VAX PROOF NOT REQUIRED FOR HOME OPENER
But Redblacks boss says fans will be asked to abide by masking rules at TD Place
Hoping for a near full house at TD Place for their Canadian Football League home opener Aug. 28 vs. B.C., the Ottawa Redblacks won't require fans to be vaccinated.
A day after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced they'll be asking fans for proof of double vaccination to be part of a packed stadium in their Aug. 5 home opener vs. the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group president and CEO Mark Goudie said while fans will be asked to wear masks at TD Place, there will be no vaccine rules in place.
“That's come from (Manitoba's) provincial health authority,” Goudie said. “As of right now, there is no similar mandate from our provincial health authority — so that's a requirement that doesn't apply to Ontario. I don't think it will happen here. There are a lot of logistical challenges as to how you would even enforce it. It's difficult to administrate, but more importantly the vaccination rates we're seeing in Ontario are outstanding. We're going to be, by the time we get to opening night, probably 85 per cent double vaccinated. The majority of our population will be double vaccinated.”
Asked about expectations from local and provincial health officials, Goudie said: “What we've been told — not that it can't change — is what happens after Step 3 is just a removal of restrictions. We know they consider masks an important part of social gatherings for the next while, which is fine. We're ready to figure out how to incorporate any challenges thrown our way where things stand in terms of vaccination rates and COVID rates and all that stuff. At the end of the day, everybody wants the same thing — to have a population that's kept as safe as reasonably possible. We'll let medical authorities figure out what that looks like.”
Policing the mandatory mask policy could be a big challenge, but Goudie is hopeful fans are respectful of those around them.
“We've always had a good crowd,” he said. “When we have American consultants come up and understand the beer consumption that happens and the lack of incidents that happen at our Redblacks games, it's astounding to them. I think we have a respectful fan base and a respectful community that understands even if there's a small minority that don't agree with things, they respect the person beside them. I anticipate that kind of behaviour will continue on when we start enjoying Redblacks games together again.”
SECOND AND LONG
The Redblacks announced DL Frank Beltre and OL Daniel Omara have been activated from the suspended list, and DL Connor Flagel and Bryson Young have been released. The team needed to open up two spots before bringing Beltre and Omara in. The team also signed a couple of American receivers — Jaquan Blair (Maine) and Terry Wright (Purdue) and placed them on the suspended list (they will quarantine and be eligible to practise July 20). Also on the suspended list: receivers Cortrelle Simpson and Amba Etta-Tawo. … Commenting on veteran safety Antoine Pruneau, defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides said: “I did not know Antoine that well. The last five days, he's thoroughly impressed me in a lot of different ways. He's a leader. The man is a competitor, he does not want to lose.
I'm thoroughly impressed with Antoine. He's special. He's a Grey Cup champion.” … On whether he had promised anything to his offensive linemen in advance of the 2021 season, QB Matt Nichols said: “Any O-line that has played for me knows there will be gifts — usually my wife and kids make treats and food. They're not here right now so I'll have to order in. We'll make sure they're taken care of.”
THE QB SAYS
Nichols talked about his role, as somebody familiar with the LaPolice offensive scheme: “I think I'm always going to be me, just work hard and try to bring all the young guys along. There is a core group of great leaders here that bring energy to practice. It's not something that needs a complete overhaul, it's just adding some pieces here and there. We have new guys, young guys on both sides of the ball that are hungry and ready to get onto the field.” On whether anyone has stood out in camp, he said: “We've been shuffling guys around a lot, there's a lot of talent here. A lot of guys have stood out to me, with speed here, size there. Everyone has something to bring to the table. It's a matter of finding out who fits where best.”
Camp resumes Friday with practice going from 10-11:40 a.m., then Saturday 8:30 a.m. to noon. The team was supposed to be off Sunday, but will now be on the field from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.