Penalty flags hurt Blue right from get-go

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/09/2012 (5069 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Blue Bombers took 12 penalties for 102 yards Saturday night, including three on the Argos’ opening drive that allowed the visitors to extend and finally score on the opening possession.

“You know if I was to say one was unjustified, I would get fined, so I’ll leave it at that,” said head coach Tim Burke.

Winnipeg defensive back Jonathan Hefney said penalties turned the game.

“We spotted them 21 points and they only got 29 by the end. I think we only spotted them 14 because they had penalties that went their way on the opening drive,” Hefney said. “If they don’t score there, things might be different.”

Two of those opening-drive penalties went against Bombers defensive back Brandon Stewart — one for pass interference and a second for objectionable conduct.

Stewart defended himself after the game. “They called the P.I. in the end zone. I was unsure about that call. All of my teammates were saying it was an uncatchable pass, but they threw that flag.

“The one after (teammate Alex) Suber batted the pass down, I was nowhere near the play. They were talking, the other player walked away, I came up to Suber (and said) ‘good play’ (and) slapped him on the hand. (The official) threw a flag. He’s saying we were swearing…

“It’s frustrating because they’re calling my name for personal fouls when I know I did nothing.”

Stewart was also flagged for punching an opponent in a win over Hamilton a week ago Friday and Burke suggested after that game he might find another defensive back to play Stewart’s spot if the selfish penalties continued.

Asked Saturday night if Stewart crossed that line with his second penalty against the Argos, Burke sounded like he accepted Stewart’s explanation for the incident.

“Another DB said he never heard him say it either,” Burke said. “So I don’t know.”

paul.wiecek@freepress.mb.ca gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca