Distractions surround Bombers as they prepare for Grey Cup

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This article was published 24/11/2011 (5260 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VANCOUVER – Another day in Grey Cup paradise, another distraction for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Prior to taking to the practice field at BC Place, members of the Bombers sat down with local and national reporters for the East division champion breakfast Thursday. The event was a low-key affair, as the players mingled with media members and hammed it up for the cameras in front of the Grey Cup, which also made an appearance.

The event is just another non-football related activity in a long list of things Bombers staff have to work into their preparations for the B.C. Lions in the 99th Grey Cup Sunday. Eliminating the new distractions – the responsibilities put on players – has been tricky for some, no problem for others.

“I just stick to my normal routine,” Bombers receiver Greg Carr said Thursday morning. “Even though we had this breakfast, I still went and got my breakfast at Tim Hortons like I do every day before practice.

I’m just trying to keep things as normal as possible. We have festivities and commitments, that comes with the event, but you can’t get lost in it.”

Vancouver is the first Grey Cup for many of the players, so the risk factor in “getting lost” is a concern for the Bombers coaches this week. Not all the players, though, are new to the attention of a week-long exercise.

Some, like defensive back Deon Beasley, are accustomed to the white noise thanks to time spent at major football colleges in the U.S.

“This is not my first rodeo; I’ve been through stuff like this in bowl games,” the Texas-product offered. “This feels like bowl season, to be honest. Cool weather, late in the year. I’m excited, don’t get it twisted, but my focus is on the game. The intensity is going to start to pick up, I think, after this.”

Winnipeg and B.C. are holding closed practices Thursday. Later, players will have another obligation on their plate: the Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards are being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre Thursday night.

Bombers defensive back Jovon Johnson is the East nominee for the Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award. He’s up against Saskatchewan linebacker Jerrell Freeman for the league-wide honour.

 The awards are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.