It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..

First headline…Tackling Rider depth on D as they start title defence, Openings are available for newcomers to come in and claim a job at camp. My reaction…based solely on returning starters, the secondary headline rings true with five players not back – either retired or signed elsewhere. However, there really is only one spot truly up for grabs – that being at one of the defensive line spots. The Green and White’s ability to rotate defensive linemen and have capable replacements at strong side linebacker mean two, so-called, backups are ready to step up and be starters while you’ve got to applaud the work of G-M Jeremy O’Day and his football operations staff for signing quality free agents like James Vaughters and Josh Woods to fill the gaps at defensive end and weakside linebacker! The Riders’ defence will, once again, be just fine! It’s that offence that will be key to trying to, “Run it back!”

Next headline…Players pen new letter over major cash. Reaction…when I first saw this story yesterday, I was going to be on board as I thought it was about cash prize equality for women’s tennis alongside men’s tennis. But, both the females and males are upset that their cut of tournament revenues for this year’s French Open has gone down from what it was last year. While I understand this argument from team sports like football and hockey, the athletes are the entertainment, not the team owners, organizing a once a year tennis event isn’t quite as cut dried. There are a lot more variables with expenses that go into a once-a-year event – millions of dollars worth of variables – and, yet, the players still do pretty well – even when they lose out in the first round! I don’t feel nearly as sorry for Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka for their financial situations as I would with, say, Connor McDavid or Josh Allen!!

Last headline…Raptors exit with much to look forward to next season. My reaction…I would agree with Steve Simmons, the Toronto columnist who took quite the run at Keith Pelley and John Chayka the other day – which I kind of enjoyed watching, no matter how uncomfortable it came across – but the Raps have a good, young base for the future. If they can have a healthier season and progress the young group in their development, Toronto could have something special again in the N-B-A come next season!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!