Eric the Red

So,

Eric Tillman is in town tonight. I imagine he'll be finalizing terms of his contract with the Riders tomorrow, and be introduced to the media Thursday. At that point, Danny Barrett's future becomes even more uncertain. I disagree with those who feel Danny will be free to coach "his" way with Shivers gone. He'll be under enormous pressure, wondering if Tillman's mandate involves bringing in a new head coach (Kent Austin?), and making it a complete housecleaning. Stay tuned, the fun is just starting!

Shivers sacked!

I have to admit, I'm surprised. The Riders BOD have dumped General Manager Roy Shivers, effective immediately. Does this relate to the alleged demand the board made for Shivers to fire Head Coach Danny Barrett? One would have to think so, otherwise why fire the GM at the half-way point of the season? Interesting times, to be sure. I'll be tuning in to hear Rod's take on the news tonight on Sportsline on CKRM. Wow.

Update: Rod invited me to join the on-air crew for tonight's show, so of course I took him up on the offer. Surprisingly, most callers were supportive of the decision to punt Shivers. More than a few also called for Danny Barrett's head to roll. No huge surprise there.

KK is okay

It was the Kenton Keith show at Mosaic Stadium Saturday night, as the petulant Riders running back notched over a hundred yards rushing and receiving, and two touchdowns, in a 46-15 dismantling of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Keith's performance was so impressive, #28 appears to have dashed back into the good books of young Jacob - along with the three members of the local constabulary KK shook hands with after his second touchdown of the game. Classic stuff, that!

Let's be honest, the visitors were a poor imitation of a professional football team. Hamilton is bad, and apparently getting worse. Having said that, the Riders took care of their business - and dealt with some adversity along the way. Marcus Crandell started at quarterback, but was knocked out of the game in the first quarter. So, on came rarely-used third-stringer Rocky Butler to the chagrin/dismay of the home crowd. To Rocky's credit, he performed remarkably well - running and throwing (let's be honest) beyond anyone's expectations.

So, now the Riders get a chance to even their record (and re-enter the race for a home playoff date) with a win in Hamilton Saturday. Can they? Sure. Should they? Absolutely. Will they? Stay tuned.

News and notes from Rider practise

Well, it's official - Marcus Crandell will start at quarterback for the Riders tomorrow night against Hamilton. Marcus was calm and relaxed while facing the media after practise, but you have to know he's excited to be given the reins again - even for only one game.

Scott Schultz was surprised to hear he and Nate Davis had been "called out" by Roy Shivers for the defense's inability to stop the run in the late stages of the loss in Edmonton. Schultzie promises a different result if the Ti-Cats try to exploit the middle of the Riders' defense this week.

Rod Pedersen plays internet checkers against Japanese kids. Who knew?

SportZone lineup for August 14th

Here's the lineup for the latest edition of the show, airing Wednesday at 6pm and Thursday at 3pm on Access channel 7:

SportZone Guests for Aug 14, 2006

Community Co-Host: Carlo Palazzo


1. A preview of the 2006 University of Regina Rams training camp. Guest: Teale Orban (Rams quarterback).

2. A review of Team Saskatchewan’s performance at the recent Special Olympics national championships. Guest: Howard Schweitzer (Special Olympics Saskatchewan CEO).

3. A long-time Regina high school coach calls it a career. Now he runs cycling tours through Europe. Guest: Gerry Harris (Retired teacher/coach).

4. A look ahead to the 2006/07 season for the University of Regina men’s hockey team. Guest: Pat Baum (Assistant Captain).

5. A review of the newly-published 2006 Canadian Football Buzzbook. Guest: John Chaput (Author).

6. The Regina Lawn Bowling club gets set to host the national championships. Guests: Jean & Keith Roney (Bowlers).