Aug
Fight disrupts the mood in Montreal
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
Only days after the Montreal Alouettes recorded their first shutout in 33 years — and at a time when team atmosphere should be at its highest — an on-field incident during Tuesday’s practice landed linebacker Diamond Ferri in Marc Trestman’s doghouse.
Ferri was sent home by the head coach after a fight erupted. The incident began between Ferri and running back Avon Cobourne. Offensive tackle Jeff Perrett came to Cobourne’s defence, punches were thrown and a scrum ensued between offensive and defensive players holding each other at bay.
It marked Montreal’s first practice since Friday’s 25-0 drubbing over the Toronto Argonauts — the Als’ first shutout since 1976. Ferri, suffering from a high ankle sprain, didn’t play that night but appeared to have no effects during Tuesday’s workout.
Fights during football practice, while uncommon, aren’t totally unusual as testosterone prevails. Nothing much is generally made of it. But this marked the first time in his two seasons as the Als’ head coach that Trestman has reacted in such a manner.
“Get (Ferri) in a cab and get him out of here,” Trestman shouted at linebacker coach Tim Tibesar.
Ferri was taken back to Olympic Stadium by equipment manager Ronnie James. Not long after the imbroglio, Trestman called the team together to explain his action — and likely to suggest an encore performance wouldn’t be tolerated.
Later, Trestman admitted he had lost his temper over something that was unexpected. “I was concerned with the team and safety of the players. It’s over,” he explained.
Ferri appears healthy enough to play this Saturday, at Winnipeg, although that remains Trestman’s call. Coincidentally, Ferri’s replacement, Ramon Guzman, played a strong game against the Argos, with five tackles, two knockdowns and a quarterback sack.
