Monday Morning Coffee

Interesting. Ricky Williams is supposed to return to the Argo lineup this week against Calgary and there is absolutely no buzz about it at all. Extraordinary, considering how big this story was in August. ... CFL commish Tom Wright has been carrying lame-duck status for weeks, so it'll be interesting to see this week if anybody at head office has any power left. Edmonton linebacker A.J. Gass should most certainly be suspended for next weekend's home game against Hamilton after kicking at Tiger-Cat receiver Brock Ralph while Ralph was lying on the turf at Ivor Wynne Stadium Saturday night. Gass was outraged after Ralph dove at the knees of Eskie lineman Adam Braidwood while the Tiger-Cats were running out the final seconds, but that really doesn't matter. So we'll find out today or tomorrow whether there are any lights still on at CFL headquarters. ... By the way, if the Esks lose to the Tabbies again next weekend, you have to believe Danny Macioca will be goners. ... Now, I've never been a John Madden fan. Too much "Whap!" and goofy bus stuff and All-Madden team mumbling. But in his first two Sunday night games for NBC, the veteran broadcaster seems reborn. His analysis is snappier, his stories are crisper and he's adding more to the show than just a cariacature. It's great TV. ... It was only one game, but Notre Dame's Brady Quinn was most definitely not the flashiest looking quarterback on the field against Michigan on Saturday. Wolverine junior QB Chad Henne stole the show, delivering his own message to pro scouts on national TV. ... Gosh, so thrilled to hear Mats Sundin and Darcy Tucker want to play in Toronto. I was so worried. ... Really unfortunate to see Carlo Colaiacovo struggling with health problems again. But in the cold competitive world of pro hockey, Colaiacovo's absence certainly enhances the chances of either Brendan Bell or Ian White to start the season in the NHL. ... Jean-Sebastien Aubin's strong late season play earned him a one-way contract, no small thing for a veteran pro. But it should also mean Mikael Tellqvist should have to outplay Aubin to retain the No. 2 job with the Leafs, not the other way around. ... Washington safety Sean Taylor is the most dangerous hitter in the NFL. Up north, Argos Kenny Wheaton is similarly fearsome. ... The Devils were hoping that both Alexander Mogilny and Vladimir Malakhov might be able to earn roster spots this fall, seeing as how they're combined salaries are eating up more than $7 million worth of cap space. Instead, Mogilny has been a training camp scratch with his chronic hip problem and Malakhov didn't even show up for his physical.

Comments

[Cdnguy68]

A.J. Gass plays with intensity, but he's been playing awfully nasty lately. As much as I was floored to see the kick to Brock Ralph, I was equally floored to see a late helmet-to-helmet hit on Henry Burris the week before which went unnoticed by everyone except the broadcast crew.

As for Aubin and Tellqvist, you hit the nail on the head. Aubin has more than earned his return to the NHL. Playing in Tandem with Raycroft would give the Leafs better depth in goal. I think Tellqvist needs to consider finding a new home.