I realize somebody's podcast used this already within the past week, but as a fan of the novels I recognize that the permanence of statement. They may be leaving CFL fantasy. I'm going a bit further.
After nearly six decades as a CFL fan, I'm retiring.
The rules being introduced next year no longer suit my interest in the league. Maybe this old fart can't deal with the "modernized" rules, maybe I'm right and they are detrimental to the league.
Whatever the case may be, I'm done. Jock & Greg have said that as long as there are three downs, one yard off and full back-field motion, they are willing to give the rules a chance. While those are key components to the game, I have issues with the changes. The goal line is the goal line, both for running/passing plays as well as kicking plays. There hasn't been any dramatic injury due to the goal posts in years, nay decades. Centre field is the 55 yard line. The endzone is 20 yards deep. Touchdowns went up 14% this year without these rule changes. Don't even get me started with the playoff rules. Why even play a regular season if 89% of the teams get in.
So, it is one thing to complain about the rules; lord knows I done a lot of that. But complaining and continuing to support the league and teams even in the most minor of fashions is hypocritical at best. I will be taking my leave of the league. I will pay it no more attention. Not here, not on TSN, not in the news, not at the store, and not at the ticket booth.
Some may doubt my commitment, which is fine. I was done with the Flames over a decade ago. With a gun to my head, I could name but one current player; Dustin Wolf, but only because he played for the Wranglers, my team of choice. I have no idea where they are in the standings, but the scuttlebutt at work is they suck. I have no idea how they did the last game they played. I have less of an idea when they play next.
Firstly, I would like to thank you all here in r/CFL. You're all top notch. We may have disagreed about our teams, the league, marketing, TSN, etc. but this group of people made being a fan of the league that much better.
Secondly, I would like to thank the Stamps for not providing me any reason to regret my decision. Despite some excellent play by Vernon Adams and some wonderful meaningless stats, they were able to make 9-9 not enough to get into the playoffs. Somehow the 8-10 team turned that record into a Grey Cup Championship.
You won't see me around on Grey Cup week, less you are attending the Remembrance Day Ceremonies at the Museums of the Regiments. I'm not going to bother attending any events for the first time since we've hosted the big party. (I was only a wee child the first time we hosted, so I probably didn't participate much in 1975.) I will look out the window to get a peak of the Snowbirds in their final flight in that aircraft, but that's about Canadian history.
So, in the immortal words of the dolphins; So long and thanks for all the fish!
