The CFL, like most pro sports circuits, is facing a social media dilemma.
While eager to have its players promote the league by posting to outlets such as Twitter, the lack of an online referee to flag violations before players push the “send” button is posing problems. Toronto offensive lineman Rob Murphy was recently fined by the Argos and the CFL for his ill-conceived posts.
Murphy tweeted about “smelling foreigners” at the train station and riding through “Frenchland,” and was subsequently fined for violating the league’s social media policy. So while the CFL still encourages players to connect with fans, the league’s journey into the world of social media is hitting a few potholes along the way, proving once again that you can’t legislate common sense.
Buono in the crosshairs?
Now that the death-watch has lifted in Edmonton with the firing of GM Danny Maciocia, should we be casting our gaze farther west to Vancouver? In light of the B.C. Lions’ disappointing 1-4 start, tough questions are being asked about GM/head coach Wally Buono’s future. The most successful coach in CFL history certainly has an exquisite resume, but in pro sports you’re only as good as your last game. Dating back to last season, the Lions are 2-8 in the last 10, including an embarrassing loss last week to the previously winless Eskimos.
Rambo returns
Calgary receiver Ken-Yon Rambo is making a successful return from a career-threatening knee injury suffered a year ago, no surprise considering his track record. Rambo returned Saturday against Winnipeg, catching six passes for 86 yards and one touchdown in his first game in a year. Rambo escaped death as a teenager in Long Beach, Calif., after being shot by a gang member. The bullet lodged inches from his spine, but not only did Rambo recover, he enjoyed a successful college career, led the CFL in receiving yards in 2008, and now appears on track to return to his sensational form.
Ticats tested
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are much better than their 1-4 record suggests, but the next few games could determine whether they’ll meet expectations and challenge the East Division’s Montreal Alouettes this season. The next four weeks are comprised of home-and-home duels against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Toronto Argonauts – two teams they’ll need to dominate to claim a home playoff date in November.
