THE CANADIAN PRESS
The business side of pro football has reared its ugly head once again in the CFL.
On Monday, the Toronto Argonauts released safety Orlondo Steinauer, an affable 13-year CFL veteran, who at the age of 35, appeared to be still playing at a high level. Three times Steinauer was named a league all-star, the latest coming last year, and was a two-time Grey Cup champion who this year was voted a co-captain of the Argos’ veteran-laden defence.
But Steinauer was more than just a solid performer for the Argos. Like so many CFL players, he was also active in the community, giving of his time to not only promote his club but also serve as a role model for young kids.
Meanwhile in Regina, the axe remains firmly poised above Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Marcus Crandell, an amiable 34-year-old who head coach Ken Miller describes as being someone of great character. But the 2001 Grey Cup MVP was deemed expendable Saturday when the Riders acquired Michael Bishop from Toronto.
Crandell remains on the Riders’ roster, but the expectation is he will be released by the CFL team.
Bishop is expected to start this weekend for Saskatchewan against Winnipeg but Darian Durant, who performed so admirably when Crandell was sidelined with a hamstring injury, is poised to return from a rib injury shortly, giving the Riders two capable quarterbacks.
The Argos say they released Steinauer to send a message to an under-achieving team that has a 3-5 record. As for the Riders, they contend they acquired Bishop because his mobility is essential to kick-start an offence that’s scored three touchdowns in the last 10 quarters.
The harsh reality is money had to be a consideration in both situations.
In the CFL, the contracts of players who have six or more years of experience are guaranteed after the ninth game of the regular season. All eight league teams will play their ninth regular-season contests this weekend.
That’s worth noting because in the CFL veteran players usually make the most money. With teams having to adhere to the league-mandated $4.2-million salary cap, money can’t help but be a consideration in any player move.
At no time was that fact more evident than this off-season when the Riders, after being unable to agree on a contract extension with Kerry Joseph, dealt the ’07 CFL MVP to Toronto. When the Argos were able to sign Joseph, it solidified his status as the club’s starter because there was no way the club was going to pay Joseph to sit on the bench.
ALLEN RETURN? — With Michael Bishop no longer with the Toronto Argonauts, the rumour mill has cranked up regarding who his replacement will be.
Kerry Joseph is the clear-cut starter, but behind him are Cody Pickett and Reggie McNeal, who has started as receiver for the CFL club, both of whom are untested in Canadian football.
One name being bandied is Damon Allen, the former Argos starter who retired in May following an illustrious 23-year CFL career to become a special advisor to chief operating officer Michael (Pinball) Clemons.
During his retirement speech, Allen kept the door open to a possible return to the CFL, albeit as an emergency backup.
There are definitely pros and cons to Allen returning.
A big con is his age. Allen is 45 and spent the last half of last season on the nine-game injured list with a toe ailment. The year before, Allen missed time with a broken middle finger on his throwing hand.
Conditioning is always a factor with a retired player. Coaches always preach there’s a big difference between being in good shape and football shape. It’s not clear what, if anything, Allen has been doing in terms of keeping physically active in retirement.
But a factor in Allen’s favour is his knowledge of Toronto’s offence and familiarity with offensive co-ordinator Steve Burrato. And with 20-plus years of experience, there’s precious little Allen hasn’t seen from a CFL defence.
Stay tuned.
QB NEWS — The B.C. Lions are expected to have a different quarterback under centre Friday night when they face the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Stadium.
Buck Pierce will likely start ahead of incumbent Jarious Jackson, who has a injured finger on his passing hand. Pierce opened the season as B.C.’s starter but suffered a shoulder injury in a 28-18 loss to Calgary, resulting in Jackson starting seven straight games for the Lions.
But there’s some question as to who will be taking snaps for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats when they host the Toronto Argonauts on Labour Day.
The expectation was veteran Casey Printers would’ve healed well enough to return to the starting lineup. But his injured thumb hasn’t progressed as quickly as anticipated, meaning backup Richie Williams could be pressed into service.
Hamilton has defeated Toronto in both of their meetings this season. Printers played in the Ticats’ 32-13 road win July 3 while Williams led the Steeltown crew to a 45-21 home victory Aug. 7
GOING RETRO — The CFL announced it has reached a new five-year agreement with Reebok Canada.
While financial figures weren’t divulged, the CFL did say Reebok is making an annual "seven-figure commitment" to the league that makes it the exclusive supplier of uniforms and sideline apparel.
"We’re thrilled to extend and enhance our partnership with Reebok, one of our most important and visible partners," CFL commissioner Cohon said during a media conference at Reebok’s flagship store in Vaughan, Ont. "Aligning ourselves with a partner that excels on the field, in the marketplace, and around the world speaks volumes about the strength of our brand and Reebok’s commitment to our country and our league."
The partnership agreement includes an expanded presence for CFL Reebok merchandise in retail stores; increased royalty revenue for the CFL; annual marketing initiatives featuring licensed merchandise including uniforms; and enhanced supply of product to member clubs.
"The CFL agreement is extremely important to Reebok because of the profile of the CFL in Canada," said Craig Ryan, Reebok’s vice-president/GM Sport Licensed Division Canada. "The CFL helps us strengthen our position as the key brand of professional sports leagues in North America."
The announcement comes on the same day the CFL launched its Retro Week Initiative. It will begin Sept. 12 with the Toronto Argonauts facing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Rogers Centre. Both teams will pay tribute to the 1950s and wear throwback uniforms.
Other teams and eras will be showcased over the next five years. The throwback uniforms provided by Reebok and sideline apparel designed by Roger Edwards.
FOOTBALL DOUBLEHEADER — The B.C. Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Simon Fraser Clan and Saskatchewan Huskies have established an interesting doubleheader concept.
Simon Fraser and the University of Saskatchewan will square off at noon on Sept. 13 at B.C. Place. Later that night, the Lions and Riders will meet in a CFL contest.
It will mark the first CIS-CFL doubleheader in the 25-year history of B.C. Place.
"It’s a great opportunity for our team to play in a big time venue," Simon Fraser coach Dave Johnson said in a statement. "And we want to thank the B.C. Lions for the chance to provide this great day of football for fans."
