Third Down Gamble

Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District podcast) joins to discuss the issues facing the CFL and the CFLPA as the CFL-imposed deadline looms for the two sides to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) (recorded May 25, 2022).

The crew discuss the CBA, from salary cap to revenue sharing and the ratio, it's a big deal (recorded May 21, 2022).

Special guest Ryan Koop (Canadian Football Countdown podcast) joins to discuss CBA negotiations: the offers and intricacies of trying to reach a new CBA agreement (recorded May 17, 2022).

Don and Heath discuss the CFL-CFLPA contract negotiations, possible new streams for revenue sharing, quarterbacks, and the bind flying to camp puts players in if without a deal signed (recorded May 11, 2022).

Special guest Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District podcast) joins to discuss the new CFL rules that were approved, Andrew's night on the CFL Draft with the Elks, and how many QB's are too many QB's? (recorded: May 5, 2022).

Very special guest (Edmonton Elks President) Victor Cui discusses his early life, his business acumen, the immediate future of the Elks and the CFL, and his excitement for the 2022 season (recorded April 26, 2022).

The crew discussed the CFL ratio that seems to be up for negotiation, again. From whether there are enough national players available, how they affect salaries, and whether a Canadian league needs its own national players (recorded April 19, 2022).

Special guest JC Abbott (of 3DownNation) discusses his passion for CFL, his work for 3DownNation, ongoing CFL-CFLPA negotiations, and an early look at each division (recorded April 14, 2022).

The crew discuss the alignment of the two CFL Drafts, the 'seven is a crowd' QB tryouts in Edmonton, the CFL - CFLPA negotiations, and the revamped USFL season opener (recorded April 12, 2022).

The crew discuss the CFL's decision to stick with three downs over four downs; Arash Madani and the Commish, and an excellent CFL combine (recorded April 5, 2022).

Our special investigative reporter digs up some incredible news (recorded April 1, 2022).

Special Guest Morley Scott (630 CHED, voice of the Edmonton Elks) discusses the changes in Edmonton over the winter, the direction of the team as it moves forward, and much more (recorded March 21, 2022).

Special Guest Mike Smith-Knutsen from the Turf District Podcast discusses his efforts to archive Edmonton's professional football teams histories: from photographs to jerseys, programs to helmets, Mike has a wealth of information (recorded March 16, 2022).

Special Guest Scott Adamson (co-host: From the 55 Yard Line Podcast) discusses his affinity for the CFL and the many pro-football ventures in Birmingham Alabama including the year the Barracudas played (recorded March 9, 2022).

Very Special guest Upton Bell (former GM of the New England Patriots, radio and television host) joins Don Charabin to discuss his amazing life in and out of the NFL (recorded August 4, 2021).

The CFLPA wants to negotiate; the CFL unveils a new corporate entity and equity partner (recorded March 2, 2022).

The crew discuss Derek Taylor moving to Winnipeg, the USFL/XFL and their courting of the NFL; is the CFL being too quiet? (recorded February 23, 2022).

BC Lions embrace change; the crew also discuss the recent CFL FA signings that teams hope will be the answers to a successful 2022 season (recorded February 16, 2022).

Over 50 players will wear a new jersey this season. The crew review some of the big signings, surprises, and stunners that marked the opening days of free agency 2022 in the CFL (recorded February 9, 2022).

The crew look at the intrigue that is negotiation week in the CFL. While teams attempt sign their potential Free Agents while other teams hope to lure players with their offers; it's a GM's nightmare and delight all in one (recorded February 2, 2022).

The crew discuss the wild NFL weekend, bid a fond farewell to Michael Reilly, and propose some rule changes for the CFL (recorded January 26, 2022).

Special Guest Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) joins the crew to discuss free agency, the CBA, and life with Mr. Jones in Edmonton (recorded January 19, 2022).

The crew discuss CFL teams moving to re-sign key players. Bo Levi Mitchell takes a pay cut; is Michael Reilly next? (recorded January 12, 2021).

The crew discuss coach signings, players signings, Chris Jones speaking his mind, and the Alberta teams' quarterback situations (recorded January 5, 2022)

Special Guest Rob Vanstone (Regina Leader-Post) joins Don and Heath to discuss Chris Jones return to Edmonton, the huge list of pending free agents in the CFL, and much more (recorded December 22, 2021).

Special Guest (CFL Head Statistician) Steve Daniel joins Don Charabin and discusses Steve's role in the CFL, his joy of storytelling through statistics, and how Steve helps CFL member teams.

Special Guest Andrew Hoskins (Turf District Podcast) joins Don Charabin to discuss the state of the Elks, moves by the CFL to enhance its future, and discuss possible candidates for the three vacant Edmonton positions (recorded December 15, 2021).

First Down: 108th Grey Cup provides all the reasons why CFL football is unique and awesome! Second Down: A better CFL future; where will it lead? Third Down: A quick look back and more QB debate (recorded December 14, 2021).

💯th episode! First Down: the CFL East and West Finals provide amazing drama. Second Down: does Hamilton have enough to take down Winnipeg? Third Down: the 100's. Note: West Final audio clips graciously provided by 680 CJOB Winnipeg. (recorded December 7, 2021).

First Down: A wild West Semi-Final. Second Down: Labour-Day rematches, can anyone win in Death Valley? Third Down: CFL player awards, who might win? (recorded November 30, 2021).

First Down: Elks clean out the corral. Ottawa stuns Montreal. Second Down: It's playoff time! Is Levels on the level? Dave vs Craig, who will win? Third Down: East and West outstanding player prognostications (recorded November 23, 2021).

First Down: The Argos clinch. The booth intervenes? A missed call? Second Down: Montreal vs Hamilton... who gets second? Third Down: Fantasy-player picks... sort of (recorded November 15, 2021).

First Down: The CFL says goodbye to two legends. Second Down: Massive games with playoff implications abound. Third Down: Get out your slide rule: we are sorting out the playoff scenarios (recorded November 9, 2021).

First Down: Wild games in Edmonton and Toronto... for vastly different reasons. Second Down: Who can clinch, who must win to stay alive. Third Down: Fantasy-player picks (recorded November 2, 2021).

Special Guest Rob Vanstone (Regina Leader-Post : Rider Rumblings (on YouTube)) joins the crew to discuss the race to the playoffs in CFL 2021. Rob also recounts some of his favourite memories about the Roughriders and legendary CFL players he has interviewed (recorded October 27, 2021).

First Down: Walking papers, another QB trade, and three blowouts. Second Down: all interlocking and all important. Third Down: Fantasy-player picks (recorded October 26, 2021).

First Down: Road teams sweep, CFL announces post-November 30 Covid travel rules. Second Down: first place, second place(s) are up for grabs. Third Down: fantasy-player picks (recorded October 19, 2021).

First Down: road teams dominate, Elks in disarray, RedBlacks showing growth. Second Down: Trevor Harris is out, 'special-sauce' arms battle in Vancouver. Third Down: Fantasy-player picks (recorded October 12, 2021).

Special Guest Andrew Hoskins (The Turf District Podcast) joins Don and Heath to review the unpredictable first half of the CFL season. They also look at the second half of the CFL schedule to try to determine which teams will finish where, and much more... (recorded October 6, 2021).

First Down: Upsets and an epic. Second Down: Alberta's quarterbacking quandary and (woohoo!) five games this week. Third Down: Fantasy-player picks (recorded October 5, 2021).

First Down: The rains came. Second Down: Dare we ask Bo not to start? Third Down: Fantasy Picks (sans Tuesday) (recorded September 27, 2021).

First Down: Oh those turnovers. Second Down: Wednesday football, woohoo! Third Down: Fantasy-player picks (recorded September 21, 2021).

First Down: What do you mean no ejection?? Second Down: Mr. Jones is back. Third Down: Fantasy player-picks (recorded September 14, 2021).

First Down: Alouettes go off. Second Down: Elks positivity proves tough. Third Down: Fantasy player-picks (recorded September 7, 2021).

The crew (Don, Heath, and Pat) reunite. First Down: Time can be on your side. Second Down: Should the Elks pay? Third Down: Oh the fantasy of it all... (recorded August 31, 2021).

The crew (Don and Heath) discuss Week 3 results and big stories including Alberta sweeps, the Brandon Alexander hit, and BC's offensive line woes. Second Down: Week 4 matchups including Elks Covid numbers postpone their game in Toronto, which Montreal team will show up, will there be a touchdown scored in Ottawa? Third Down: Heath celebrates his DraftKings win (recorded August 24, 2021).

First Down: The crew (Don, Heath, Pat) review the big stories (Alberta winless; Mitchell, Evans on six-game) from CFL Week Two. Second Down: they discuss CFL Week Three and make their Pooltracker picks. Third Down: they reveal their DraftKings fantasy-player picks (recorded August 17, 2021).

First Down: The crew (Don and Heath) review the action and big stories from the CFL's Week One. Second Down: they discuss Week Two's games. Third Down: the crew reveal their early fantasy picks and Pooltracker picks. Pat also calls in with his choices...or does he? (recorded August 10, 2021).

First Down: The crew discuss the news heading up to the 2021 season. Second Down: the crew preview all four game match-ups. Third Down: the crew's fantasy-player picks.

The crew (Don and Heath) discuss stadium re-openings, more achilles tears, conditioning, surprise early releases, and much more (recorded July 27, 2021).