.  Seeing quarterback Brandon Bridge in the dying minutes of the game setting the Riders up to score two touchdowns has created a bit of an uproar.  He played against the Lions 2nd and 3rd stringers and probably executed a set of package plays designed just for him.  For some reason this now means that within Ridernation Bridge should be anointed the starter and march us on to victory.  I could see giving him and Marquise Williams a look if we were at the tail end of the season...which, thankfully we aren't, so at this point unless something were to happen to Kevin Glenn (knock on wood) we stick with the guy who has already won us 2 games.


How long until we shake up the coaching and administration. That statement along with "Jones wears too many hats" or "we need a defensive coordinator" is ludicrous.  Remember!  We just finished Week Seven!  When I look around the league these statements aren't being said by fans of other teams.  Jacques Chapdelaine is the Head Coach of the Montreal Alouettes and their record is 2-4.  Should Jacques be fired?  Rick Campbell is the Head Coach of the Ottawa Redblacks who are coming off a 2016 Grey Cup victory yet seem to find themselves with only 1 win so far in 2017.  Should he be fired?  Lastly, let's look at Kent Austin who has had more than plenty of time to prove himself as Hamilton Tiger-Cats Head Coach.  Fans of the Ticats would have the best case for this argument since they are winless in 2017.  But no, here are the Rider fans trying to march Chris Jones out of town. 


The reason Chris Jones will never be good enough for some fans (not me!) is because of how he came in and made drastic changes and didn't give a rats patootie what Ridernation thought of it.  For that I applaud him!  If it were up to Ridernation all the favourites would be here forever, no one would ever get traded and we'd bankrupt the organization to pay them whatever they wanted.  The fact is this 2017 team is already better and surging but with any growing also comes growing pains.  You win some and you lose some.  By August 4th 2016 the Riders only had 1 win and didn't go on to get another until the end of September and finally finished 5-13.  This same time period in 2017 and we already have 2 wins.  Could the team be better? Of course and they will be the first to admit it, but should anyone lose a job over it? No way.


Where would we be without social media.  It's so easy to post what you think you think.  Then someone "likes" it.  Then someone comments.  It's a conversation and sometimes more often than not, it's piling on.  I have to hold my tongue and restrain myself from commenting at the best of times for fear of 'starting something up.'  It shouldn't be that way.  We are all passionate fans.  Sometimes we are fans of the same team and sometimes we're just fans of teams in the same league.  Twice in the last week I've had the pleasure of being acquainted with new CFL fans through Twitter.  They live in the US and enjoy CFL football.  How amazing is that?!  Lot's of games have been carried on ESPN3.  While after an upsetting loss like Saturday is maddening, bringing new fans into the mix is exciting! 


Is Rider Pride alive and well? I don't know about you but it is in me.  This mornings message in church was about new beginnings.  Let's put this game behind us and start anew.  The BC Lions visit our glorious new home Sunday August 13th 6pm, new CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie will be on hand and I'm full of excitement because I've got pregame sideline passes.  Let's show those Leo's what Ridernation and Rider Pride is really about.  The Rider Store has fabulous new noise makers...you're going to need one.