FYI

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/06/2010 (5642 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NO PR… YET: Most CFL teams announced their practice rosters on Friday, but the Bombers won’t reveal their extras until today. Players had until late Friday afternoon to agree to joining the taxi squad, but the delay in the Bomber announcement could also mean they were sniffing around cuts from other teams.

Two names they may have been interested in — U of M Bisons defensive tackle Eddie Steele and offensive lineman Matt Morencie — both agreed to stay in Hamilton on the Ticat practice roster.

DID YOU KNOW? The term ‘taxi squad’ comes from the 1940s and former Cleveland Browns’ head coach Paul Brown who, in an effort to keep players around, kept extras whose salaries were technically paid by the owner’s taxi company.

THE OL’ SWITCHEROO: Bomber veteran O-lineman Steve Morley has made the switch from left tackle to right guard. Here’s his take on the move:

“It’s been a learning experience so far,” said Morley. “It’s a position I haven’t played a whole lot in my career so I’ve been soaking up all the coaching and try to make improvements every day and I think it’s coming along. At left tackle you’re playing against the speed rusher, the fastest defensive end and there’s more finesse involved. Inside it’s more smash-mouth. Every play you’re trying to maul guys so it’s definitely more physical and I’m more sore after this camp than I was last year, that’s for sure.”

CANUCK PIVOT: Former Queen’s star Danny Brannagan has agreed to a practice-roster agreement with the Toronto Argonauts. Thumbs up to Jim Barker and his staff for not just casting Brannagan aside and here’s hoping the league tweaks its rules to allow for teams to use an extra import on their roster if they dress a Canadian QB.

SOLD OUT! The Bombers have sold out next Wednesday’s Legacy Dinner honouring 13 players/coaches who have played key roles in the past 80 years of the franchise. The club wants fans to know that the legends will be available for an autograph signing (one item per person) following their walk-through practice on Canada Day. Gathering in the south end zone from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. will be Bud Grant, Cal Murphy, Mike Riley, Buddy Tinsley, Ken Ploen, Leo Lewis, Don Jonas, Dieter Brock, Joe Poplawski, Chris Walby, James Murphy, Bob Cameron and Milt Stegall.

SATELLITE FANS ALERT: Sirius Canada announced this week it will broadcast every CFL game this season, including the playoffs and 98th Grey Cup. For their schedule visit: www.sirius.ca/cfl.

QUOTABLE: “Being a Bomber means that I’ve reached the first part of my dream. I still have a lot of work to do, but right now it’s great to be doing something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little kid: play professional football.” — Bomber DE Deji Oduwole in an interview with the folks from his alma mater, the University of Calgary.

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca