Rider nation is going to miss pointed commentary of Carm Carteri

In the course of analyzing and providing colour commentary for more than 500 Saskatchewan Roughriders games over the years, Carm Carteri probably “got it wrong” on a few occasions.

But he was never more wrong than in his response to his recent “firing” when he said (about football dealings generally) “No one really cares if Carm Carteri is gone.”

You’re wrong, Carm — lots of people care.

He has been one of the mainstays of the Rider tradition now for four decades, a lifelong Reginan, a thread that tied together several generations of fans, contributing hugely to what is — or at least was — the unique character of the Riders; a team that truly belongs to the community.

On numerous occasions when watching a game on TV, I would keep a portable radio next to me so I could turn up Carm’s commentary on a particular play or series, and often even tried to sync the radio to the TV so I could mute TSN. And I wasn’t the only one to do this.

When it was warranted, Carm was critical of plays or play calls or, sometimes, broader decisions from the coaches and administration of the team. Good. Contrary to management’s view that the local play-by-play and colour guys are supposed to be cheerleaders, listeners want more and Carm always gave us more. And he knew what he was talking about.

Of course, the day would have come when we missed Carm’s colour commentary because eventually everybody’s day does come. The shame here is that a local fixture — a person who enhanced our enjoyment following the Riders for so many years — apparently didn’t leave as he had hoped, or with the respect and consideration he was due from management.

Anyhow, Carm, you do have the respect of thousand and thousands of fans and yes, we will miss you! Thanks and all the best.