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Neither the Argos nor the Ticats are going to allow Mayor Rob Ford to become the main storyline for Sunday’s CFL Eastern-Final. Argos have not invited Ford to the game. Mayor Britannia wants no part of his Toronto counterpart. And the Ticats are not going “there” either. Natalie Marconi reports.
Before Thursday’s media availability, the Tiger-Cats announced that neither Coach Kent Austin, nor any of his players would discuss anything related to the Rob Ford controversy, and if it was mentioned, all reporters would have to leave. And they were serious.
The Ticats are not taking anything lightly these days. In fact, Friday’s practice is closed to both the public and the media to keep their playbook veiled in secrecy. All Kent Austin is focused on is winning, and rightfully so. But even the mere mention of what the storied rivalry between the Ticats and Argos means, didn’t account for much.
Coach Austin: “We understand it’s there, it’s in the background, but we’re gonna focus on the things that allow us to win football games.”
That mindset appears to have sunk-in with Austin’s players too.
Five-year Ticat veteran and fan-favorite, Dave Stala, wasn’t remotely concerned that he was wearing Argo double-blue on his head: “It’s comfortable and getting cold so I want to make sure I stay warm. But again, it’s gonna be a big game for us and we’re in a position to get in the Grey Cup. This is where we want to be right now.”
Even Brandon Isaac, a former Argo, who was unceremoniously released by Toronto earlier this season, isn’t using his perceived dislike of all-things-Argonaut as motivation for the East Final: “No it doesn’t mean anything. I’ve proved to my nay-sayers and to myself, I can still play football. I just want to get out there and play football.”
If off-field distractions or a lack of focus were the cause of any Ticat troubles this season, the team is doing everything they can to eliminate them this week. We’ll find out on Sunday if it works.
