((HT: CP))
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have apologized to Saskatchewan for a derogatory remark made at the CFL team's fan forum Tuesday night.
During the annual event attended by some 300 Bomber fans, one fan referred to Regina as "the crotch of Canada." And later when new Bombers head coach Mike Kelly ((pictured, thanks Phil Hossack/Winnipeg Free Press)) was talking about the trades made with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Eskimos, he picked up on the reference.
"We kind of raided the toothless, green, watermelon-helmet-wearing people from the crotch of Canada," Kelly said, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.
While the fans apparently laughed at Kelly's remarks, it wasn't a laughing matter for long.
Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer issued an apology after receiving some e-mails from upset Saskatchewan residents.
"The Winnipeg Football Club apologizes to the residents of Saskatchewan and Roughrider fans for comments which emanated at the Blue Bomber fan forum," Bauer said.
"The Winnipeg Football Club holds our partners to the west in a very high regard, as we share similar corporate cultures and values in our respective status as community-sponsored teams. The comments by a fan and our head coach were truly meant in the playful spirit of our great rivalry. We do recognize that some might not have received it in the context in which it was made."
Bauer also pointed to his own roots.
"As someone who was born and raised in Saskatchewan, I share the pride of the residents," he said. "However, I know there is no disrespect meant by those who made the comments."
Mike Kelly got the opportunity to 'splain himself on NewsTalk 980 CJME in Regina on Wednesday on the "Dave Arnold Show." The audio is from the "Drew Remenda Show" and it's really wild stuff.
Those of us at OSG HQ listened to the interview closely. The one thing that's still missing is an actual apology for making the comment- even if Kelly explained the "context" of the whole usage of the deal. We also wonder why the CFL hasn't taken any stance and fined or discplined Kelly at all...
It's "not a matter we ((the league)) are investigating..." is their official response...
Nice...
Coverage from the Free Press is in black...
Rob Vanstone's commentary in the Regina Leader Post is in black...
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