Morencie, etc.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/11/2010 (5489 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“It’s something that happened back home, between me and the reporter. I really don’t want to comment on it. It has nothing to do with my CFL career.”

That was the quote from non-import offensive lineman Matt Morencie today, when he was asked what happened with Windsor Star columnist Bob Duff two weeks ago. According to reports, Morencie, a University of Windsor-product, grabbed Duff’s notepad and started ripping pages out of it – perhaps as a sign of displeasure with Duff’s criticisms of the Lancers football program and its head coach, Mike Morencie (Matt’s father).

Sorry, Matt. It happened while you were employed by a CFL team (Hamilton) so therefore it does have something to do with your CFL career. When questioned about the incident, Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice said he “didn’t know what he did” before admitting that he “heard that something went on with a guy” and saying that he didn’t know the specific details.

Show of hands: Who believes the Bombers didn’t know about the Morencie-Duff incident before grabbing him off the Ticats’ practice roster last week?

Anyway, Morencie certainly fits the criteria for what the Bombers are trying to do with its Canadian talent component: Get younger. Look for the 22-year-old Morencie, who says he feels most comfortable at the centre position, to challenge for that spot in training camp – if things get that far. Something else to consider this off-season: Veteran Obby Khan is a free agent.

On to the news of the day:

– Safety Ian Logan was named one of the Gibson’s Finest players of the week, for his selection as the CFL’s top Canadian for Week 18. Logan had six tackles, one sack and one interception return for 16 yards in the Bombers 16-13 overtime loss to Edmonton last Saturday. After taking a lot of fan heat for injuries and suspect play in the first half of the season, Logan has made a case as the Bombers best secondary player through the back end of the campaign. Just my opinion, though.

– There were 10 fans watching practice today. You know who you are.

– Don’t expect a boatload of changes from the Edmonton game. Head coach Paul LaPolice hopes to have a better idea of who’s hurting and who’s not Wednesday.

– The club announced DT Doug Brown has been named the recipient of the Ed Kotowich Good Guy award, in recognition of his high level of performance on the field and service to the community. It is the first time Brown has won the award. Who is Ed Kotowich, you ask? The former all-star O-lineman toiled for the Bombers from 1955-61, playing in three Grey Cups during that time. After retiring, Kotowich remained in the community, working with various minor football programs.

– Given the team’s record (4-13) and the Friday night slot, the club is pulling out all the stops to get butts in the seats for season finale against the Stamps. Gold zone tickets (upper deck, middle) have been slashed to $20 a pop. Every fan will receive a team poster and a $10 gift voucher for the Bomber Store. There will be a season-ticket holder half time draw, and prizes will be given out throughout the contest. The club is also blasting off fireworks at halftime. You read that right. HALFTIME. Guess they’re not counting on a lot of eyeballs sticking around once the mercury drops…