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Bruce sounds off

DAVID NAYLOR

Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 10:26 PM EDT 13/11/06

All-star receiver accuses the Canadian Football League officials of being racist and accepting bribes, reports DAVID NAYLOR ...Read the full article

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  1. B.C. Expat from York, ON, Canada writes: I'm sorry, Arland, are you aware of a long list of qualified black referees who were denied employment by the CFL when there were openings? No? Then maybe don't level these kinds of unfounded accusations.
  2. John Quirk from Brooklin, Canada writes: Sound like a poor loser grasping at straws and making excuses for not getting the job done.

    To say Ref's don't like Pinball is absurd. Pinball is one of the most respected Coach's /Person's in the CFL.

    If I had a vote he would be next CFL Commissioner.
  3. david s from Canada writes: Hey Mr Bruce, Was it the racist ref that stopped you from chasing down that alouette after the turnover? Remember, when you watched him go by you and turned and went to the bench instead? Loser.
  4. rjd - from Canada writes: Arland should be sent back home to the states where charges of racism have more validity. He should take some lessons on class from Pinball.
  5. Andrew D from Toronto, Canada writes: I'll put it down to a frustrated player, who knew he screwed up on the interception, spouting off without thinking. Hopefully he'll apologize and everyone will move on. Now, if he said CFL referees were INCOMPETENT, he'd have a case....
  6. Where's the Beef from London, Canada writes: It is amazing how trendy it has become to claim racism as the cause of one's failings. Not a shred of evidence, just a lot of hot air. Put or shut up. Unfortunately this sort of comment promotes hatred. Mr Bruce should be facing a trial with the Human Rights Commission over his statements. At the very least, the CFL needs to fine him into oblivion. Here's hoping he's played his last game in Canada.
  7. sam themacman from Canada writes: Hmmm.... racism? Really? Paying off refs? Not in Canada. Now, the last Superbowl, now you have something to talk about. Talk about poor officiating and the bias of the refs... Just how much did the Steelers pay off the refs for in that game? Mr. Bruce, there is more a case of paying off ref in the NFL (last year's Superbowl) than for your game in Montreal! Wake up dude! You are not a good sport, and you gave up on the play. The Als played better and more consistent football with more passion and desire. The Argos put too much trust in their geriatric quarterback Damon and that sir cost you the game more than anything else. The Boatmen should trade in their oars for crutches!
  8. Brian Murphy from Canada writes: How is a league is racist when it goes to the US to import a large part of it's talent base, both Black & White, and provides incomes and oppourtunites to those who choose to take advantage of a great league in a great country . Mr Bruce , you should have read the brochure !!! ....
  9. The Observer from Canada writes: I have learned a long time ago that the 'race card' is often used when someone does not have a valid argument but wants to hurt their opponent anyway.
  10. J P from Toronto, Canada writes: What a sore loser. Everyone blames the refs when they lose, but calling the league racist is ridiculous. If there ever is a time when he is the victim of racism who's going to believe this guy. Talk about crying wolf.
  11. John Tataryn from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada writes: Clearly, Mr. Bruce [cubed] forgets the non-touchdown these very same referees awarded him against Winnipeg back in July, the non-touchdown that won them the game by three points, when he was explicitly out-of-bounds at the back of the end zone. It all evens out, except for Toronto, a team that's been treated with kid gloves by the CFL for years (salary cap anyone?) in the mistaken belief that people in Toronto had to actually, you know, care about the CFL...

    Bruce [cubed] never had the class of a Geroy Simon or Milt Stegall, and it's clear that hasn't changed. He should shut up and stop embarrassing himself.
  12. Ranald Walton from Hamilton, Canada writes: First off Bruce was emotional after a hard fought game, so let's cut the guy some slack. Second, I think the reffing was pretty bad yesterday. The reviewed play where Ricky Williams fumbled, the whistle blew while the ball is on the ground and then the Als are awarded the ball? What's that all about? I think the ultimate call was a terrible one. There was also a clear interference on a long pass to Talbot (I think) near the end which should have been called. Are the refs on the take? No, I don't think so, but the quality needs to continue to improve. Overall, even with these two calls blown, I still think it was fair that the Als won.
  13. Wally Grisold from Toronto, Canada writes: Another nomination for the annual 'Fog-Horn Leg-Horn' Award as the Loud Mouthed Schnook of the year. After watching that mess yesterday I don't think he could walk and chew gum at the same time. I guess it's back to College for more basket-weaving lessons.
  14. Andrew D from Canada writes: John # 11...there are a lot of people who care about the Argos in Toronto...incidentally the Boatmen regularly outdraw the excellent fans in Winnipeg. A recent survey put the Argos as the number # 2 team in Toronto ( I was shocked myself!). So don't look down your nose...there's tons of love for the CFL in Hogtown. And this Torontonian will see you in the 'Peg this weekend for the big Grey Cup party!
  15. U BelieveIT from Canada writes: I'm tired of all these people pulling the racist card. What a easy excuse. Its like calling wolf...you tend to ignore it after a while.

    Stand-up and be proud, don't fabricate excuses!
  16. Patrick Letang from Montreal, Canada writes: Both Montreal and Toronto have had sub-par seasons, in a sub-par league that can barely keep its teams afloat financially. Yesterday’s game could just have easily tilted Toronto’s way and, while I am not in a position to comment on any issues of possible racism between game officials and players/coach’s, it is my sense that few game officials arrive at their assignments with the required motivation or zeal to do their job. It almost seems as if most game officials have their minds on the birthday party or other family event their wives are throwing, yet again, without Dad being present.

    Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy CFL football what with its nuances that make it a lot less formula driven such as what we see in the NFL, but there can be no denying that the biggest problem the CFL faces is the cloud of constant uncertainty that seems to perpetually hang over the league making it sub-standard.

    Patrick Letang
    patrickletang@gmail.com
    Montreal
  17. Stephen Bosch from Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: Mistakes in officiating come with the territory. They happen in every sport, in every game. The complainers obviously haven't officiated themselves -- the television viewer gets one view, the on-field official another. Being a ref is brutal job.

    Officiating should never, ever be the reason you win or lose a game. If you're doing your job, it doesn't matter.
  18. Richie Rich from Uranium City, Sask., Canada writes: There is only one fact that emerges from this article - Arland Bruce is a racist.
  19. C. A. Blackhurst from slatsie, Canada writes: How dare Bruce place doubt on the results of the Grey Cup Game. He should be banned from ever playing pro football in Canada and never receive another penny for playing here. Shame on him!
  20. Ted Smith from Canada writes: The guy is obviously a crackpot. Makes the Stamps receivers look sane by comparison.!
  21. Midtown Bob from Toronto, Canada writes: I wanted the ARGOOOOS to win but they didn't. Arl is sore looser and let his big dumb mouth get the worst of him. Oh well, how come we didn't hear any of your wisdom through the season?

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