A tale of two backs

Joffrey Reynolds and Cory Boyd are an interesting contrast in character. Both are running backs with immense talent and are proven game-changers, but the manner in which both are handling their current situations of diminished use couldn't be more extreme.

Reynolds, the all-time leading rushing leader in the history of the Calgary Stampeders, has been a healthy scratch for the last three games and is not expected to be in the lineup when his team plays in Toronto on Friday. This is a player who has rushed for 1,000 or more yards the last six seasons and has also displayed his ability as a receiver.

He was a healthy scratch for the first time on September 25 in a game against Hamilton in Moncton. While TV cameras focused on him at various times, he stood resolute and proud instead of sulking. He told the media: "I'll be taking scout-team reps until I'm further told otherwise. I definitely don't want to be a distraction for the guys or anything like that. I really haven't had an explanation on when or if I'll be playing again. I guess I have to stay tuned until further notice. I'm definitely not questioning myself. I definitely have full confidence that I'm still the player that I was. I feel like I'm in great condition. Opportunities to get the ball haven't really been there."

You have to believe his pride had been wounded - and still is - but his comments speak to his commitment to the team and his teammates.

Then there is Boyd, who has come across at various points this season as a selfish individual, caring only about himself. He displayed immense talent as a rookie last year, totaling 1,359 yards in 15 games, averaging six yards a carry and catching 38 passes for 363 yards. Overall, he had seven touchdowns. He gave his all in the playoffs, becoming a one-man force in the Argos' upset win over Hamilton in the Eastern semi-final. In the Eastern final against Montreal, he literally had to carried off the field by his teammates because his battered body couldn't taken any more punishment. In a word, he was a warrior.

He had been impacted by injuries last year, even more so this year, and has also found himself less of a factor in the team's offence. And at various times he's talked about how great he is, suggesting prior to a game against Winnipeg that he would have been the leading rusher in the league had he played the entire season. It was a slap in the face of Bombers running back Fred Reid, who finished first overall and has proven himself over time in his CFL career.

While the majority of his teammates were licking their wounds following a 29-19 loss to Montreal on Monday, Boyd was busy afterward on his Twitter account wondering why he wasn't used more than seven times running the ball. "7 carries this week, 11 carries last week... Welcome to 7/11 my friend." He also tweeted: "I think this off-season I'm gonna lose another 20 lbs. so I can play WR. What you think?" And: "Don't call me your Horse if your not gonna take me out the stable."

Even more galling, he suggested anyone who takes Twitter comments seriously is a "sad person," saying: "To whomever still have a brain in their heads. Tweeter is just for amusement and fun... Take it too personal & you'll be trapped in stress."

He truly doesn't believe he is being disrespectful to the Argos organization or to the people who follow his words of wisdom.

At one point, he was being compared to Argos legend Pinball Clemons, a fellow running back, because of his commitment to the community, strong spiritual belief and immense talent. But there can be no comparison now.

Boyd could use a lesson in humility. Argos general manager/head coach Jim Barker should bench Boyd to make him understand how invaluable he is to the team. It's not all about him. Yes, the team could feature him more because its aerial attack is terrible, but Boyd has also shown he can't stay physically healthy.

The Argos are last overall in the CFL with a 3-11 record and have no chance to make the playoffs. The Argos have a backup running back, rookie Chad Kackert, who played decently in Boyd's absence due to injury. While extremely raw, Kackert is as punishing a runner as Boyd but hasn't had the opportunity to show that on a consistent basis. But Kackert hasn't said a word about his role.

Earlier this season, Boyd and Argo special teams co-ordinator Mike O'Shea came close to blows on the team's sideline at the end of a game. Whatever created the dustup was never fully revealed, although it is a rarity that a coach and a player on the same team need to be separated from engaging in a fight.

O'Shea, who according to rumours may be appointed head coach after this season while Barker concentrates on managerial duties, played the game with passion, intensity and desire. He believed totally in the team concept. As talented as he was as a player, O'Shea never reveled in his own play. If anything, he'd often talk about the plays he missed rather than the ones he made.

Suffice it to say that if, in fact, O'Shea is the Argo head coach next year and has a say in player personnel, Boyd won't be on the team.

To this point, Boyd has come across as nothing more than a one-year wonder who has had a history of attitude problems elsewhere in his career. He has talked about how he has learned from those incidents and has relied on his faith to move forward in a positive and professional way.

He has yet to fully display that.

Perhaps he could learn something from Reynolds, who is every bit as talented athletically as Boyd; even more so considering he's proven his talent and durability over the course of time. Boyd's inability to stay healthy is an issue that is as relevant as his method of free speech.

As for Twitter, it doesn't appear as if Reynolds uses it much.

If you subtract the final three letters of Twitter, you have an accurate description of Boyd.

Perry Lefko keeps you connected to all the news in the CFL on Sportsnet.ca.