Talking football with Blue Bombers, Lions

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This article was published 05/10/2016 (3292 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For a number of players and coaches, it won’t just be their talents on full display when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hit the turf Saturday at Investors Group Field for a game against the B.C. Lions, but their words, too.

Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols and head coach Mike O’Shea will be equipped with live microphones for the CFL game, as will rookie defensive end Trent Corney and a backup quarterback to be named.

Lions pivot Jonathon Jennings, linebacker Solomon Elimimian and head coach Wally Buono will be wired up for B.C.

It’s one of three games the CFL announced will be using live microphones Thanksgiving weekend in a promotion the league has dubbed a “Triple Threat of Live Mic Broadcasts” for broadcaster TSN. (Also included is Friday’s game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Ottawa Redblacks, and Monday’s Edmonton Eskimos-Montreal Alouettes clash.)

The league first used live mics on its players earlier this season in a game between the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“The CFLPA is thrilled to work with TSN and the CFL to build off the success of the inaugural live mic‎ broadcast,” Blue Bombers offensive lineman and Canadian Football League Players’ Association president Jeff Keeping said in a statement.

“We are excited to share this unique experience with our great fans and have them in the huddle with our players during our Thanksgiving weekend games.”

***

T.J. Heath has been used sparingly since being traded to the Bombers from the Toronto Argonauts in a deal that sent quarterback Drew Willy the other way.

Since arriving in Winnipeg a month ago, the 29-year-old defensive back has been limited to returning punts and playing the odd defensive package in the secondary. But that may all change this week, as Heath worked out with the Bombers’ first-team defence at practice Wednesday, taking the halfback spot usually reserved for Bruce Johnson, who took reps with the second team.

“We’ll see,” Heath said when asked if he expected to start Saturday against the Lions. “I’m just trying to stay prepared for when my number is called. Right now, I’m hoping to get to play a lot.”

Heath ended up being an additional piece in the trade — which also included a first- and a third-round draft pick — but one that came with some major hype. At the time, Heath was tied for the league lead in interceptions with five, shared with Bombers linebacker Maurice Leggett (who now is at the top with six).

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“A lot of people were wondering if I was going to be playing right away, but I really wasn’t too much worried about it,” said Heath. “I was worried about gelling with the guys, understanding the defence so that when I do get my chance I’ll be able to play fast. And I’ve felt like I’ve done that.”

O’Shea wouldn’t commit to naming Heath a starter, but in the brief time he’s played with the defence, he likes what he’s seen.

“I like him. He communicates like a veteran. He’s not a young CFL rookie,” said O’Shea. “To me, he’s as advertised.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton

Jeff Hamilton
Multimedia producer

Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University’s journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff.

Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.