It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…
First headline…Using out clause, Jones leaving Riders for N-F-L. My reaction…is kind of two-fold. On one side, I say great, don’t let the door hit you on the butt on the way out. On the other, what now? Chris Jones was a polarizing figure with his style and flair for being bull-headed and antagonistic towards Rider Nation…always wearing black and wanting to do things that didn’t make sense, like trying to resuscitate Vince Young’s flat-lined career. He was arrogant and didn’t seem to care to work with the media to get his message out! Yet, he is a very good coach and assessor of football talent…just look at the progression of the Green and White over his three years. Which is why I ask, what now?!
Next headline…Roughriders must pursue Trestman, Exit of coach Jones is a blow, but also an opportunity to bring in an offensive guru. Reaction…I like Rob Vanstone’s line of thinking…and he makes a lot of valid points, especially when it comes to needing someone with an offensive mind and loads of C-F-L experience like Marc Trestman to make the Riders exciting to watch in their exciting stadium that still has that new-car freshness to it! But, Rob has to know that the Roughriders have rarely listened to him in the past and aren’t likely to listen to him now!
Last headline…Slumping Sabres look for Eichel to heat up. My reaction…Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid were linked throughout the 2014-15 season as the top two prospects going into the N-H-L Draft. Today, they are still linked as elite players who can’t overcome the fact that their respective N-H-L teams can’t seem to surround them with good enough players to get them into the playoffs!
That’s my Parting Shot, I’m Les Lazaruk…