Political brilliance on stadium announcement

When I first heard that the provincial government would fund up $80million for a "roof ready" new stadium my reaction was that this probably would be less than what was needed to make the project go. Then to my surprise, later in the day both Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco and the Riders held press conferences to state how pleased they were with the provinces' announcement ...and the Riders themselves would contribute to the project. The province put it in the context that their contribution would be a similar percentage to what they have given to other "recreation centers" in the province...and they went on to list them, town by town, city by city. So I think what the province has done has found a nice sweet spot between those in favor and opposed to a new stadium. The $80m is no where near the $240m the City requested(So taxpayers are perhaps breathing a sigh of relief) and the $80m is probably enough of a commitment to get the project off the ground, as it also comes with a loan if necessary. Because the mayor was beaming in his press conference, and the Riders stepped up to the plate with a commitment to fund (total amount will be released later) for the first time, it leads me to believe that a deal is in the works. The mayor imposed a July deadline for all funding to be in place...and no one seemed to think that was going to be a problem. Private sector funding must be in the queue then, and an announcement forthcoming. The provinces' announcement is walking a political tightrope with grace and agility. In the end I think everyone will believe that they are being respectful of taxpayers money, while at the same time participating in a meaningful level on one of the biggest and most needed Infastructure projects in the provinces' history.

Rider's trim roster

Today the Rider's announced the release of a number of players:

Import DL Jay Alford
Import OL Johan Asiata
Non-Import WR Ismael Bamba
Non-Import K Chris Bodnar
Non-Import FB Mathieu Boulay
Import WR Patrick Brown
Non-Import OL Dan Clark
Import LB Chris Francis
Import DB Lance Frazier
Import DB Macho Harris
Non-Import OL Nick Hutchins
Import DB Talmadge Jackson
Import DB Jalil Johnson
Import LB Karl Paymah
Non-Import LB Kevin Regimbald-Gagne
Import DL Kenny Rowe
Import WR Jock Sanders
Import LB Davonte Shannon
Import LB Daniel Sheffield
Import WR Taj Smith
Import DL David Veikune
Import RB DeShawn Wynn

The following players have been added to the injury list:
Non-Import FB Graeme Bell
Non-Import OL Chris Best

The following players have been added to the 9 game injury list:
Import WR Dallas Baker
Import OL Dan Goodspeed
Import QB Levi Brown

I was at the game on Friday night. It was my first game at Taylor Field...err Mosaic Stadium since 1995. Can't believe it has been that long. Worst part though, was that the stadium hasn't changed that much for the better...even though the recent renovations and bowl seating does look good.

Of the changes above, based on what I saw on Friday, I can't say there are many surprises. Lance Frazier being cut was perhaps the one that raises the most eyebrows. A classy, long time vet, it looks like coaching or an administration position may be in store for him in the near future. Same thing with Dan Goodspeed. Looks like his time on the 9-game list will give him some time to consider if he wants to get involved in coaching.

The other surprise to me as that Brandon West wasn't cut. With the play of Kory Sheets on Friday I thought that West would be released. I guess they have found the room to keep a couple of extra RB's around incase Sheets doesn't pan out.

The practise roster hasn't been announced yet, but 7 of those released will make it onto that list. There is no doubt that there will be some roster moves before the first game against Hamilton. Notice how there's no fooling around with Chamblin like in years past. A good example is Jay Alford. I guess they wanted him to show up to camp earlier. Chamblin has made it clear that you have to show up and try to make the team, instead of resting on your laurels. 

If that mindset carries through the season the Riders should do well.

Don't panic... at least wait till the season starts

I was on a flight home when the Riders were playing their first exhibition game against B.C. I asked my wife to PVR' the game and I still haven't watched it. I did get the heads up that it wasn't worth watching, so I am starting to think there is no point.

There also is no point to panic. When I was listening to Sportsnight on Thursday night some callers had already written the season off. Other callers sounded like they were ready to jump off a bridge. I guess I have to remind people that it was just an exhibition game. Even more reason to remain calm is that the Lions played a lot of their starters, later into the game, while the Riders were "trying out guys" in various positions. 

Isn't that what exhibition games are for anyway? With the record as bad as it was in 2011, one would hope that Riders were going to try new things (i.e. offensive and defense schemes), try out new players (how many veterans didn't make the trip?) and get used to the new coaching dynamics and personalities.

I like everything that I have seen so far from the new regime. I am hopeful that the Riders will play better in the 2nd exhibition game on Friday, and maybe then that will stop the crazies from being, well, crazies! 

Nonetheless, everything is still meaningless until the season starts.