the 4th star

Oh really? Hadn’t noticed.

Now we get to see if Mike Kelly, the man who says the buck stops with him, puts his money where his mouth is.

No matter how you bounce it off the turf, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a quarterback controversy. Now some will argue that you need an actual quarterback on the roster to have a QB controversy, but thats another post for another time. Three games into the season, starting pivot Stefan LeFors has looked, well…. Here’s a look at the production in each start:

At Edmonton, a 19-17 loss: 14-for-31, 174 yards 0 TD, 0 INT

In Winnipeg, a 42-30 win: 13-for-27, 156 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

At Hamilton, a 25-13 loss: 7-of-19, 99 yards, no TD, 0 INT

Season totals: 34-for-77, 44.2 per cent completion rate, 429 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, QB rating of 65.3. For the starters in the CFL, those numbers rank him dead last.

Whoa. Not too good. Now LeFors did admit after the latest bomb that his play has been suspect to this point, but it certainly is curious that his head coach continues to gloss over each mediocre performance. Not the first time Kelly has taken the fall for LeFors and his team. Said Kelly after the ugly loss to the Ticats:

“Our team played with great grit and determination. Anybody wearing a blue helmet and a white shirt didn’t leave anything out there. It’s on me. I didn’t put good enough schemes together in order for us to be successful. I didn’t do a good enough job to give them an opportunity to function.”

LeFors has a terrible arm — there’s no other way to put it. People can say nice things like he handles himself in the huddle well and that the players are respecting him as a leader on the field, but those traits get trumped by the the physical limitations. He just can’t throw it. Don’t even try to say that he’s inexperienced or that he’s still learning the game. That does not excuse his lack of arm strength. Again, he just can’t throw it. ONE COMPLETION OVER 20 YARDS THIS SEASON. Out of the 19 throws he made on Saturday, how many of them looked like a spiral? AGAIN, he just can’t throw the football. He doesn’t have the arm strength to throw the CFL football. Think Kevin Glenn had a weak arm? He does. But he looks like Jeff George compared to LeFors.

So where do the Bombers go from here? LeFors hurt his right shoulder in the game (Kelly said that was the reason he took him out) and what his status is for Friday’s game against Toronto is up in the air. We’ll probably find out more later today. If he can’t go this week then it’s Bryan Randall’s chance to show that he can move the chains.

But what if LeFors isn’t hurt? No matter. Kelly should sit him out anyway. Forget about the need to give this guy some playing time to grow his game. Holding LeFors back from the wolves of Canad Inns Stadium will do more then having him booed after the first two-and-out he orchestrates. Besides, he’s struggling. Period. It will give No. 17 a chance to see the game from a different viewpoint, and maybe he’ll respond in a positive way the next time out.

If anything, the benching would give Kelly some needed credibility with observers and fans of the team. In spewing his *knowledge* to anyone who will listen, Kelly has made a point of saying that no jobs on this team are safe — that players have to perform week in and week out to ensure their spots. To put it another way, they have to be better than the guy behind them. It happened to Joe Smith. It’s happening to Tyrone Williams. Players who were anointed starters on this club at the beginning of the year are now either out of work or being shopped around the league.

On that stream of consciousness then, shouldn’t LeFors be told to grab some pine? Granted, it doesn’t look like Randall or Ritchie Williams would be better options at this point, but maybe they deserve the same chance to play as Dorian Smith or Lavarus Giles were given. If players aren’t performing, then changes will be made. Isn’t that how it is over at Camp Kelly?

He’s a straight shooter, right?

Hmmm.

“Stef is the quarterback here. I will take one Sefan LeFors before I’ll take anybody else. Period.”

Stef? That’s called painting yourself into a corner, boys and girls. Forget about what Randall and Williams were thinking after reading that comment — how they have no hope in hell of it being a fair competition for the starting job — there are bigger things to ponder. Like what does Kelly do if LeFors can’t go this week and Randall (or Williams) turn in an outstanding effort and beat the Argos? Does he go back to LeFors? Or does he keep going with the hot hand?

If Kelly is all about production and getting better as a team each week, wouldn’t those same qualities and evaluation parameters apply to the quarterbacking position, too?

Hello there, Sunday afternoon. My, my, my — hot stuff coming through. Can I get you boys anything? Maybe something to eat, like a Man Sandwich or a banana? A hot dog? How ’bout a towel or a blanket? No? What about you, out of place old guy on the left? You know, they sell hats just past those umbrellas there. Tight ones that will really show the outline of your head all scrunched up in there.

Enjoy the beach, boys. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

Was going to write something about the epic battle between Quinton Porter and Stefan LeFors (not really), but there’s no time for an intro. Not when I’m mere minutes away from a three-day weekend. Speaking of the No. 3, here are three questions heading into Saturday’s late, late afternoon game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-1) and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-1):

1. Will the Ivor Wynne crowd keep the story going?
I’ve never been to a CFL game in Hamilton. I now the stands are right up against the sidelines like it’s an arena football game, but I have no idea what the crowd energy is really like. I’m sure, given the last 400 years of losing seasons and single digit wins, that the wind blows out of the sails quite easily when a visiting club scores on the first three drives. However, they have hope this season. Every other club is just a shitty as they are, meaning they have a chance to win more than they lose. That fact, tied together with the whole ‘Scoutgate” drama the Bungling Bombers threw at them, should have the crowd in a fervor. They could make life miserable for the Winnipeg bench. Too bad this isn’t October or November. Snowballs would be an excellent fan freebie at the door.

2. Is there such a thing as a statement game in Week 3?
Interesting that both teams are looking to climb over the .500 mark earlier than anyone expected them to. Interesting. This game is being advertised as a precursor to how the season could unfold for both teams. Interesting how much stock is being purchased for this game; how a win by either the Bombers or Ticats transforms perceptions of them from “we’ll see” into “for real.” So back to the original question: Is there such a thing as a statement game in Week 3? The answer: No. Give your head a shake.

3. Let’s all watch Doug Brown, shall we?
Big Bubba makes his triumphant return. May all our drinks be Earls-sized! He’s missed the last two games with meningitis, but the coaching staff expects him to take the majority of the snaps. Here’s how the coverage will go: If he plays well, everyone at BMP (Brown Media Partners) will gush over what a player he is. Maybe someone will say he’s a warrior. You know who will say that. If he struggles — say like Tyrone Williams did last week against Calgary (reports say he played himself out of starting against Hamilton) — then people will fall over each other trying to point out that he’s still not at 100 per cent. He lost 20 pounds. He’s still a little weak. Quick, someone say something about game shape! I expect his play to fall somewhere in the middle of that. One thing is for certain: The Bombers need a better push in the middle in hopes of getting to the quarterback. Winnipeg is last in the CFL with two sacks.

Let’s get it on. I have spent most of the week listening to the marvelous Marvin Gaye and figured I’d pass the beauty on to you via the Friday Wrap Jam. The video above isn’t the most exciting thing you’ll see, but here’s what you do: Turn the volume on te computer right up, lean back in that crappy office chair ‘the man’ has forced you in, close your eyes, and just listen to the sound of his voice. Baaaaaaaaaabbeeeeee! Outstanding stuff. Looking for more Marvin? There’s this and a crushing version of The Star Spangled Banner at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. Pure sexual chocolate milk. Mmmmmmmm.

Man, I need a cigarette.

In a 4th Star exclusive, former Canadian Football League quarterback Matt Dunigan sits down with former Canadian Football League quarterback Matt Dunigan for a one-on-one interview. For those of you who don’t know, the 14-year veteran with nearly every team in the league now serves as a football analyst for TSN and occasionally takes control at the barbecue over at the Food Network — a channel which apparently is starving for content.

Matt Dunigan: Hey Matt. Thanks for agreeing to do this. Big fan over here. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.

Matt Dunigan: Pleasure’s mine, dude. You want a skewer?

MD: Naw, thanks though. I’m good. Just had some corn on the cob — right off the grill if you can believe it.

MD: That’s good shit. Sorry, for the cussin.’ I mean, *good eating*…

MD: Hey, no problem. Don’t worry about it. So, let’s get down and dirty and talk some football. What’s your take on this whole Winnipeg Blue Bombers-Hamilton Tiger-Cats scouting practice thing-a-ma-bob situation?

MD: No big deal. I know Mike Kelly. He would never do anything that would bring im-pri-tee to his club.

MD: I think it’s pronounced ‘impropriety’ but I understand what you’re saying. What about that Kelly? Is he a class act, or what? Did you see that press conference?

MD: Outstanding. Loved it. Loved the way he gave it to those scrubs. Mike told those print guys that he wasn’t going to talk about it and they kept after it. I’m gonna start calling him Mad Mike. He reminds me of Bill Belichick. Not the cheating part, though.

MD: Me, too. I was just going to say the same thing. What part about Mike reminds you of the three-time Super Bowl champion?

MD: The winning. He’s a winner. I think he’s the best.

MD: ME, TOO!

MD: Remember when I threw for that 700 yards in Winnipeg?

MD: It was 713 yards, but go on…

MD: Yeah, that’s what I meant. He was the guy who ‘got me’ in that town. We really connected, you know, like in not just a football way. Man, I would love to go back to Winnipeg and have Mad Mike ‘coach me up’ there again. Mad Mike and Mad Matt! Then we could throw a few shrimp on the grill after the game and talk about how much football rules and shit.

MD: I agree. He’s a brilliant offensive mind. One of the all time greats. You know, I could’ve been his OC in Winnipeg this season, eh?

MD: Yeah, I heard that. You should have done it. What a chance to learn the game from one of the smartest offensive minds since Joe Pao Pao.

MD: Maybe next year. It will be tough trying to follow up Mike’s Grey Cup season, but that shouldn’t be an issue.

MD: A non-issue…?

MD: Hahahahaha.

MD: Hahahaha. That’s great…listen, thanks again for this, Matt. Oh…it looks like one of your assistants is signaling that the ribs are ready.

MD: Let’s do it!

(jumps out of chair and smacks his hands together for a personal high-five)

After watching the clips on television and reading the many, many, many stories on the subject, I have a couple more thoughts on this Winnipeg Blue Bombers-Ron Trentini-Hamilton Tiger-Cats mess. This might be the end of this topic. Or maybe not. Who knows? What embarrassment do the Bombers have planned for next week?

1. The Bombers state they had no knowledge Trentini was going to do this, and insist he acted alone. That may very well be true. What I find interesting about that is how everyone is so quick to believe what the Bombers are saying. Didn’t they issue an apology to the Ticats and to the league? Hmmm. People don’t usually apologize unless they did something wrong. Expand that out further, and you’re looking at a Bomber organization that is apologizing for something they say they had no knowledge of. Throw that on the pile of incidents the club has been written up for since Mike Kelly moved into the captain’s chair (the free-agent camp in Florida and the ‘QB School’ immediately come to mind) and where the line of trust actually starts becomes blurred. If you’re a fan and you’re reading this, how do you believe what Kelly is saying?

Yes, the workouts are open to the public and yes, there are no rules in place to prevent clubs from sending their people to opposition practices to gain an edge. But just because there is no official parameters on the subject doesn’t mean it isn’t frowned upon or considered unethical. Whatever side of the fence you sit on, this whole thing stinks.

2. Though I still have no idea what he does for the team, I actually feel bad for Ross Hodgkinson. Poor guy. He got sent to the wolves by the Bombers yesterday, and looked very uncomfortable having to explain the club’s position on the whole scouting dealio. Not the organization’s finest moment, that’s for sure.

“When this first happened that was my first thought: this is a blemish on the organization. It’s a difficult business. It’s a competitive business. As much as you’d like to apologize or do whatever, I mean, people will always be skeptical as to what the intent was and how it came about. I can’t do anything about that. All we can do is be forthright and forthcoming as we were with the league immediately upon being aware of this.”

Funny how he was the guy the team sent out. Whether it’s Bobby Dyce having to tell Derick Armstrong that’s he not starting or Hodgkinson having to explain cheating allegations he probably had no hand in, one thing is certain: That Coach Kelly sure is a straight shooter. Tells it like it is. That’s how they do it in Philly, I guess. Just Mike being Mike.

Blemish, indeed.

The Canadian Football League issued the following statement regarding the Hamilton Tiger-Cats evicting Winnipeg Blue Bombers scout Ron Trentini from Ivor Wynne Stadium after finding notes and diagrams of some of their plays on him:

“The Commissioner (Mark Cohon) has fully reviewed the incident that was brought to his attention yesterday. The Commissioner has informed the Winnipeg Football Club, and all Member Clubs, that this type of practice is unacceptable and similar incidents in the future may result in disciplinary action. Yesterday’s incident involving Winnipeg is being managed internally.”

Case closed, right?

Maybe not. Great line from Global’s Jeff Keel (I think it’s him) at Mike Kelly’s press conference: The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are accusing you of cheating. That’s not an issue, coach?

Seems to me like that would be an issue. If someone called me a cheater, I would take issue with that. It would be an issue with me. At issue is the subject of being called a cheater by another team. In the latest issue of Cheater magazine is a story about me. I would take issue with that.

Here’s some free advice to Coach Kelly. If you get caught by the league or its members doing something that is unethical or questionable, just cop to it. The league has let you off the hook by issuing the statement — all you have to do is come clean and give a reasonable explanation. Read from a statement. Do something. Instead of extinguishing a “non-issue” right away with some actual answers, all you’re doing by playing this stubborn game is throwing another gasoline-soaked log on the fire. Now there’s another off-field issue. Every reporter (well, at least the ones who were doing the heavy lifting today) left that press conference with even more desire to find a link between you and “Scoutgate.”

After ignoring a 25 year layoff, with three of those spent begging to play, I have decided to make a triumphant return to the beautiful game. In a stunning act of charity, the Crescentwood Saturday Soccer Club has done the unthinkable and allowed me to play with them in the Winnipeg Soccer Division this summer. If I can score one goal this year, I’d be pretty happy. Judging from my inconsistent play, my teammates would be equally ecstatic, too. Here’s the weekly update:

Rain. Rain. And more rain. The monsoon that had people making their way to higher ground postponed the CSSC game with Inter-Milan last night, leaving things static in the Winnipeg Soccer Division. Rather than tell you where everyone is and who is doing what, here’s a snapshot of the standings. As you can see, the mighty Reds have a game in hand and are lurking in the weeds…

On a personal note, I did have a dream the other night that I scored a goal. Yes. A real goal. The game winner, to boot. A nice blast from the top of the box into the top right corner with minutes remaining. Is it a sign of things to come, or am I literally dreaming that I can find the back of the net before the summer is out? Stay positive, people.

Three and a half days. That’s how long it took the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to step in it once again. To erase the good feelings from a home opening win. To show that the sideshow off the field will be just as much (or even better) a story as the action on it.

Poof! Gone. Just like that.

A Blue Bombers scout caught at a Hamilton Tiger-Cats practice. No problem if he’s there just observing. Can I get you a water? Weekly workouts are open to the public. Come back again real soon. However, not fine if he’s taking pages of notes, drawing up “plays Hamilton was running during practice” and is working for the Blue Bombers.

A snippet:

(Ron) Trentini isn’t well-known in CFL circles, but a Ticats employee said Hamilton assistant coach Danny McManus sat next to him in the press box at Rogers Centre during last Saturday’s game in Toronto between the Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Trentini was reportedly scouting the game while wearing Blue Bombers apparel.

In addition, a member of the Bombers media-relations staff this week sent a credential request to Hamilton under Trentini’s name for Saturday’s game at Hamilton between the Bombers and Tiger-Cats. Trentini was accredited for the Argos-Riders game as being associated with the Bombers.

The Bombers have distanced themselves from Trentini, saying he abused his credential and that he was taking his own notes for a team in the Ontario Varsity Football League. “It was his own doing,” director of football operations Ross Hodgkinson told The Globe.

Further down, here’s Ticats president Scott Mitchell, beautifully sarcastic:

“I think the Bombers and this guy are taking our league marketing campaign of ‘accessible and affordable’ a little too seriously. To be honest, we probably made a mistake by escorting him out. Considering how quickly he gave up his contacts and his reason for being there, we probably should have bought him lunch and asked him some more questions, who knows what we would have found out? Its unfortunate, but the Bombers are a great organization, so I’m sure it’s something they’re not proud of.”

And now a new low for the Bombers. Having Hamilton think they’re better than you.

Over at the Blue Bombers message board, the blue bleeders are giving the expected reaction. Some wonder what the big deal is, ignoring the fact that they would be going absolutely ballistic if a Ticats scout was caught at Canad Inns Stadium, while others say Hamilton deserves it (whatever that means).

The 4th Star first reaction: While we doubt they will originate from Winnipeg, we’re hoping for more details to emerge in the next couple days. People observe practices all the time. They are open to the public, so you have to assume a guy from the other team is in the stands. It’s a different story, however, when that guy from the other team gets caught taking notes and drawing up diagrams. Regardless of what comes out (and really does it even matter given the admission from the Bombers?), M. Kelly continues his impressive streak of embarrassing the club. Everything crosses his desk, putting him as the man responsible. Nice double standard, too. The same man who flips out over television cameras at practice for fear of other clubs picking up schemes on the limited highlight coverage is now one step away from taping opposition practices.

Oh wait, sorry. It was Trentini’s own doing. He only works for the Blue Bombers as a football scout. He doesn’t actually scout football for the team.