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The storybook ending for the likes of Doug Brown, playing perhaps his last game as a Bomber, didn't pan out as he'd like it. On the other side of the ball DE Brent Johnson may have played his last game, and if that's the case he'll go out a Grey Cup winner.

The Bombers lost to the BC Lions 23-34 in a game that never really looked like a contest.


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For a CFL Grey Cup this one was pretty boring. Lacking pozzaz, offence, a decent halftime show that people under 50 could appreciate. Thankfully the better team won, but it was still close. Close that is until Darian Durant gave it all away.

Anytime Rider fans want to chant 'Henry, Henry, Henry', just remember that it was YOUR quarterback that threw an interception like a chump to dash any hopes of a Grey Cup. Better luck next year. Not.

Some of the worst officiating in recent memory in a playoff game was experienced in the West division final between Calgary and Saskatchewan. Incredibly, time after time head scratching calls were made against the home team in favour of the more popular visiting squad.

Alas, you have to wonder what went on in this game to make it pan out the way it did. Two things are clear. The poor officiating will be reviewed, probably internally, and it DID change the complexion of the game in a big way (Bryant's taunting call? WOW....) But it was the overall play for 60 minutes by the Stamps that lost the game in the end.

3 Things to expand upon when dissecting the abhorrent anomalies in tonight's officiating.


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Milt Stegall was a great receiver, but he's a horrible TV analyst. This post is a running collection of lame, hilarious, embarrassing, and stupid quotes and thoughts the dude makes on TV.

I'm not sure why he keeps getting the invite back, cause he's making TSN look bad. Some of his insights are astute, but frankly, someone's slipped him a $20 to bash the Calgary Stampeders. Take for example his comments in Week 2.


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Around in the NFL for quite some time now, the CFL has now implemented technology that will allow QBs to hear play calls in their helmets (assuming they aren't hit so hard the technology goes bonkers....)

The CFL made the announcement today: http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-introduces-qb-wireless-headsets. How it works is pretty interesting. It's one way communicae, and it shuts off with 10 seconds left on the play clock. Many plays don't get off in that time period so prepare for QBs to still rely on hand signals.

The cool thing about the CFL that you do'nt find in any other professional league is the input fans get to impact rules. The CFL last year asked fans to offer suggestions on various aspects like kick off returns, safeties, and more. This year they are going to do the same and request fans give their thoughts on the overtime format. Here are some questions to start the discussion:

1. Is the series-of-downs format superior to the old system of extra overtime periods or halves?
2. Should teams scrimmage from somewhere other than the 35 yard line?
3. Should teams be required to drive for a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal, or should teams be required to attempt a two-point convert following a touchdown?
4. Does the overtime format really need changes, or is it already as good as it can be?

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Stamps Ownership Add Seats Counting them For Blackout

Verdict? Unprofessional. This is a type of summer intern gaff that we expect under the Feterik regime, not today.

In a previous post game post you can read my thoughts on why the Stampeders may have made the call. Here were my options:

Turns out the answer to WHY is number four.

1) Sell outs aren't required to lift the black out, and I recall this year a low turnout for a frigid home game, maybe 25 000, that was still on TV? Reported attendance was 38, 600, the THIRD highest attended game of the season BUT the blackout wasn't immediately lifted.

2) Today the game was against the Roughriders, always a sell out. Albeit it was a 130 start, the fact it wasn't sold out suggests in the least it was close.

3) The Stampeders brass have ADDED 5000 seats. Are they now calculating black out figures based on an additional 5000 worth of seats they've put up for the Grey Cup? Without those seats the game is a SELL OUT. A monumental bad decision by ownership and Stamps fans can expect never to see another game on TV with the new seats.

The official statement by the Stamps: (more...)

Ticketmaster and Stampeders Ticket Racket?

We're starting to hear some more groaning over Grey Cup ticket events. Back in November fans and season ticket holders had the chance to reserve their right to purchase Grey Cup tickets when they went on sale at the start of this month. A deposit of $50 / ticket was required. Nobody knew what the prices were going to be but you could expect something comparable to Montreal (although, what fan goes searching for past Grey Cup ticket prices in order to decide what the price 'may or may not' be?)

Well a couple months later the prices are released and a Safeway ticket in family zone for 15 bucks last season is now FIFTEEN (15X) times higher for the Grey Cup. On one hand you should expect the price increase and cudos to the management for jacking up prices knowing the place will be full, it's business.

What's not cool is how fans placed a deposit through Ticketmaster in November, realised the cheapest ticket was $225 bucks, and decided not to get ticket. These people LOST their deposit--they received no refund and no ticket for their troubles. Between Ticketmaster and the Stamps someone pocketed $50 PER reserved ticket that was not purchased. (more...)

Some Suggested by Fans

Here are the highlights that were approve by CFL Board of Governors May 11th:

• Moving back the kickoff following a safety touch, to reduce the number of times a team chooses to take a knee in its own end zone;

• Giving coaches the green light to use so called "wildcat" formations that would move the quarterback around, instead of requiring him to stand behind or under centre;

• Requiring a team that kicks a successful field goal to then kick off to its' opponents, increasing the number of kick returns;

• Awarding a team a third instant replay challenge if its' first two challenges are successful.

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The 2009 Grey Cup ticket prices, to be held in Calgary next November, were released . Somewhat comparable to other Grey Cup events (Montreal had cheaper tickets but they also had 25000 more seats) the ticket prices in some cases have increased 300%.

The average fan has been cut off, no doubt, but the team will have no trouble filling the stadium especially if the home team favorites make it again.