The following email exchange between a Rider fan and CFL Director of Officiating George Black was forwarded to me. In it, Curious George attempts to explain why three Saskatchewan Roughriders were ejected from last weekend's game in Hamilton. Hilarity ensues.
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I thought you football fans might enjoy some George Black humour! This is his real response to an inquiry I made through the CFL web site.
Did anyone know that a Donnybrook is now in the CFL official rulebook? Moreover, what is a Donnybrook? How about a Brouhaha? Me thinks George is already into the Brew! lol
Without getting into the specifics, I would say to you that when a donnybrook breaks out there should be a reasonable expectation that ejections can occur. The officials are actually loathe to disqualify a player and go to great lengths to avoid ejecting, because they all understand that the fans come to see the players, not the officials. As well, they understand that sending off players can have an immense impact on a team who may lose a player at a key position. Please accept that it is taken VERY seriously. That being said, this brouhaha, unlike one earlier in the year where they waded into the fray and lost sight of the actual actions of some players, was handled properly.
George R. Black
Director of Officiating
Canadian Football League
416-865-2641
gblack@cfl.ca
-----Original Message-----
From: CFL.ca feedback form
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 4:50 PM
To: George Black
Subject: CFL Feedback: Credibility?
Officiating/Ask the Ref
There seems to be conflicting stories of the reasoning behind the ejections of three Rider players last game. It has been stated by Rider officials that they were ejected for piling on and pinning, which has never ever been worthy of an ejection in football history. I have also read that your response through email to others is that they were ejected for fighting although not one punch was thrown by any players. I just want to get the accurate story from the source as my respect and future participation as a fan of the CFL is at stake.
Thanks,
CFL Fan?
2 comments:
Hi Pete - I too sent an email to Black critiquing the work. He replied my concerns were nonsense and that the players were ejected for fighting. Next it came out they were ejected for piling on and pinning, pretty soon it may come out it was because they wore green. There was an actual fight in last nigts BC/Edmonton game yet no ejections, you don't say!
Todays game almost feels a little anti-climactic. I sure hope the guys don't fall into any bad habits.
I tell you Pete the Pats may have been asleep at the switch on Farmanara. He was the first star last night in Brandon and has about 6 goals since he joined the Hat. He is creative player who can score and they are hard to find. He would have made a nice addition.
I agree Farmanara would have been a nice pick-up. However, I'm also starting to feel good about the chemistry the guys have going right now. Hopefully Ofukany can get back in the lineup soon, and we'll see what sort of run these guys can go on.
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