|  Wys³any: 2019-02-22 04:22:54 Temat postu: CBA negotiations with league officials
One is a legend in the CFL. The other is in his first pro training camp. For Ricky Ray and Anthony Coombs, the connection they share is more than just playing on the offensive side of the ball; more than just wearing the same double-blue uniform. They are brothers -- union brothers. While members of the CFLPA were in CBA negotiations with league officials in a hotel conference room near Torontos Pearson International Airport, 20 kilometres to the northeast the Argonauts were holding their first practice of the season for rookies and quarterbacks. The most recognizable player on the field on Wednesday was Ray. Entering his 12th season in the league, his third with the Argos, the Northern Californian is pragmatic in his approach to the labour situation, which to a large extent, is out of his control. "We just have to wait and see," said Ray. "Obviously I stand by the players union and what were fighting for and hopefully well be able to come to an agreement." What has he thought of the process to date? "Im not in the meetings," said Ray. "Its hard for me to comment on things because I havent been in there listening to whats going on, but theyre fighting for what they want, were fighting for what we want, and hopefully we can come to an agreement and share whats going on with this league. I think a lot of good things are happening in the CFL - new stadiums, a new team coming back, seems like were growing pretty well, so hopefully we can find some middle ground and all benefit. There are few players in the league that garner the same respect, on or off the field, than the 34-year old does. When he gives advice people usually take notice. He took the opportunity to pass along a helping hand to those rookies who may be going through this type of distraction for the first time. "All you can focus on, especially the rookies, is out here (on the field)," Ray continued. "They cant be thinking about whats going on and whats going to happen. Theyve just got to take the time they have right now and do the best they can to be focused and make the team." Ray is very mild mannered and leads by example as opposed to being overly vocal. That said; hes used to the give and take with members of the media and there are days when its easy to tell that hed rather be doing something - anything - else than being interviewed. This topic seemed to hit home, however, and in an answer that was longer than the norm for him, the signal caller continued his advice for those newcomers trying to become his teammate. "Thats what youve got to do sometimes when youre an athlete. There are a lot of outside distractions, whether its at home or anywhere else, and when you step on this football field, be able to focus and do your job." Coombs is one of those youngsters in an uncommon situation in the long history of the CFL. Hes entering his first season in the shadow of a work stoppage. Selected with the third-overall pick in the CFL draft a fortnight earlier, Coombs arrived at camp focused on the on-field activities, not what was happening in the labour dispute. "Theres a lot of stuff going on," said the running back. "I tend to just focus on what I can control. As a rookie Ive already got a lot of playbook stuff coming at me so Ive got a lot of stuff that I need to learn, so Im trying not to focus on the business side or whatever politics that are going on around me, it would just distract me from my play." A pretty mature answer for a 21-year old. He says hes read some articles on the dispute, but says even some of the veterans dont seem to know everything that going on. He just wants to maintain his focus. "The advice I was told is just worry about what you have to do," said the University of Manitoba product. The first game on the Argos schedule is Monday, June 9. Its a preseason game in Winnipeg, not only the city where he grew up, but the game would be played on the same field that he starred for the Bisons last year. If the game isnt a casualty of the labour dispute and hes fortunate enough to play, he has one wish. "Hopefully my hometown will cheer for me, not boo me," Coombs said with a chuckle. The rookie RB is hopeful the game will be played, as is the veteran QB Ray, who in one sentence summed up perfectly the feeling of players, owners, and most importantly, CFL fans. "I think all of us want to see training camp start and the season get underway on time, so hopefully they come to an agreement." Amen. Air Jordan 12 Wholesale China .Y. -- It was as if Matt Moulson never left the New York Islanders. Air Jordan 12 Retro Cheap . -- The court fight over NFL concussions should heat up soon as a judge in Philadelphia weighs the fairness of the proposed $765 million settlement. http://www.airjordan12outlet.com/. -- Zach Johnson is like most players at the World Challenge, not sure whether hes still playing in 2013 or if hes in the middle of the new wraparound season that officially started in October. Cheap Authentic Jordan 12 . - John Elways philosophy is to address immediate needs in free agency, even though some of his own veterans may prove too pricey to keep around. Cheap Wholesale Air Jordan 12 . Last year, Islanders forward Colin Mcdonald released a "Do It For Colin" campaign to promote his teammate and friend John Tavares for the EA sports honour:The most popular sports voting video ever has to go to Chris Bosh who showcased his comedic abilities in his effort to get fans to vote him into the 2008 All Star Game:You can vote for TJ and other star players for the NHL 15 cover vote here.PHILADELPHIA - Wherever he lines up, Connor Barwin makes quarterbacks and their blockers notice.Barwin sacked Cam Newton 3 1/2 times in Philadelphias 45-21 win over Carolina on Monday night, bringing his season total to 10 1/2. Only Kansas Citys Justin Houston has more (12).Barwin already set a team record for most sacks in a season by a linebacker and hes only the fifth Eagles player to have two three-sack games in a year. Barwin brought down Eli Manning three times in a 27-0 win on Oct. 12.Not bad for a jack of all trades.Coach Chip Kelly said Barwins versatility in playing multiple positions is a huge plus.He has an understanding of who hes going against and he spends a lot of time in his preparation in terms of what hes trying to get accomplished against certain individual players and those individual matchups, Kelly said. Hes also a very good athlete, so he can have more than one manoeuvr.Barwin was one of the first acquisitions the Eagles made in free agency after Kelly replaced Andy Reid in 2013. He spent his first four seasons in Houston and had a career-best 11 1/2 sacks for the Texans in 2011.Barwin was an ideal fit for defensive co-ordinator Billy Davis 3-4 scheme. He had just five sacks last year, but his value to the defence wentt beyond the stats.dddddddddddd Now, hes knocking more QBs to the ground.I think Im a better player than I was last year, Barwin said. I think we have to improve every year, but I think my numbers are a bigger result of what were doing as a group up front.The Eagles sacked Newton nine times with Barwin leading the way. Linebackers Brandon Graham, Mychal Kendricks and Trent Cole also combined for 3 1/2 sacks. With middle linebacker and defensive captain DeMeco Ryans out for the season following surgery on his Achilles, Barwin has assumed more of a leadership role.Hes definitely a great leader, him and Trent Cole, Graham said. I look up to both of them. I just try to get better with them each and every day; they push me to the limit in the weight room.The Eagles are second in the NFL with 32 sacks. Theyll have a tough task Sunday at Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers is having an MVP-calibre season with 25 TDs and only three interceptions. Hes been sacked 20 times.Barwin suggested he might spy Rodgers the way he did Newton, who is more of a threat to run the ball. The coaches didnt want to discuss the game plan.___AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi ' ' ' |
CBA negotiations with league officials
