CFL types unhappy with attention lavished on Johnny Football

The latest blast of news and speculation that Johnny Manziel might grace the CFL with his presence prompted more griping than usual from current league types.

The attention lavished on Johnny Football has been a sore spot before but Manziel said on Tuesday that he might actually play north of the border if the NFL doesn’t work out and his agent called it a “viable option.” With Dave Naylor and Matt Dunigan from TSN in Austin, the league pumping out content, a CP wire story going out to print and digital outlets and 3Down producing, uh, one or two stories, there was a wall of Johnny content.

Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Chris Walby didn’t like the idea of the CFL as a fallback plan.

I love the fact Mr Johnny Footballs first interest is the NFL and then he'll think about showcasing (starring) in the CFL -sure hope you can adjust to the 12th man on the field. I think you should TRY the CFL and play your way to the $$ of the NFL

— Chris Walby (@BigBluto63) March 27, 2018

A TSN analyst and former player agreed with that sentiment.

Maybe! But a better way to state that would have been, “If nothing pops up (NFL) then I’m going to tryout in the CFL!” https://t.co/qbdW6XLxJk

— Glen Suitor (@GlenSuitor) March 27, 2018

Ottawa Redblacks receiver Greg Ellingson said the media should be paying more attention to players already in the league (nevermind that much of the traditional CFL media just spent several days in Winnipeg pumping out largely positive stories from CFL Week and the combine.)

Anyone getting sick and tired of all the content of players not in our league or giving the #cfl bad publicity?
Numerous player stories that could leave a lasting positive image around the league, and in their respective communities if they were told.

— G. Ellingson (@Gelliman82) March 27, 2018

Lets use our platform to leave a positive impact on everyone that enjoys watching the great Canadian game #cfl

Ppl have given years and paid their dues to earn a place in the CFL! Nothing is given because of the past. This is a place you earn your stay for what you do now

— G. Ellingson (@Gelliman82) March 27, 2018

B.C. Lions special teams coordinator Jeff Reinebold, who is also an NFL analyst and podcaster for SkySports, made much the same point in his trademark ALL CAPS STYLE.

WARRIOR WISDOM – OUR LEAGUE @CFL AND THE @NFL ARE FULL OF PLAYERS WHO ARE GREAT POSITIVE STORIES – WE IN THE MEDIA FOCUS WAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION ON THE NEGATIVE STORIES BECAUSE THEY ARE THE EASY ONES – TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE GOOD GUYS! #BEBETTERTHANTHAT https://t.co/rSpmCkiQJK

— Jeff Reinebold (@Jeff_Reinebold) March 27, 2018

Walby softened his stance on Manziel in a follow-up Tweet and captured the essence of the thing pretty well.

Nothing against the young man as we have all made mistakes in our youthful exuberance, but I just want him to appreciate the quality of athletes & play in the CFL, and not be like many before who didn't respect it and found out the hard way. Guess time will tell

— Chris Walby (@BigBluto63) March 27, 2018