3 days Ago By Paul Friesen
The CFL has finally ruled: Saskatchewan lineman Miles Brown’s hit that ended Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler’s season was dirty. But not dirty enough to warrant a suspension. A full nine days after Brown took Streveler out at the knees in the Banjo Bowl, the league announced it was fining Brown the maximum amount allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
That means Brown will forfeit half a game cheque. We don’t know the man’s exact salary, but if he were earning, say, $90,000, this would cost him $2,500. The cost to Streveler won’t be known for a while.
The 29-year-old took to social media last week to reveal the hit tore three of the four major ligaments in his left knee, ending his season. Streveler vowed it won’t end his career, though. “Although this will be a long road to recovery, this isn’t the end of my journey,” he posted.
“Will attack this rehab with the same relentless work ethic and positive attitude that I bring day in and day out! See y’all back out on the field soon ...
” In the Bombers locker room after the game, there were mixed feelings about whether the hit crossed the line. Brown was being blocked and was going down, lunging to get at Streveler and landing on his knee. CFL rules prohibit defenders taking out quarterbacks at the legs because of their vulnerability and their value to the league.
Brown’s recent history would not have helped his cause. The Banjo Bowl marked the third time this season he has knocked a quarterback out for the rest of the game, or worse. He first took out Ottawa’s Dru Brown with a low hit, sidelining Brown for one game.
In the Labour Day Classic, his hit to the head of Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros knocked Collaros out of the game. He was penalized and fined for that one, but not the maximum amount. Streveler was furious after this latest shot, which also drew a flag.
In an effort to replace Streveler, the Bombers have signed two quarterbacks: Jake Dolegala and Bryan Scott. The team announced both deals on Monday, assigning both to the practice roster. Based in part on how they perform in practice this week, one will be added to the game-day roster for the Blue Bombers game Saturday against the 5-8 Elks in Edmonton.
Winnipeg fans may remember Dolegala from last year’s Labour Day Classic, when he led the Riders to an overtime win over the Bombers. The 6-foot-7, 242-pounder spent time with the B.C.
Lions this year, dressing for nine games but throwing passes in just two, completing 15 of 26 for 158 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 27-year-old is 2-8 as a CFL starter. Scott, 29, saw limited action with Toronto the last two years and was released in August when Argonauts starter Chad Kelly returned from his half-season suspension.
Streveler’s injury is just the latest in a season-long trend for the Bombers, who already have lost star receiver Dalton Schoen and defensive leader Adam Bighill, among others, to long-term injuries. Despite the adversity, they’ve won five straight games, including two over the rival Riders, to sit at 7-6, good for first place in the CFL West. After a bye week, they hit the field on Tuesday.
Edmonton is also coming off a bye. Saturday marks the first of back-to-back games against Edmonton, the rematch coming in Winnipeg the following Friday. Three games against East Division teams close out the Bombers’ regular season: In Hamilton, home to Toronto, and in Montreal.
As mediocre as the West has been this season, it’s not a stretch to picture Mike O’Shea’s crew reaching a fifth straight Grey Cup game, despite all the injuries, although Streveler’s loss goes deeper than his contributions as a passer. His 10 touchdowns leads the league, and if they could measure fire in the belly, he’d top that stat, too. “Strev’s an energy guy,” is how centre Chris Kolankowski put it after the Banjo Bowl.
“To see someone like that go down, it kills you. It’s just a punch in the gut to see that happen. This city knows how much he’s loved here.
” Whether or not they’ll ever see him play here again — Streveler is on a one-year contract — remains to be seen. paul.friesen@kleinmedia.
ca X: @friesensunmedia.
