Evil Empire
'Evil Empire' strikes back at Roughriders
Davis-Comiskey deal not part of any larger conspiracy theory -- Eskimos
Vicki Hall
The Edmonton Journal
October 13, 2005
EDMONTON - So Saskatchewan linebacker Reggie Hunt and defensive lineman Nate Davis aren't thrilled with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for trading tailback Troy Davis and guard Dan Comiskey to the Evil Empire (also known as the Edmonton Eskimos) in exchange for Brock Ralph, Tay Cody and a draft pick.
So what, says wide receiver Ed Hervey. So what? "No one really cares what the Riders are thinking," Hervey said. "If they have a problem with the trade, take it to the league. "I think they should worry more about the game instead of worrying about the trade. That's not any of their business." The trade works out so well for the Eskimos that safety Kelly Wiltshire can't blame the Riders for grousing. "They have a right to complain," Wiltshire said. "People are going to try and complain about all sorts of stuff at this time of year, because the race is so tight. And that's the way it should be. But if you're spending too much time on it and not focusing on the game, you're almost looking for a copout. "But I would complain, too, if I was in their shoes."
The furor started this week in Saskatchewan when Davis and Hunt sounded off to the Regina Leader-Post with their views on the controversial deal. "Thanks, Hamilton,'' Hunt said. "Hamilton gives them what they need. They trade last year's leading rusher before for almost nothing. "Actually, it ticked us off a little." Nate Davis subscribes to the media theory that Edmonton quarterback Jason Maas is headed to Hamilton as a hidden part of the deal. "They didn't break any rules or anything," Nate Davis said. "Somebody just decided to help them out. "But with all the underhanded stuff, I bet that Maas is in Hamilton next year. You don't let Troy and Commy go for nothing." And that's where the Riders are wrong, Hervey said. The Eskimos didn't get Davis and Comiskey for nothing. "Hey, Hamilton needed a young, Canadian receiver and they got Brock Ralph," Hervey said. "They needed a defensive back -- a good one. And Tay Cody's one of the best that nobody even knows about. "We needed a running back. Everyone knows Troy Davis is a solid running back. We got him here and we're happy with that. "And Dan Comiskey, we traded him to Hamilton last year based on his daughters' health. And we got him back."
The trade might have hurt the Eskimos in the defensive backfield. Canadian cornerback Davis Sanchez went down Monday in Toronto and initial tests show he might have torn his groin. If that's the case, he could be gone for the season -- although the Esks are hopeful he'll return in time for the playoffs. Cody is considered an excellent prospect and he would have replaced Sanchez. That job now goes to Keyuo Craver, a former New Orleans Saint. Regardless, Troy Davis thinks the Tiger-Cats just forgot to consult their brains before making the deal. "I don't think they got robbed," he said. "I think the Hamilton Tiger-Cats aren't using their heads right now. How can you just take your leading rusher from last year and trade him off?"
The Esks are known as the Evil Empire around the CFL for their deep pockets and the influence team president Hugh Campbell has over league matters. This trade simply adds to the legend. "I didn't even know it was an evil empire," said Wiltshire, who joined the Eskimos after eight years with Toronto,
Ottawa and Montreal. "It's almost like you're in an aristocratic state. You don't even know what's going on with the people. "So it feels good. I've been on the other side. So I'm not complaining. I'm happy to be here. And we've got a playoff run to take care of."
SHORT YARDAGE -- The Esks are still waiting for MRI results on Mike Bradley's right knee, but initial tests show he could require season-ending surgery to repair ligament damage. Tailback Dahrran Diedrick is expected to take his spot on kickoff returns ... Rookie return specialist Tony Tompkins received his fourth CFL special-team player -of-the-week honours for his performance Monday in Toronto.
vhall@thejournal.canwest.com
© The Edmonton Journal 2005
Davis-Comiskey deal not part of any larger conspiracy theory -- Eskimos
Vicki Hall
The Edmonton Journal
October 13, 2005
EDMONTON - So Saskatchewan linebacker Reggie Hunt and defensive lineman Nate Davis aren't thrilled with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for trading tailback Troy Davis and guard Dan Comiskey to the Evil Empire (also known as the Edmonton Eskimos) in exchange for Brock Ralph, Tay Cody and a draft pick.
So what, says wide receiver Ed Hervey. So what? "No one really cares what the Riders are thinking," Hervey said. "If they have a problem with the trade, take it to the league. "I think they should worry more about the game instead of worrying about the trade. That's not any of their business." The trade works out so well for the Eskimos that safety Kelly Wiltshire can't blame the Riders for grousing. "They have a right to complain," Wiltshire said. "People are going to try and complain about all sorts of stuff at this time of year, because the race is so tight. And that's the way it should be. But if you're spending too much time on it and not focusing on the game, you're almost looking for a copout. "But I would complain, too, if I was in their shoes."
The furor started this week in Saskatchewan when Davis and Hunt sounded off to the Regina Leader-Post with their views on the controversial deal. "Thanks, Hamilton,'' Hunt said. "Hamilton gives them what they need. They trade last year's leading rusher before for almost nothing. "Actually, it ticked us off a little." Nate Davis subscribes to the media theory that Edmonton quarterback Jason Maas is headed to Hamilton as a hidden part of the deal. "They didn't break any rules or anything," Nate Davis said. "Somebody just decided to help them out. "But with all the underhanded stuff, I bet that Maas is in Hamilton next year. You don't let Troy and Commy go for nothing." And that's where the Riders are wrong, Hervey said. The Eskimos didn't get Davis and Comiskey for nothing. "Hey, Hamilton needed a young, Canadian receiver and they got Brock Ralph," Hervey said. "They needed a defensive back -- a good one. And Tay Cody's one of the best that nobody even knows about. "We needed a running back. Everyone knows Troy Davis is a solid running back. We got him here and we're happy with that. "And Dan Comiskey, we traded him to Hamilton last year based on his daughters' health. And we got him back."
The trade might have hurt the Eskimos in the defensive backfield. Canadian cornerback Davis Sanchez went down Monday in Toronto and initial tests show he might have torn his groin. If that's the case, he could be gone for the season -- although the Esks are hopeful he'll return in time for the playoffs. Cody is considered an excellent prospect and he would have replaced Sanchez. That job now goes to Keyuo Craver, a former New Orleans Saint. Regardless, Troy Davis thinks the Tiger-Cats just forgot to consult their brains before making the deal. "I don't think they got robbed," he said. "I think the Hamilton Tiger-Cats aren't using their heads right now. How can you just take your leading rusher from last year and trade him off?"
The Esks are known as the Evil Empire around the CFL for their deep pockets and the influence team president Hugh Campbell has over league matters. This trade simply adds to the legend. "I didn't even know it was an evil empire," said Wiltshire, who joined the Eskimos after eight years with Toronto,
Ottawa and Montreal. "It's almost like you're in an aristocratic state. You don't even know what's going on with the people. "So it feels good. I've been on the other side. So I'm not complaining. I'm happy to be here. And we've got a playoff run to take care of."
SHORT YARDAGE -- The Esks are still waiting for MRI results on Mike Bradley's right knee, but initial tests show he could require season-ending surgery to repair ligament damage. Tailback Dahrran Diedrick is expected to take his spot on kickoff returns ... Rookie return specialist Tony Tompkins received his fourth CFL special-team player -of-the-week honours for his performance Monday in Toronto.
vhall@thejournal.canwest.com
© The Edmonton Journal 2005
(tm KnuckleChucker -- yer missed, big guy!)
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