He huffed and puffed, Kavis Reed did, during his post-game press conference Saturday, and blew the assembled media down. (Look at the end of the post and you will see yourself.) The Edmonton Eskimos dismal performance Saturday night against the B.C. Lions — a 17-3 loss — is another sign the once mighty Canadian Football League team is in a deep slide. And maybe that’s the reason I am cannot get very excited about the Esks these days.
Penalties. They
were a huge reason why the Eskimos lost their second consecutive home game of
the season. Eleven penalties for 103 yards. One hundred and three yards. Isn’t
that more than the entire length of the football field? From unnecessary
roughness infractions to roughing the passer, a somewhat disturbing trend is
unfolding. In three games the Eskimos have been penalized 41 times
for 330 yards. No gold stars here.
 |
| Rick LeLacheur |
Forget lack of
discipline. It’s lack of respect, period. It’s a football team out of control
with — for whatever reason — arrogance. But for what? Winning the Grey Cup last
year? Nope. Not even posting a winning record last year with a 7-11 showing.
Ever since Rick LeLacheur retired as president, I have felt a disconnect
between the front office and the fans. Look at the number of good, qualified
people who left the organization. Long-time vice-president of communications
Dave Jamieson left the team just two weeks into the season last year. Trouble
in paradise? Absolutely. Somewhere down the road the Eskimos have forgotten how
well their grass-roots foundation of the franchise worked. The arrogance of the
front office has spread on to the field. Kavis Reed has the daunting task of
cleaning it all up — something, clearly, he should not have to do.
KAVIS REED'S POST-GAME COMMENTS
(Interesting note: The Eskimos removed this from their website but the CFL did not)
(Interesting note: The Eskimos removed this from their website but the CFL did not)
Twiter @camtait
