The Scrap From The Past

VANCOUVER--It's the story that has taken over Grey Cup weekend, with different versions and rumours spreading like wildfire.

Here's what is known for sure; former CFL stars Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca did engage in a real scrap at the Pro Player luncheon in downtown Vancouver on Friday afternoon, leaving onlookers stunned by the degree of animosity between the two old foes.

Mosca is 73 and walks with a cane. Kapp is also 73. But according to eyewitness reports, they went at it like they were 23 again.

Here's what happened. 

The luncheon brought about 35 former CFL players together with members of the public, and several humanitarian awards were handed out. Comedian Ron James provided a few jokes, and then he was set to host what was expected to be a fun walk-down-memory-lane conversation on the stage between Mosca and Kapp. One of the subjects, naturally, was to be the controversial 1963 Grey Cup moment when Mosca knocked Kapp's B.C. teammate, running back Willie Fleming, out of the game with a questionable hit.

Kapp brought a flower with him on to the stage as a "peace offering" and began to wave it in Mosca's face. Words were exchanged. Then Kapp shoved Mosca, who was sitting on a stool, nearly knocking the former Tiger-Cat great to the floor.

As he regained his balance, Mosca reared back and clubbed Kapp across the side of the head with his cane and onlookers began to understand that even though Mosca was a long-time pro wrestler, this altercation was neither staged nor fake.

After being struck, Kapp then hauled back and punched Mosca in the face, knocking Mosca off the stool he was on and to the ground, rolling off the stage. James bolted sometime during this time, and various CFL alumni, including executive Leo Ezerins, interceded to stop the fight.

Mosca then took the microphone and apologized for the altercation. Kapp, however, then told the crowd that Fleming was a good friend of his and owned a cat that he had named after Mosca, a feline that Kapp said he took great pleasure in taking a "kick" at every time he visited Fleming.

All in all, quite an unbelievable scene. Ezerins told the audience it was evidence of the great emotion that players invest in the CFL.

Others might suggest that boys will be boys, particularly bad boys.

Were you there? Do you have photos or comments you'd like to share with us? Send them to sports@thestar.ca.

 

 

Comments

[Lawrence]

You state that this 'story' has taken over the Grey Cup weekend. You're the only one commenting on it through conventional media, though.
All other sources are leading, seconding and 'also see...' with the NBA agreement. Some Canadian media gateways are not even displaying links to The Game. If this had been Superbowl week(end), would the NBA deal have bumped it for lead story?

[S Robertson]

I love it!

[Mike]

Interesting read, Damian. And it doesn't get any more idiotic than those 2 old timers going at it.

[greg]

That's a great story that will be told for a long time, but more than a little embarrassing to be involved in. I hope my foolish days are by and large behind me. It is still a good laugh, I hope neither of the combatants was injured in any serious way.

[Bob]

Is this the Canadian version of WWE???

[bob]

reminds me of thge fight between mr, herbert from the simpsons and the old nazi guy.. !! soooo funny !!