IF YOU HAVE TIME YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THIS VIDEO THAT WAS LIVE WITH PACMAN
JONES - CLICK HERE http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/VIDEO-Adam-Pacman-Jones-ready-to-buy-Winnipeg-condo-56732512.html
THE BOMBERS HAVE RECONSIDERED AFTER HE AIRED THIS VIDEO......HE LOOKS ILLITERATE
Thursday, September 3, 2009
CHICK AND BAGGS !!
Roughriders Stevie Baggs and John in green.
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post files
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post files
REGINA — Stevie Baggs and John Chick have emerged as more than defensive ends with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
They are bookends whose individual styles and personalities complement each other. That chemistry is evident on the field and in the CFL’s statistics package. Baggs leads the league with seven sacks and Chick is tied for second with six. Their totals have helped the Riders share the league lead of 23 sacks with the Montreal Alouettes.
“We were very competitive during training camp and that has led to us being competitive on the field,’’ Baggs said after Wednesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “John doesn’t want me to outdo him and I don’t want him to outdo me. That’s good because we’re not doing it in a selfish manner. We’re doing it within the scheme the coaches have asked us to run. If we continue to work and establish a relationship with the whole defence, we’ll be fine.’’
Their roles in the defensive scheme have produced individual honours for Chick and Baggs. On Wednesday, Baggs was named the defensive player-of-the-month for August after recording 13 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, one pass knockdown, and a special-teams tackle.
Chick was named the defensive player-of-the-week in Week 7 after recording a two sacks and recovering a fumble in the Riders’ 33-23 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Baggs was the defensive player-of-the-week in Week 1 and Week 8.
Chick was named the defensive player-of-the-week in Week 7 after recording a two sacks and recovering a fumble in the Riders’ 33-23 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Baggs was the defensive player-of-the-week in Week 1 and Week 8.
“They are really happy for each other,’’ said defensive line coach Mike Scheper. “That’s because of the friendly competitiveness that they have to bring out the best in each other. They work well together and they are great teammates.’’
The personalities of Chick and Baggs couldn’t be more different. Chick, who is in his third season with the Riders, is quiet and soft-spoken. Baggs, who is in his second season, is more outgoing and thrives in the spotlight. Baggs’s personality also leads to some light-hearted ribbing from his teammates, which he takes in stride.
“It’s because I’m so emotional that it tends to get looked upon as me being hyper-sensitive,’’ said Baggs. “I love the game. I’m emotional and because of that the guys give me a hard time. I know deep down that they all love me.’’
Chick was reluctant to talk about the individual accomplishments of the defensive ends. He knows that the sack totals catch the eye of media and fans but Chick feels those numbers are more reflective of the defensive scheme.
“I want to keep things as a defensive line because Stevie and I couldn’t do things we do without the inside guys doing the things that they do,’’ said Chick. “It’s not just the two of us.’’
The two were evident in the Riders’ 34-25 loss to the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 21. Baggs had 10 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Chick had two tackles and a sack.
The two were evident in the Riders’ 34-25 loss to the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 21. Baggs had 10 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Chick had two tackles and a sack.
“I hope that game is not a one-trick pony and that the trend continues because they were major contributors to the success of the defence,’’ said Scheper. “I think that (Als quarterback) Anthony Calvillo hasn’t felt that kind of pressure all season long.’’
Scheper cautions that the 4-4 Riders aren’t at the halfway point of the season. They’ll reach that when the play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-5) in Sunday’s Labour Day Classic at Mosaic Stadium.
“I had no idea that they would be this good this far,’’ said Scheper. “But we have a lot of season left, so I hope that it continues.’’
“I had no idea that they would be this good this far,’’ said Scheper. “But we have a lot of season left, so I hope that it continues.’’
Blue Bombers running back Fred Reid was the offensive player-of-the-month. Toronto Argonauts kicker Justin Medlock was the special-teams player-of-the-month and Alouettes safety Matthieu Proulx was the top Canadian.
UPDATE ON FANTUZ
Here's the story I filed on Andy Fantuz to the paper.
By MURRAY McCORMICKLeader-Post
Slotback Andy Fantuz denied reports Wednesday that he has rejected a contract offer from the Saskatchewan Roughriders.Dave Naylor, a Globe and Mail sports writer and TSN’s CFL reporter, reported that Fantuz had turned down a contract offer from the Riders. Naylor said that Fantuz was doing so because he wanted to pursue opportunities in the NFL at the end of the season.
“I’ve never made any type of comment like that,’’ Fantuz told the Leader-Post on Wednesday. “I’m focused on getting my leg better and I haven’t even talked to my agent yet. I don’t know where Dave Naylor got that from but I like Regina and they have treated me well all along.“(Riders general manager) Eric Tillman and I have always worked well together. We look forward to pursuing this and figuring something out. Basically what Dave Naylor said is totally false.’’Fantuz, 25, is in the option year of a two-year contract which he signed with the Riders after his rookie season in 2006. The Riders’ first-round pick (third overall) in the 2006 CFL draft signed for a year and an option as a rookie.That meant Fantuz could have been eligible to test free agency the year after he was named the top Canadian in the Riders’ 23-19 Grey Cup victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Tillman was able to extend that contract with little fanfare.
Fantuz said Wednesday that he called Tillman, who is on paid administrative leave, to make sure there weren’t any misunderstandings between him and the Riders leading from the reports.Fantuz, who has missed four games this season with a torn left hamstring, said that his position hasn’t changed since he answered questions from the media on Monday. He told the media that he wanted to concentrate on getting his leg healthy and would worry about his contract later.
Fantuz, who is represented by Atlanta-based agents of Hadley Engelhard and Jim Ulrich, is expected to play Sunday when the Riders play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.Fantuz pursued opportunities in the NFL before arriving two days late for training camp in 2006. Fantuz, the 2005 Hec Crighton Trophy winner while a receiver with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs, said the dream of playing in the NFL remains.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Matt Dominguez during his workout with the Roughriders.
Photograph by: Karen Brownlee, leaderpost.com
REGINA — Two veterans eager to rejoin the Saskatchewan Roughriders weren’t on the field with the CFL team Tuesday.
One of the players (wide receiver Matt Dominguez) did get a private workout after the Roughriders’ practice at Mosaic Stadium. The other (linebacker Reggie Hunt) didn’t — and it didn’t sound like he would be getting a chance in the near future.
“When I met with Reggie (on Monday), the thing I told him was that we’re going to go right now with the people we have,” Roughriders head coach Ken Miller said.
“We’ve had the injuries, but we’ve had some young players who have stepped in. We’re playing pretty well on defence and the guys who are backing up right now are pretty instrumental in our kicking game.”
The Roughriders have been hit by injuries to linebackers Rey Williams and Kye Stewart, both of whom are special-teams stalwarts. Hunt, who hasn’t played since being released by the Montreal Alouettes after the pre-season, was mentioned as a possible signing if the Roughriders were interested in a replacement.
Hunt, 31, didn’t return a phone message from the Leader-Post on Tuesday.
Dominguez, meanwhile, is trying to return to the team which didn’t invite him to training camp this season, ostensibly due to his history of knee injuries.
Dominguez, meanwhile, is trying to return to the team which didn’t invite him to training camp this season, ostensibly due to his history of knee injuries.
The 31-year-old worked out for about 35 minutes after Tuesday’s practice, running routes and catching passes from quarterbacks Cole Bergquist and Graham Harrell.
Miller, director of player personnel Joe Womack and offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice watched, as did members of the media, a few Roughriders players and a handful of fans in the stands.
Dominguez made a leaping, one-handed sideline grab early on — there was applause from the fans and one shout of “Sign him up! Sign him up!” — but he tired visibly as the session continued.
He also dropped a couple of passes that he later termed “easy ones.”
“I would like to think (the chances of returning to the Roughriders) are pretty good,” Dominguez said. “If I take anything away from the workout, (it’s that) I still can catch, still can run routes. If the only thing I have to work on is lung capacity, that’s easy enough to fix.”
Dominguez ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash and was to undergo some other physical testing on his surgically repaired left knee. Miller said the Roughriders want to see how Dominguez did on those before making any kind of a decision on his future.
Dominguez said he didn’t have any problem auditioning for the Roughriders despite the fact he’s a six-year CFL veteran.
“Any business looks out for the business,” he said. “If it’s for the greater good that they try me out and I’m not what they need, then I won’t be around. Should the opposite be true, that this is what has to happen, then this is what has to happen.”
Dominguez knows he’s not in game shape, but he suggested he could play about half a game until he gets his wind. He also admitted he would get some closure if the Roughriders decide not to bring him back.
“If it doesn’t work out, I’ve done all I could to be ready, I’ve had my workout to show what I can do and I’ve done everything I could,” said the two-time 1,000-yard receiver. “Should it not work out, it wasn’t meant to be.”
JASON ARMSTEAD RETURNS TO RIDERS
Return man Jason Armstead made an appearance at Roughrider practice at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post
REGINA — Jason Armstead made what the Saskatchewan Roughriders hope is the first of his many happy returns Tuesday.
Armstead, who spent 1 1/2 CFL seasons with the Roughriders starting in 2006, was added Tuesday to the Riders’ practice roster. The receiver-returner is expected to handle kickoff and punt returns when the Riders play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday.
“Obviously we’re at the very bottom of the (CFL’s) punt-return chart,’’ Kavis Reed, the Riders’ special teams co-ordinator, said after Tuesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “I believe that Jason will be a definite upgrade. We’re looking forward to his speed, his intelligence and his ability to break tackles.’’
Armstead, 30, and the Riders parted company for the first time midway through the 2007 season. After complaining about his role with team, Armstead apparently requested a trade. The Riders accommodated him on Aug. 19, 2007, sending him to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for slotback Chris Getzlaf and receiver-returner Corey Holmes.
Armstead later told the Leader-Post that he had not demanded a trade. Riders officials and Armstead disagreed but on Tuesday he was back in Regina.
“That was business,’’ said Armstead, who was acquired by the Riders in 2006 in a dispersal draft of players from the defunct Ottawa Renegades. “Saskatchewan brought me here during the dispersal draft and it was the kind of place that uplifted me. It’s home for me and it’s good to be back.’’
Since being traded to the Tiger-Cats, Armstead has played with the Montreal Alouettes and the Blue Bombers. He was released by the Blue Bombers in March after an alleged domestic violence incident with his girlfriend.
Armstead, who was released on bond, said the charge was reduced to the lesser one of simple verbal assualt. It’s believed the charge was settled with a fine of $300. Armstead said he has put that situation behind him.
Joe Womack, the Riders’ director of player personel, said he didn’t see any similarities between their signing Armstead and the Bombers’ apparent signing of oft-arrested and oft-suspended Adam (Pacman) Jones.
“(Jason) didn’t threaten his girlfriend,’’ said Womack. “It was a heated argument but it wasn’t a threat. He’s had a good record in the league and has been very productive since he left us. We felt that we needed to upgrade our return situation and with Jason being in great shape, he was a logical choice for us.’’
Armstead dressed for 14 games in 2008 with the Alouettes and Blue Bombers. He had 44 kickoff returns for 960 yards along with 76 punt returns for 728 yards and one touchdown.
In 23 games with the Riders, he had 85 punt returns for 783 yards and a touchdown. He had 32 kickoff returns for 478 yards.
In 23 games with the Riders, he had 85 punt returns for 783 yards and a touchdown. He had 32 kickoff returns for 478 yards.
Armstead is the last Rider to return a kick for a touchdown. He did that July 20, 2007 when he returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown against the Edmonton Eskimos.
“That’s the reason why we brought him in,’’ said Reed. “He’s a proven commodity and we want to make sure that we give him every opportunity in practice to get his eyes and his legs back in terms of catching and securing the ball. We expect big things from him.’’
“That’s the reason why we brought him in,’’ said Reed. “He’s a proven commodity and we want to make sure that we give him every opportunity in practice to get his eyes and his legs back in terms of catching and securing the ball. We expect big things from him.’’
Armstead was in Mississippi hoping for a call from a CFL team looking for help with its special teams. The Riders made the call and on Tuesday, Armstead spent additional time fielding punts and kickoffs from Jamie Boreham on the natural turf practice field.
“Being at home, you very seldom have quarterbacks, moreso a punter,’’ said Armstead. “I didn’t have access to either at home. I wanted to get some punts under me. Football is like riding a bike but you still have to stay tuned in with it.’’
NOTES: Armstead is expected to take Eric Morris’s roster spot when the Riders play the Blue Bombers . . . Left offensive tackle Bobby Harris was on the sidelines for most of Tuesday’s practice. Riders head coach Ken Miller didn’t know if Harris would play on Sunday. Right guard Marc Parenteau was also rested on Tuesday because of a knee injury. Miller expects Parenteau to be fitted with a brace and play Sunday. If Harris doesn’t play, veteran Gene Makowsky may fill in at left tackle. It’s possible that import Antonio Hall, who was added to the roster on Monday, would fill in at left guard.
TUESDAY AT RIDER PRACTICE
What a wild Tuesday at Mosaic Stadium.It was a relatively shorter practice because of the layoff before the Riders play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday. But the Labour Day Classic is shaping up to be an eventful one, based on Tuesday's happenings. So without further preamble here’s the news from Tuesday’s practice.
— Returner Jason Armstead passed his physical and is expected to play on Sunday. Armstead looked pretty good and fast. He seemed to hit the holes quicker than any other returner this year. Armstead also sounded contrite and eager to take advantage of playing at home again. There will be more online later or in Wednesday’s L-P.
— Receiver Matt Dominguez worked out under the watchful eye of offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice and head coach Ken Miller after practice. Quarterbacks Cole Bergquist and Dalton Bell really put Dominguez through a work out with many different routes and passes of varying distances. Dominguez worked hard and at times needed a breather. He was to undergo more tests after the workout but our man Ian Hamilton stayed at the stadium to possibly get some of Matt’s thoughts. Check online later or, as always, in Wednesday’s L-P.
— The Blue Bombers signing Pacman Jones created quite the buzz around Mosaic Stadium. I’ll have Riders reaction from Lance Frazier and Joe Womack online later or . . . well you get the idea by now. Womack didn’t mince words when asked for his thoughts. It’s well worth checking back on later.-
— Miller said they haven’t placed Bobby Harris on the nine-game injured list. I feel that I should add a yet to that statement. Miller doesn’t know if Harris will play Sunday because of an injured left knee. Right guard Marc Parenteau has also been resting after a suffering a knee injury against the Montreal Alouettes. Miller expects Parenteau to play on Sunday with a fitted brace. I would expect Gene Makowsky to play left tackle if Harris can’t play.
— The Riders are planning to go with the linebackers they have and not add Reggie Hunt to the roster. Miller met with Hunt on Monday but feels that their young players are playing well at this time and the backup linebackers are instrumental in special teams. Miller said that a series of injuries might change their position but right, it’s status quo.
— Finally, Miller had this great response after the media scrum when asked what he knew about Pacman Jones. "I've been in the CFL for seven years and I wouldn't know Pacman Jones from Batman.''
— Returner Jason Armstead passed his physical and is expected to play on Sunday. Armstead looked pretty good and fast. He seemed to hit the holes quicker than any other returner this year. Armstead also sounded contrite and eager to take advantage of playing at home again. There will be more online later or in Wednesday’s L-P.
— Receiver Matt Dominguez worked out under the watchful eye of offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice and head coach Ken Miller after practice. Quarterbacks Cole Bergquist and Dalton Bell really put Dominguez through a work out with many different routes and passes of varying distances. Dominguez worked hard and at times needed a breather. He was to undergo more tests after the workout but our man Ian Hamilton stayed at the stadium to possibly get some of Matt’s thoughts. Check online later or, as always, in Wednesday’s L-P.
— The Blue Bombers signing Pacman Jones created quite the buzz around Mosaic Stadium. I’ll have Riders reaction from Lance Frazier and Joe Womack online later or . . . well you get the idea by now. Womack didn’t mince words when asked for his thoughts. It’s well worth checking back on later.-
— Miller said they haven’t placed Bobby Harris on the nine-game injured list. I feel that I should add a yet to that statement. Miller doesn’t know if Harris will play Sunday because of an injured left knee. Right guard Marc Parenteau has also been resting after a suffering a knee injury against the Montreal Alouettes. Miller expects Parenteau to play on Sunday with a fitted brace. I would expect Gene Makowsky to play left tackle if Harris can’t play.
— The Riders are planning to go with the linebackers they have and not add Reggie Hunt to the roster. Miller met with Hunt on Monday but feels that their young players are playing well at this time and the backup linebackers are instrumental in special teams. Miller said that a series of injuries might change their position but right, it’s status quo.
— Finally, Miller had this great response after the media scrum when asked what he knew about Pacman Jones. "I've been in the CFL for seven years and I wouldn't know Pacman Jones from Batman.''
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
UPDATING THE MATT DOMINQUEZ SITUATION
By Rob Vanstone Tue, Sep 1 2009 COMMENTS(2) Rider Rumblings
The Saskatchewan Roughriders' coaches are expected to work out Matt Dominguez later this week.
It is unlikely that Dominguez will be rejoining the Roughriders in the immediate future. But if he tests well, he may be re-signed for the last four to six regular-season games.
Here's hoping that a class act gets another shot in Green and White.
Once again, Dominguez is helping out with the Riffel Royals' high school football team. He is handling the offensive co-ordinator's duties in conjunction with Matt Firnesz.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders' coaches are expected to work out Matt Dominguez later this week.
It is unlikely that Dominguez will be rejoining the Roughriders in the immediate future. But if he tests well, he may be re-signed for the last four to six regular-season games.
Here's hoping that a class act gets another shot in Green and White.
Once again, Dominguez is helping out with the Riffel Royals' high school football team. He is handling the offensive co-ordinator's duties in conjunction with Matt Firnesz.
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