Another year is about to come to a close and, for many, 2021 couldn’t come soon enough — 2020 was a difficult one for all of us.
COVID-19 disrupted our lives, resulting in the cancellation of travel, large events, and the entire CFL season. Millions of Canadians were laid off and underwent financial hardship, while many suffered from a virus that has killed well over 10,000 people across the country.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the virus — particularly those who have had to deal with it firsthand.
Let’s take one last look back at 2020 before turning the page to what will hopefully be a better, safer, healthier, and happier year in 2021.
10. CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie threatens to fine teams, staff members if further information leaks
It wasn’t surprising that this story was popular given that it involved the threat of heavy fines.
Sportsnet’s Arash Madani reported in October that CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie had grown frustrated with information being leaked to the media.
At 3DownNation, we report news all the time and we’re grateful for those who continue to leak things our way. Don’t worry — we won’t tattle to the commissioner on you.
9. Chicago Bears officially hire CFL legend Henry Burris as coach for 2020 NFL season
This retired six-year CFL defensive back made headlines for the wrong reasons in 2020.
Sidoo served three months in a U.S. prison after pleading guilty to a U.S. college admission scandal involving his sons. He was also forced to pay a $250,000 USD fine.
A spokesperson for Sidoo told Global that the 61-year-old has gone back to Vancouver where he will “return to his life as a private citizen.”
6. Riders’ QB Cody Fajardo: ‘I don’t think I could ever see myself playing for Chris Jones’
It turns out that old man strength is totally a thing.
Darin Burns, who played four seasons of CFL football back in the 1980s, spent 2020 in the gym after falling out of shape. He’ll complete the comeback by playing with the Moncton Mustangs of the Maritime Football League in 2021 at the age of 57.
What makes the story even better is that Burns’ son, Taylor, is planning to play one game with his dad before returning to McMaster University in the fall.
3. Franchise quarterback Mike Reilly files grievance against Lions for guaranteed money
Money talks and that’s certainly the case for the next story on our list.
3DownNation insider Justin Dunk broke the news in November that Reilly had filed a grievance with the B.C. Lions regarding a $250,000 guaranteed payment.
The situation came to a resolution in December with Reilly receiving the money along with a new two-year contract through the 2022 season.
The first day of CFL free agency is always a blast and 2020’s free agent frenzy was no exception.
Our coverage lasted twenty hours and covered the signings of over 50 players from around the league. Mark your calendars, folks — we’ll be doing it again on February 9, 2021.
Ironically, the player featured on this graphic — receiver Derel Walker — never signed a CFL contract for 2020.
1. Former Edmonton equipment manager Dwayne Mandrusiak: ‘I gave the 49 years, they couldn’t give me one’
Are you surprised that our No. 1 story of 2020 was about an equipment manager? We were too, until we considered how synonymous Mandrusiak is with the Edmonton Football Team and the CFL as a whole.
The veteran of 49 seasons wanted to return for one last year with the team but was permanently laid off in September. He helped Edmonton win eleven Grey Cups, including a string of five in a row from 1978 to 1982.
Mandrusiak was part of what made the Edmonton Football Team great with countless former players speaking out about his remarkable job with the team.
