CFL COUNTDOWN
Spencer Watt’s return good news for banged-up Argonauts receiving corps but off-field issues piling up like Calgary snow as Boatmen hit the road,
The two major snowstorms that hit Calgary this week made for some lighthearted banter at the Argos’ practice on Wednesday.
Guess where the team is heading Thursday? Snow-blown Calgary for a game against the best team in the CFL on Saturday.
Coach Scott Milanovich has been checking weather reports it appears there will be no need for winter football wear come game day, when it’s expected to be 13 C.
“I talked to the players this morning, but from what I’ve heard it’s just going to be cool, not the snow or the mess,” Milanovich said after practice.
Although Toronto is considerably warmer, there was a lingering chill in the air after unnamed players complained to TSN reporter Matthew Scianitti on the weekend about the team’s training facilities.
“The whole thing is a joke,” one veteran player was quoted as saying.
Argos GM Jim Barker said he understood the frustration amid delays to the opening of a new facility at Downsview Park, leaving the team scrambling.
“The month of August was difficult,” Barker said, adding it was nobody’s fault.
“The players grow weary of it, not knowing where they’re going to practise. We’re at this high school field or driving 45 minutes to go here. They were just speaking the truth. But we told them, it is what it is. Don’t whine about it.”
Milanovich said he talked to the players about it also.
“I addressed it,” the coach said. “That’s not my style, leaks to the media. I don’t care for it, and I let them know that these things need to be kept in the room.” Did the players get the message? “I don’t know,” Milanovich said. “I guess we’ll find out.” The team’s psyche is already fragile with a 3-7 record — still good for a share of first in the East — and a number of injuries to the receiving corps. They don’t need off-field distractions as well heading into a game against the 9-1 Stampeders. The Argos will stay in Calgary next week before flying to Vancouver for a game against the B.C. Lions on Fri- day, Sept. 19. “This is the time of the season when we’ve got to start making hay,” Milanovich said. There is also lingering concern about the Argos’ future because the team’s Rogers Centre lease expires after the 2017 season with no new home in place and owner David Braley still trying to sell the club. They’re also in the market for a new head of ticket sales and corporate partnerships. “We have a search on for a director of corporate partnerships and we will be looking for a marketing coordinator in the near future,” Argos CEO Chris Rudge said, adding some staff were terminated and others left on their own. The good news is that Canadian slotback Andre Durie is almost fully recovered from a broken clavicle suffered in the second game of the season. Milanovich hasn’t decided yet whether he will play against the Stampeders. Wide receiver Spencer Watt is also due to come back, and slotback Chad Owens is day to day. If Owens can’t play in Calgary, he could make his return the following week in Vancouver.