LAUTHER DID HIS PART TO MAKE SEASON A REALITY
Player rep for Riders had sleepless nights during negotiations on new contract
Murray's musings, mutterings and Monster from Day 9 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders' training camp at the University of Saskatchewan's Griffiths Stadium:
MURRAY'S MONSTER
Brett Lauther would have preferred to focus on football during the Riders' training camp.
However, his attention was divided between being the team's placekicker and the Riders' representative on the CFL Players' Association.
Being the players' representative meant when he wasn't on the field or in team meetings, he was working keeping the Riders' players informed on what was transpiring on the labour front.
The double duty was gruelling, especially during the four-day strike and while the CFL and CFLPA were hammering out a deal. Lauther said he lost sleep and went through a stretch where he didn't talk to his girlfriend for three days during the labour dispute.
Kienan Lafrance is also a player representative, but said that it was Lauther who looked after the bulk of the duties.
The fact the CFL and CFLPA reached an agreement was thanks to the efforts of representatives like Lauther. He's an unsung hero, part of why football is being played and we're not facing an extended period of labour unrest.
GREEN AND WHITE GAME
The Green and White Game festivities at Saskatoon Minor Football field kick off noon Saturday.
The State of Rider Nation town hall featuring president and CEO Craig Reynolds, vice-president of football operations and general manager Jeremy O'day and head coach Craig Dickenson starts at 1 p.m. The Green and White game is at 3 p.m.
PRE-SEASON PRIMER
With the labour situation settled, the Riders have moved on to pre-season plans.
The Riders are to play the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Tuesday. Saskatchewan then travels to Vancouver to play the B.C. Lions on Friday.
The compacted pre-season schedule has impacted how the Riders approach the Green and White game. Few veterans traditionally play in the game, providing an opportunity for prospects to showcase their skills.
That has changed this season because hardly any veterans are to see action in the first pre-season game according to Dickenson. That means the veterans wouldn't be doing much, if anything, before playing the Lions.
THREE TO WATCH
Jester Weah: The American receiver has made a number of spectacular catches since rookie camp. It will be interesting to see how he fares in a live scrimmage. Nelson Lokombo: The U of S product and defensive back missed the 2021 season due to a torn Achilles tendon. He has battled some calf tightness, but Saturday will be his first live action since the pre-training camp injury. Charleston Hughes: The 38-yearold defensive end could break out his signature surfing move if he pressures a quarterback. Formal sacks will not take place, however, as quarterbacks are off-limits when it comes to contact.