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August 2, 2017

Lion King Commends Rule Change

Wally Buono is not throwing his flag on this latest ruling. The CFL’s all-time leader in coaching wins had plenty of good things to say over the league’s announcement that coach’s challenges would be reduced to one per game effective immediately.

The topic of challenges and lengthy video reviews were at the forefront of last Friday’s loss in Edmonton, especially when the Eskimos were granted pass interference and a first and goal on the one after Jason Maas requested a second look on a pass broken up in the end zone.

“That might have been the tipping point, but this is not something that hasn’t been addressed in the last number of weeks,” said Buono to a group of reporters on Wednesday.

“I know that I’ve talked to the league about it, I’ve talked to our Owner David Braley about it, so this is not something that just happened.”

Coaches were previously allotted two challenges per game and then a third if they were successful on both. As was the case under that system, coaches will be charged with a timeout if they don’t win a challenge. Buono, along with his eight counterparts, will now have to be even more strategic when considering if a play is worth getting reviewed; especially if it takes place early in a game.

“Just like when you added the timeout as a repercussion, you’re much more discriminatory on it, and obviously I am going to have to hold it (the flag) a little bit longer,” explained Buono.

“If there is a critical play in the first or second quarter, you’re going to think about it, but if it’s going to take a touchdown off the board you’re going to consider it.”

Changing a rule of this significance isn’t too common, no matter what league you are talking about. It really speaks volumes on new Commissioner Randy Ambrosie and his willingness to listen to not only players and GM’s, but also the amount of fans he has spoken to in just six weeks on the job.

“You’ve got to give the Commissioner a lot of credit for taking some action. This is at a critical point in the season now, after six games. We’ve seen what’s been working well and what hasn’t, we’ve seen what’s effecting the game in a positive way; which is very close, very high scoring games, but yet the stoppages have been an issue,” added Buono.

“We have a super game. Our elite athletes are treating us this year to incredible plays, close contests and even miracle comebacks. Scoring is up, penalties are down, and games are shorter. The last thing we want to have in place is an artificial impediment to our fans’ enjoyment of it all,” said Ambrosie in a league-issued statement Wednesday.

”Video review, unfortunately, has become just that. It was put in place to fix egregious and indisputable mistakes that could affect the outcome of a game. It’s not being used that way now. Too many challenges and reviews are interrupting the game. Coaches, understandably since they are under pressure to win, have been using it to try to gain an advantage. Fans have been very clear with me that they want a change. We are delivering that change.”

Ambrosie was on hand at BC Place July 21st, prior to the Lions 45-42 victory over Winnipeg. In an exclusive interview with BCLions.com, he explained what the goal is for these early visits to each stadium and each fan base.

“I want to meet the teams and make sure I get that initial connection and ask a lot of questions, do a lot of listening, “ explained Ambrosie.

“I want the players, fans and teams to know I am going to take a very client-centric approach to this role. Getting out to them and meeting them on their turf is a good way to start. For me, it’s all about listening. I think what will happen over a period of time is some really good ideas will emerge, and that will help us refine our strategies.”

“When you come into a new situation, a lot of times you need to just listen and not act too quickly. Randy has been great about going to all the cities and getting a feel not only about the game, but about the organization and fan base in that community,” said the Lions GM and head coach.

“This is a common theme no matter where you go. The stoppages have become an issue, the amount of challenges have become an issue, and I think when the Governors got together and competition committee put it forward, the commissioner felt it warranted to bring it to the Governors for a vote.”

One of those ideas the Commissioner spoke on here two weeks ago was just acted on Wednesday. Starting this week it will be fascinating to see how this impacts both game results and the strategic thinking done by head coaches league-wide.

Another thing this change most likely eliminates is what has been described as “fishing” for a call reversal. That Maas challenge is one that people potentially would point to as an example. Although he wound up winning the challenge and it changed the game, not winning it would probably not be seen as the end of the world, especially with so much time left and the Lions pinned at their own 14-yard line.

Whether you believe in that or not, the shrewdness of the Eskimos head coach was well within the rules. Buono expects coaches to potentially still take those risks if they believe they have a chance to have it go their way.

“I’m not blaming the coaches for anything. I’m going to say this whether people like it or not: if it’s within the rules they have a responsibility to do their job, and their job is to win football games,” explained Buono.

“If that means that you go fishing for a challenge, that’s all part of the game. By eliminating a number of challenges, that’s going to really restrict all that because you’re going to save a challenge for when it’s really critical, and that’s usually the end of the game.”

“If it’s affecting a game in the negative way then I am not sure it’s positive. I am 50/50 anyways, if that, so most of the time I am wrong. What I will hopefully do is be more discriminatory and challenge only on things that will either be overturned or possibly have affect.”

Buono is at 40 percent (4/10) to be exact this season so maybe there is something to that thinking. Numbers aside, this development should be a step in the right direction.

Having a Commissioner that played in this league and understand its importance to Canadian culture is paying huge dividends already.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com