Burke finds 6-pack of IPA on desk in morning

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This article was published 01/09/2012 (5147 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

REGINA — A good-natured war of words was brewing prior to Sunday’s Labour Day Classic between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Blue Bombers rookie head coach Tim Burke started it Thursday when he was asked about making his debut on the Mosaic Stadium sidelines. Burke said he expected to be heckled and probably have beer poured over him. Burke was asked if there was a particular beer with which he would like to be showered. Burke was offered Pilsner, but revealed he was an India Pale Ale man.

“I like a little more hops in my beer,” Burke responded. “I’m a little tougher than those guys over in Saskatchewan.”

Riders head coach Corey Chamblin joined in the spirit of the Labour Day Classic when asked for his response to Burke’s comments.

“Hey he’s old school,” Chamblin said with a laugh. “As long as he’s drunk when he comes in here and not knowing what he’s doing, that’s fine with me. He has to do what he has to do. Those guys are going to come here tough and we’ll get it going. At the end of the day, every man has his own thing to get going.”

Burke did find a surprise waiting for him on Friday when a six-pack of India Pale Ale was left on his desk.

“I’m sure that it didn’t come from another province,” Burke told reporters.

The discussion wasn’t limited to Burke’s preference in beers when the Riders met with the media after Friday’s practice. The Riders’ roster includes three members of the 2011 Blue Bombers — guard Brendon LaBatte, defensive end Odell Willis and linebacker Joe Lobendahn. LaBatte was an off-season free-agent signing by the Riders. Willis was acquired in a trade. Lobendahn signed with the Riders on Wednesday after being released by Winnipeg prior to training camp. All three played a prominent role with the Blue Bombers.

Willis, who was a CFL all-star in 2011 while sharing the league lead in sacks with 13, isn’t surprised the Blue Bombers have a 2-6 record.

“When you get rid of all of your marquee players and don’t bring anyone in, the results show,” Willis said. “I’m not saying anything bad on the organization or talking bad about them. In this business or the NFL or hockey … when you let your marquee and core players on your team go and not have anyone to replace them, it’s hard to put wins together.”

— Regina Leader-Post