Argo’s ‘soft melon’ hypocrisy strikes Blue

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This article was published 05/10/2012 (3819 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Comments by Toronto Argonauts’ safety Jordan Younger that Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce has “a soft melon” and “goes down often” were poorly received by members of the Bombers said after Thursday’s practice.

Pierce did not practice Thursday and will miss Monday’s game in Montreal against the Alouettes due to a concussion sustained after a helmet-to-head hit by Argonauts linebacker Brandon Isaac in last Saturday’s 29-10 loss to Toronto.

“You can’t say a guy has a soft head when the crown of somebody’s helmet hit him in his chin. He’s not a boxer. I guarantee if they (Argos) get hit in their chin with the crown of somebody’s helmet, they’ll be laying down too or with headache also,” said Bombers halfback Jonathan Hefney.

Isaac was fined last Wednesday but not suspended.

Hefney pointed out the Argos were outraged last season Winnipeg’s Johnny Sears hit then-Toronto quarterback Steven Jyles.

“They did a lot of complaining about that and said something was wrong with that,” he said, referring to the helmet-on-helmet hit that cost Sears a one-game suspension.

Younger made his comments to TSN.ca on Wednesday.

“I don’t know if you’re implying that we maybe go out (and) take advantage of a guy who has a soft melon, but, you know, we’re taught to play the game hard. Are we aware that he may go down, because he has a history of going down? Yes. We prepare for the second quarterback, because Buck Pierce has that history, but that’s just covering all your bases,” Younger said in the TSN report.

Bombers right guard Steve Morley pointed out Pierce’s character and conduct deliver a message of toughness.

“He’s keeps coming back and playing, what can you say. The guy’s got a big heart and he’s been through a lot. If anyone else had the injuries he’s had, I don’t think they’d still be playing so I think that says a lot about his character and his will to keep going,” said Morley, who was fined Wednesday by the CFL along with Justin Sorenson and Jovon Johnson for what was deemed retaliatory behaviour after the hit on Pierce.

The CFL’s decision to only fine and not suspend Isaac while three Bombers were fined left Morley shaking his head.

— Prest