Argos will keep focus on football
Team has no plans for any protest before Ticats game
The Toronto Argos support the anthem protests by their peers south of the border — and related gestures by fellow teams in the CFL — but they will not stage their own protest in Hamilton this weekend.
“That’s not been discussed so far,” Argos quarterback Ricky Ray said Thursday as the club wrapped up another day’s preparations for Saturday’s showdown with the Ticats.
The topic of anthem protests was raised this week, with coach Marc Trestman addressing the players Tuesday. By then, the nerve struck by U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments — referring to NFL players who knelt during the American anthem as “sons of bitches” — was still raw.
The CFL, like the NFL, advises its players about their obligations to stand for the anthem during training camp orientations. But last Sunday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders linked arms as a team during the Canadian anthem prior to their game. The gesture received the full support of the team and CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
With star players from all sports weighing into the debate — both for anthem protests and against — the sensitivity of the subject was further underlined when the Pittsburgh Penguins drew widespread criticism for their team’s acceptance of the invitation to visit the White House.
“We are very respectful of what everyone is doing with the anthem protests,” Argos left guard Tyler Holmes
“We talked about it . . . we care about each other, and in the end, we are one big family.” TYLER HOLMES ARGOS GUARD
said.
“Yes, we talked about it and as a team, we also respect everyone’s views, and we listen and allow everyone to speak. We are a team that cares, and we care about each other, and in the end, we are one big family. That’s what we all wanted to get across.”
Trestman, on Tuesday, stood before the players, and touched on topics like respect for all, and the right for everyone to freely express themselves and their beliefs, both in America and in Canada. Trestman’s goal, while dealing with the emotions surrounding the anthem protests, was to draw his players’ focus onto their family and the task at hand, which is facing the Ticats in a pivotal game Saturday.
The Argos lost to the Ticats on Labour Day, and have dropped their last seven games in Hamilton.
“I think it’s important for everyone to have the opportunity to talk about it and to know they are free to express themselves,” Ray said.
“The coach talked to us and it was good . . . and part of what he wanted to say is how fortunate we are as players, both Canadian and American, to be able to play football in this county, and that we are required to stand for the anthem.”