Tough Call

Taking a step back and reading the rules and yeah, maybe it was a foul. But the penalty called on John Chick is a tough pill to swallow for the RiderNation.

Taken in the context of the game, Henry Burris had been able to escape what appeared to be sure tackles on a few occasions. In fact, one could argue maybe the whistle should have been blown on those plays. So after seeing this for four quarters, one can hardly blame John Chick for his actions.

This is football right? You do still play to the whistle right? Henry was rolling around and trying to get up right?

Turn the tables. If that was Darian Durant flailing around on the turf and somebody landed on him, Rider supports would scream bloody murder for a flag. But the referee is not a fan and must separate between colors.

The magnitude of the call was so massive because of the result...Almost 30 yards in field position and some hope for the Stamps. Enough hope to allow them to pretty much move the ball at will on a deflated defence.

Check out Rob Vanstone of the Leader Post. He maybe sums up this situation better than anyone. As he usually does!
http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/VANSTONE+Unnecessary+roughness+against+Roughriders+necessary+call/2116071/story.html#
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Enough negative, let's hit the positive. DD was A+. Durant once again fashioned together a 4th quarter scoring drive that gave his team a chance. Then he made the plays he needed to in OT to have his team come home in first place. Its getting harder and harder to be a Durant detractor. Sure, they still make up stuff about his arm strength and his interception numbers, but when it comes down to it, the only number that matters is in the 'W' column and he has as many as anybody in the West.
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The Pats are showing life. The Blue & White took 3 of a possible 4 points at home this weekend and looked much improved doing it. There is still a long ways to go, but if the get decent goaltending, they have a chance every night with Jordan Eberle dominating the way he does.
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If you are bored one night and looking for some good action, check the schedule and see if the Warriors are playing. I'm not wrong very often, but these guys look to be making a fool out of me. I said the Tribe would make the playoffs this year, but the way they are believing in themselves and playing right now, they might quickly become a contender for the league. I know, its a long season, but Hunchak et al are really looking good and I'm not just talking about Dave's suits.
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Too bad for my fantasy opponent this weekend who started Eli Manning over Tom Brady. As Tom Vernon told me, "Stick with your horses"...I did, and won!
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Cougar Tracks on Global Wednesday on News Final promises to be fun. A special guest interviewer spoke to the U of R Cougars Women's BBall Coach Dave Taylor....This team is easily my favorite in town.
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Speaking of the U of R. I'm working on a special feature that you are going to want to check out. Its coming in a couple of weeks and trust me, there will be lots of pub for it. Its going to be fun.
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Trino's Men's Wear is my favorite shop in the city. They have their own line of shirts in right now that are absolutely awesome...My wardrobe is growing because of them. No doubt that soon when you see me, I'll be wearing something from this great store on Quance.
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Press Box sports bar has Buffalo Ranch wings that are amazing! Rod Pedersen and Tom Vernon combined to convince me of the non-breaded version. So good!
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Did Chris Szarka ask Ken Miller to help him in his campaign for City Council? Lol...He sure saw the ball alot and likewise the endzone. Lots of free pub this weekend. Great game for the vet.
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Cheers