Kelly Bates
CFL.ca
So I have been reading some of the other blogs out there in CFL.ca land. It is quite interesting to acquire the knowledge of how other players within the CFL see their own team, other teams, and the CFL. So far I would have to say that the most entertaining blog I have read is that of Hamilton Tiger-Cat Jeff Piercy. He has a unique style and the ability to be very humorous with his writing.
Jeffrey and I are both products of the U, that being the University of Saskatchewan. He was a rookie when I was in my last year. As well, we were both on the U track and field team, although for obvious reasons, I was more of a field participant than a track participant.
As Jeff noted in an earlier blog, the first time he met me was at a Senior Men’s Basketball game. I was playing and he was a 16-year old time keeper. I won’t bore you with the details of the infraction, but if you refer to Jeff’s blog you can read the round about story and truth.
So after reading Jeff’s latest blog and seeing that he again took another fun filled poke at me I decided to give him a call. I congratulated him on his humorous writing skills and his ability to recall events. We had a lovely conversation and just as I was about to hang up I heard something in the background that sounded like this: “Sir, welcome to McDonalds, would you like to order?”
No sooner did I hear that in the background then Jeffrey spoke up and pleaded with me not to tell anyone he was at the McDonald’s drive thru window.
Well I was truly taken aback that Jeff was seemingly embarrassed to be ordering fast food. For some reason he did not want anyone to know he was there. What could be the reason? Does he have some kind of bet with his parents that will not allow him to eat fast food? That could be true. Our very own Dean Valli of the Lions currently has a bet of that magnitude with his parents for the entire 2008 season. I know there is a lot wrong with that last sentence but I do not have enough space to fully discuss the magnitude of Dean’s bet.
As the proud athlete that Jeff is, was he worried someone would think less of him for eating fast food? Most offensive lineman in the CFL will make numerous stops at fast food places over the course of a season. It’s just natural. So it hit me… that was it. He did not want to be compared to an offensive lineman. I can understand that. I mean, some of us are a little larger than most and we do not carry our weight all that well. Although, we are usually the smartest players in the locker room, so we have that going for us, which is nice.
Unfortunately, Jeff’s inability to be secure in his love for fast food does not allow him to truly enjoy the food. Well after heavy thought, no pun intended. I just can’t understand why Jeff would be downright ashamed and embarrassed of his love for fast food. I see no reason for Jeff to feel this way. But, if he does, I can respect his feelings. So Jeff, don’t worry… your secret is safe with me.
Kelly Bates has been a regular starter along the BC Lions’ offensive line since 2003. He was a 2007 CFL All-Star and played his 100th career game in Week 3.
