Not a single game has been played yet, but Week 12 of the 2010 Canadian Football League season may go down as one of the craziest ones in the history of the league. That may be a bit of a hyperbole – as National Post columnist Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) noted this week on Twitter, many, many weird things have happened over the years in the CFL – but certainly the last seven days are in the discussion when it comes to all-time bizarre weeks.
Here’s a quick recap: The Edmonton Eskimos hired Eric Tillman as general manager despite his personal baggage; Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Maurice Mann used his Twitter account to complain about not being involved enough in his team’s offence; defensive end Ricky Foley agreed to terms with the B.C. Lions before changing his mind and signing with the Toronto Argonauts; Hamilton City Council decided to consider yet another location in their ongoing effort to build a new stadium and keep the Ticats in town; oft-injured tailback Jesse Lumsden turned down a contract offer from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and appears set to sign with the Calgary Stampeders where he is unlikely to get as much playing time; Saskatchewan released receiver Prechae Rodriguez, signed receiver/returner Ryan Grice-Mullen and placed return specialist Dominique Dorsey on the nine-game injured list; During an on-camera interview Eskimos linebacker Maurice Lloyd called free-agent Stevie Baggs and tried to get him to agree to sign with Edmonton with no luck as the defensive lineman signed in Hamilton.
So, yeah, it was a crazy week. And now we get to watch some actual football
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Edmonton vs Montreal
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Last updated:19-09-2010 from 22:00 until 01:00
06-09-2010 on 08:57
Week 12 - Canadian Football League CFL
Hamilton at B.C.: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET
Ticats receiver Maurice Mann used his Twitter account this week to complain about not being used enough in Hamilton’s offence. Mann, who has 24 catches for 309 yards, wrote: “We played 10 games and I’ve yet to see real action in 1 … the truth is the truth!” Lions running back Jamal Robertson will miss a second straight game because of a rib injury. Last year in the game at B.C., Ticats tailback DeAndra’ Cobb ran for 100 yards and adding 75 receiving yards in a Hamilton victory. This is the first meeting between the two clubs since B.C. beat Hamilton in the playoffs last year. Pick: Ticats
Winnipeg at Toronto: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Defensive end Ricky Foley will make his debut for Toronto after signing with the club this week. Winnipeg’s defensive line, led by CFL sacks leader Phillip Hunt, will aim to take advantage of a Toronto offensive line still reeling from a slew of injuries. Argos receiver Jeremaine Copeland (elbow) is expected to return to the lineup this week after missing the club’s last three games. The Argos beat the Bombers in Week 2 and can clinch the season series with a victory. Winnipeg trails Toronto and Hamilton by four points in the race for second in the East. Pick: Argos
Edmonton at Montreal: Sunday, 4 p.m. ET
Montreal has yet to make a decision about whether quarterback Anthony Calvillo (bruised sternum) will be ready to play, although he has taken most of the first-team repetitions at practice this week. Receiver Fred Stamps will return to the Eskimos lineup after being out for six weeks with a shoulder injury. Eskimos defensive end Greg Peach, who tore ligaments in his ankle during the opening game of the season, is also expected to return. Pick: Alouettes
