SPORTS TALK: Riders and CFL officials are getting bad reputations across the league

By Greg Buchanan

Like a good perogy meal from your Grandma, good things come to those who wait.

With a 7-game losing streak, the guys in Green are winning ugly, and sometimes a little dirty.

The last few weeks, it has not been banner games by the offence. They have been picked up by a defence that returned to their early season form.

Redblacks’ quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who was starting in place of injured starter Dru Brown, never looked comfortable and the Riders took advantage of an Ottawa offence that never found its footing, waiting for their chance rather than trying to force the issue.

As an aside, remember when people wanted kicker Brett Lauther cut after he missed four kicks against Montreal? He has been next to perfect seven-for-seven vs Ottawa. He’s rebounded nicely since perhaps the worst game of his career.

While I do still take issue with a couple of decisions by head coach Corey Mace in the last few games including to punt just shy of mid-field, that wasn’t the worst thing to happen in this game.

In the game’s dying second vs Ottawa, Riders’ defensive back Deontai Williams tackled Redblacks’ receiver Kalil Pimpleton in a way that looked more like a finishing move in the wrestling ring than a football play.

After the catch, Williams had Pimpleton in an awkward position upside down and drove him down onto his head a little too aggressively. Unsurprisingly, flags flew, and the benches cleared. For a brief second, a ref’s mic turned on and we got a glimpse into the chaos in the middle of the scrum.

Williams and Redblacks’ receiver Dominique Rhymes would both end up ejected from the game for their role in the skirmish, as the officials tried to restore order for the final six seconds of the game.

A “tackle” like that isn’t necessary at any time but it’s especially egregious in the final seconds of a game that’s been decided. Williams was rightfully flagged and tossed. I’m sure his game cheque will be a little lighter this week, too.

It was not a good look for a team that already has a bit of a dirty reputation around the league.

The league has to spend the off season with a long, long look at stripes. CFL officials are currently on a roll on the mic.

Over the last few weeks, head ref Ben Major has gone semi-viral for his calls after punts hit the scoreboard at BC Place. On Friday night, a punt got stuck in the scoreboard in Vancouver and led to another great announcement from Tom Vallesi.

On Saturday afternoon, it was Major’s turn yet again to give us a solid one-liner.

After a ball comically landed in the lap of a splayed-out Dominique Rhymes after being tipped by his teammate Nick Mardner on a scramble play from Masoli, the receiver was eventually called for offensive pass interference.

The key word is “eventually”, because there was a pretty long delay from the end of the play until the penalty was announced. A fairly long discussion took place between the officials and the command centre before Major cracked his mic and made the call.

“After all of this…we have offensive pass interference.”

Was Major himself also fed up with how long that took? Maybe. Either way, I’m here for the league’s refs showing some personality on the mic.

It has been almost a drinking game by some fans. Ok guys, everytime the officials screw up, “Drink”. Hey, where did all the booze go? It’s only the 2nd quarter.