Football

Glen Suitor (right) is one the SFU alumni furious with the way the university’s storied football program has ended. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards

THE MOJ: Shocked football world pushing back against SFU football demise

Lack of warning, effort to save the program, caught supporters off guard

Glen Suitor (right) is one the SFU alumni furious with the way the university’s storied football program has ended. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
Simon Fraser University football team kicker Kristie Elliott, who had recently become the first Canadian woman to play and score in a college football game, lines up a kick as coach Jerome Erdman watches during team practice in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

THE MOJ: All that history and SFU’s storied football program ended with a press release

Lack of money and commitment doomed what was once one of Canada’s finest programs

Simon Fraser University football team kicker Kristie Elliott, who had recently become the first Canadian woman to play and score in a college football game, lines up a kick as coach Jerome Erdman watches during team practice in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Simon Fraser University is pictured in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday, Apr 16, 2019. The university has ceased its football program, school president Joy Johnson announced Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Simon Fraser University ceases its football program

‘We no longer believe we are providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes’

Simon Fraser University is pictured in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday, Apr 16, 2019. The university has ceased its football program, school president Joy Johnson announced Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Andrew Harris waves to V.I. Raiders fans at Nanaimo’s Caledonia Park during a pre-game ceremony in 2012. (News Bulletin file photo)

CFL star Harris getting ready for two football seasons at the same time

Toronto Argonauts running back is also head of football operations with the V.I. Raiders

Andrew Harris waves to V.I. Raiders fans at Nanaimo’s Caledonia Park during a pre-game ceremony in 2012. (News Bulletin file photo)
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie delivers his state of the league media address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. The 2025 Grey Cup game will be played at Winnipeg’s IG Field. The CFL made the official announcement Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie delivers his state of the league media address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. The 2025 Grey Cup game will be played at Winnipeg’s IG Field. The CFL made the official announcement Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
FILE - Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The Panthers have traded up to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the draft from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Carolina's No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and star wide receiver D.J. Moore, two people familiar with the deal said Friday, March 10, 2023, The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. The move allows the Panthers to acquire a potential franchise quarterback, although it remains unclear which player the team prefers. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)

Panthers acquire NFL’s first overall draft pick from the Bears

Sources say 2 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks and receiver DJ Moore headed to Chicago

FILE - Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The Panthers have traded up to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the draft from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Carolina's No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and star wide receiver D.J. Moore, two people familiar with the deal said Friday, March 10, 2023, The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. The move allows the Panthers to acquire a potential franchise quarterback, although it remains unclear which player the team prefers. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Dane Evans (9) makes a pass during second quarter CFL Eastern semi-final football action against the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, November 6, 2022 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

THE MOJ: Dane Evans move shows the Lions commited to winning in 2023

Former Hamilton starter to back up Vernon Adams Jr. giving the Leos an intriguing option

Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Dane Evans (9) makes a pass during second quarter CFL Eastern semi-final football action against the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, November 6, 2022 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed receivers Juwan Brescacin and Jake Wienke on Tuesday. Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Ciante Evans (0) tackles Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Juwan Brescacin (11) during second half CFL Eastern Conference final action in Toronto, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Roughriders sign veteran quarterback Harris on busy opening day of CFL free agency

B.C. signed quarterback Dominique Davis and offensive lineman Michael Couture

The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed receivers Juwan Brescacin and Jake Wienke on Tuesday. Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Ciante Evans (0) tackles Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Juwan Brescacin (11) during second half CFL Eastern Conference final action in Toronto, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Mario Cecchini speaks to the media during a CFL news conference, Monday, January 13, 2020 in Montreal. The CFL has taken over operating the Alouettes franchise. In a statement, the league added former Alouettes president Cecchini has been appointed interim president. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

CFL takes over ownership of Montreal Alouettes franchise

Announcement marks second time in roughly 4 years that the CFL has taken over operating the club

Mario Cecchini speaks to the media during a CFL news conference, Monday, January 13, 2020 in Montreal. The CFL has taken over operating the Alouettes franchise. In a statement, the league added former Alouettes president Cecchini has been appointed interim president. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
This photo provided by Google shows Doja Cat in a scene from Google’s 2023 Super Bowl NFL football spot. Big name advertisers are paying as much as $7 million for a 30-second spot during the big game on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. In order to get as much as a return on investment for those million, most advertisers release their ads in the days ahead of the big game to get the most publicity for their spots. (Google via AP)

Super Bowl ads keep it light by using nostalgia and stars

Some advertisers paying more than $7 million for 30-second spot

This photo provided by Google shows Doja Cat in a scene from Google’s 2023 Super Bowl NFL football spot. Big name advertisers are paying as much as $7 million for a 30-second spot during the big game on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. In order to get as much as a return on investment for those million, most advertisers release their ads in the days ahead of the big game to get the most publicity for their spots. (Google via AP)
V.I. Raiders alumnus Andrew Harris is returning to lead Nanaimo’s junior football club after playing one more CFL season with the Toronto Argonauts. (News Bulletin file photo)

V.I. Raiders bringing Andrew Harris back to lead junior football organization

Grey Cup champion will play one more season with the Toronto Argonauts

V.I. Raiders alumnus Andrew Harris is returning to lead Nanaimo’s junior football club after playing one more CFL season with the Toronto Argonauts. (News Bulletin file photo)
Former UBC Thunderbird's football team running back Ben Cummings. (UBC Thunderbirds)

Sexual assault charges stayed against 3 former UBC football players

Former UBC Thunderbirds Ben Cummings, Treymont Levy and Trivel Pinto charged in June 2021

Former UBC Thunderbird's football team running back Ben Cummings. (UBC Thunderbirds)
This image released by Paramount shows Glynn Turman, left, and Rita Moreno in a scene from “80 for Brady.” (Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures via AP)

Review: ‘80 for Brady’ is a sports film fumble for the ages

Talents of Tomlin, Fonda, Moreno and Field sacrificed for cheap laughs and unearned poignancy

This image released by Paramount shows Glynn Turman, left, and Rita Moreno in a scene from “80 for Brady.” (Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL division round football game, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

THE MOJ: I’m expecting the Eagles and the Bengals to meet in the Super Bowl

Kuzmenko signing another signal the Canucks are refusing to take the right path

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL division round football game, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

THE MOJ: It will be the Chiefs, Bills, 49ers and Eagles, count on it

Rourke to Jacksonville surprises me, the kid deserves a chance he might not get

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Rourke passes during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Vancouver, on June 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. Lions QB Nathan Rourke announces he’s signing with Jacksonville Jaguars

Rourke has reportedly agreed to a 3-year deal with the Jaguars

Rourke passes during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Vancouver, on June 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Giovanni Manu helped bring the Thunderbirds to a winning record of 6-5 for the 2022 season. (Bob Frid/UBC Athletics)

2023 CFL Draft loses star UBC linemen Giovanni Manu and Theo Benedet

The top-ranked Thunderbirds opted out of the upcoming spring draft in hopes of title shot

Giovanni Manu helped bring the Thunderbirds to a winning record of 6-5 for the 2022 season. (Bob Frid/UBC Athletics)
The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed they hosted 24-year-old, Victoria native CFL star quarterback Nathan Rourke for a workout Monday. Rourke passes during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Vancouver, on June 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Kansas City Chiefs latest NFL team to take a look at B.C. Lions quarterback Rourke

CFL’s top Canadian has worked out with 10 teams south of the border

The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed they hosted 24-year-old, Victoria native CFL star quarterback Nathan Rourke for a workout Monday. Rourke passes during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Vancouver, on June 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson speaks outside Langford City Hall on Jan. 6. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)

BC Lions could play in Langford down the line

Similar one-off games have been held in Halifax last year

Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson speaks outside Langford City Hall on Jan. 6. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Buffalo Bills players and staff pray for Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Football fans grapple with violent side of a beloved sport

‘People sometimes look at players like they’re in a video game’

Buffalo Bills players and staff pray for Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)