Aug
Als’ Ferri back at practice
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
Diamond Ferri has built a reputation he’s proud of during his three seasons in the Canadian Football League. He plays hard, fast and aggressive.
But the Alouettes’ veteran weak-side linebacker also wants one thing perfectly understood – he’s not a bad guy. And he’s able to separate the player from the man.
“I’m aggressive, but not angry. I’m happy,” Ferri said during a lengthy interview with The Gazette. “I like to laugh and see people laugh.
“But in any sport, you’ve got to respect a man’s space. That’s as far as this goes.”
Ferri was back at practice Wednesday under the scorching sun at Concordia University. And he was at his customary spot, working out with the starting defence, which would seem to indicate he’ll return Saturday at Winnipeg after missing one game with a high ankle sprain.
It also seemed to indicate any perceived problem between Ferri and Als head coach Marc Trestman has been resolved. Trestman ordered Ferri off the field 24 hours earlier, sending him home after an altercation with running-back Avon Cobourne during practice.
Ferri said he reacted after Cobourne gave him a two-handed shove to the face. Trestman reacted after Ferri appeared to knee Cobourne. Fights generally are tolerated at practice, as long as it doesn’t get out of hand. But kneeing a teammate, in Trestman’s opinion, obviously crossed the line.
Trestman, who wasn’t available Wednesday, spoke to Ferri at length over the phone late Tuesday, explaining his rationale, and again Wednesday.
Ferri said he hasn’t been fined and doesn’t expect one. The linebacker and Cobourne also ironed out any potential differences.
“He (Trestman) explained his reasoning. I respect it,” Ferri said. “He makes good decisions. Right or not, I respect him. And he’s the head guy. What happened is in the past. There’s nothing to talk about.”
Ferri took too many unnecessary penalties, many of which were unjustified, as a rookie in 2007 – infractions that seemed to be tolerated by the previous coaching regime. But when Trestman took over last season, things changed. Trestman, with an extensive NFL background, preached discipline and character. So, when Ferri continued crossing the line, he was summoned to the coach’s office for some additional tutoring.
“Compare my rookie to sophomore seasons, a lot has changed,” Ferri said. “I’m smarter around the ball. But when you go hard, it’s hard to distinguish. And I’m going to go hard during practice, because that’s the way I play in games. Play hard or go home.
“I go fast to get better, not to make someone look bad.”
Justifiably or not, Ferri has earned a reputation. If that’s his cross to bare, or if there’s a bulls-eye on his chest, the
5-foot-10, 204-pounder offers no apologies.
“That’s not my character,” the 28-year-old said “People who know me say I’m a good person and teammate. When you play fast and hard, you get labeled. Some hate it, but some respect it. I’m here to help not hurt the team.
“I’ve been categorized, but treated fairly. Was (what happened Tuesday) justified? There’s no point, because it shouldn’t have happened.”
Receiver Éric Deslauriers, who rooms with Ferri on the road – when healthy – noted the Massachusetts native displays a different personality away from the field. “He’s a lot more calm,” Deslauriers said.
“He has a short fuse on the field, but is completely different off it. He cares about his friends and family. He’s a nice guy, although a lot don’t know him or see him like that.”
Ferri’s defensive teammates know they’d rather go into games with him than against the irascible competitor.
“He has a chip on his shoulder and attitude. But it’s not his intention to hurt anyone, just to go hard,” Chip Cox said. “You see 100 per cent out of Diamond on every rep.”
Notes – Cornerback Mark Estelle returned to the field after nursing a sore ankle, but special-teamer Joel Wright appears doubtful with the same injury. He’ll probably be replaced by Deslauriers. … Slotback Ben Cahoon also returned after a trip to Utah, where his father-in-law was sworn-in as state governor.
