Blue Bombers president Lyle Bauer presented Berman with a personalized jersey on behalf of the entire football club (photo attached - please credit Courtesy of: "Winnipeg Blue Bombers"). The jersey had number 85 on it, along with Berman in lettering on the back.
Berman, in Winnipeg to honour CFL all-time touchdown leader Milt Stegall at a sports dinner Tuesday evening, is a fan of the CFL and the wide open game it's known for.
While standing by the south end zone, Berman took notice of the size of the field, including the large end zone.
"I like the game. I like that when the tell you to go long in the CFL - you have a 20 yard end zone - you can go long," Berman, making his first visit to Winnipeg, said. "In the early 80s, we had CFL games on twice a week and that was among our best programming. The CFL helped us (ESPN) be legitimate. I have fond memories of us in our beginning days watching Warren Moon winning Grey Cups. We had the games on, and people liked watching the CFL and I liked watching it, and we followed it."
Stegall spent some time talking to Berman about himself and his team. Berman is a fan of number 85, and spoke with him for a few minutes while photographers snapped picture after picture of the two superstars from different sides of the game of football.
"I certainly know about Milt Stegall and his record setting career," Berman said to reporters, "I wondered why we didn't see him in the NFL."
Known for his clever commentary of football highlights and his nicknames that he gives to players, someone is the scrum asked about a potential nickname for Milt.
"I haven't really thought of that. Milt Stegall. Fly like a Stegall? I didn't really work on it. I'll come up with something better."
Day four of camp starts Wednesday at 8 a.m. with the first of two practices. The second session begins at 10:40 a.m.
Thoughts from Tuesday's practices:
- Slotback Dan Sheldon (#84) was back on the field after missing the past couple of days with a bruised thigh.
- Arjei Franklin (#86) and Kerry Johnson (#12) made some eye-popping catches, grabbing the attention of all the fans watching.
- Linebacker Cam Hall (#40) grabbed himself an interception, jumping on a ball before it reached its intended target. Head coach Doug Berry was very pleased with the play of his linebackers Tuesday.
Not on the field:
- Josh Lay (#19), cornerback - Day-to-day with a leg injury.
- Jon Oosterhuis (#77), defensive end - Out 1-2 weeks with a leg injury.
- Aaron Fairooz (#87), receiver - Day-to-day with a thigh strain.
- Abraham Morlu (#80), receiver - dislocated finger.
- Doug Brown (#97) and Robert Bean (#25), both missed time Tuesday, but will return to practice later this week.
Player of the day:
Arjei Franklin (#86, WR)
Franklin was a ball magnet Tuesday morning, one day after signing his contract extension. Big play after big play, Franklin constantly impressed Bomber coaches and fans. Number 86 was a treat to watch, hooking up with Kevin Glenn on a pair of deep touchdown tosses.
"I felt like I was making the big play when it was coming my way. (Receivers) Coach (Bob) Dyce expects us to make the average catch. I guess my concentration was up," said Franklin. "Every day I'm out there trying to do the same thing. Sometimes you make it happen, other times you don't. Today was just a good one."
TRANSACTIONS:
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Blue Bombers training camp continues daily at Canad Inns Stadium with the first practice of each day this week scheduled for 8 a.m. Media availability with players and coaches will be at approximately noon on Wednesday, June 4 inclusive. Practice begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 5 with media availability scheduled for 11 a.m. All training camp practices are open to the public.
Season tickets are still available through the Blue Bombers football club offices or by calling 204-784-7448 or going to http://www.bluebombers.com
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