Football: Nill handed suspension after tirade

Blake Nill's name is in the news again - for the wrong reasons. The Calgary Dinos football head coach has been suspended one game by Canada West for "a violation of Canada West Code of Conduct, specifically By-Law Article 8.1.3.2 Coaches Conduct, and warrant further sanction."

Nill was slapped with the suspension following an incident in the Dinos season opener at home against Saskatchewan two weeks ago in which he went onto the field and proceeded to scream at the Huskies after a controversial play.

That controversial play was a hit by Saskatchewan safety Bryce McCall in the third quarter on Calgary's Anthony Woodson. McCall leveled Woodson as he went up for a pass over the middle, and appeared to make helmet-to-helmet contact on the running back at first glance - a play which Nill and the Dinos felt warranted a penalty, and subsequent discipline from the league.



Woodson laid on the McMahon Stadium turf for sometime, before being taken off in a stretcher to an awaiting ambulance. Woodson suffered a concussion on the play, and didn't suit up this past weekend for the Dinos against the Regina Rams.

Having been at the game sitting in the press box at McMahon, you could hear Nill screaming from the sidelines. While I wasn't able to make out what he was saying, footage from the game (which was televised on Shaw TV) clearly illustrates some choice words for the Huskies.

Those words were directed at the Saskatchewan sideline, with Nill yelling the f-bomb in one way or another at the Huskies.

While Nill certainly is a fiery coach who will go to war with his team, the outburst crossed the line according to the conference after its review that included submissions from both teams, the head official and game footage from Shaw.

The fact that the game was televised must have made the review easier on the conference giving them additional footage they wouldn't have had if the game wasn't on Shaw. With closeups of Nill during his tirade it's clear he wasn't asking the Huskies where they were having their post-game meal, handing the Huskies a serious tongue-lashing.

There was no suspension dished out to McCall upon review from Canada West, meaning Nill is the only party being disciplined as a result of the game.

Nill has taken responsibility for his actions and acknowledged wrongdoing after the Dinos practice Wednesday evening in Calgary.

The Dinos travel up the QE2 this weekend to take on the first place Alberta Golden Bears, and will be without Nill as he serves his one game suspension.
Dinos coach suspended for conduct - (Rita Mingo, Canada.com)
Dinos coach banned for on-field tirade - (Allan Maki, Globe and Mail)
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