Latest news with #LukeWillson
National Post
10 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
Why a TSN personality went off script and ripped CFL as 'hot garbage'
Article content I first met Luke Willson when he was playing in the NFL as a promising tight end with the Seattle Seahawks. Article content The initial impression was that the LaSalle, Ont., native was a well-spoken and thoughtful observer of the game that was his profession. Article content Article content When Willson retired from his playing days and had the opportunity to talk about and analyze the game for TSN, he quickly became an insightful broadcaster with personality and thus the network wisely jumped on that considerable upside and increased his profile. Article content The next act may be the most profound yet for the unique football mind and personality. Article content Assigned as a regular to the network's Friday Night Football CFL telecasts this season, to say Willson has made a massive impact just weeks into the role is an understatement. It started with a promise to 'to be honest and tell the truth about the CFL' and the former Super Bowl champ hasn't backed down. Article content Article content The most bombastic comments came off air and online this week when Willson was adamant that despite the thrilling finish in a Saskatchewan Roughriders /Toronto Argonauts game at BMO Field, the CFL game is flawed. Article content 'If the goal is to grow the game and attract a younger demographic, the on field product of the Sask/Toronto game is just not going to cut it,' Willson wrote on X. 'That game was hot garbage.' Article content I told you I would be honest and tell the truth about the CFL. If the goal is to grow the game and attract a younger demographic, the on field product of the Sask/Toronto game is just not going to cut it. That game was hot garbage…Let me be clear in saying that I don't think… — Luke Willson (@LWillson_82) June 22, 2025 Article content Article content Later in the lengthy post, Willson ripped the penalties called, referred to elements of the contest as 'junk football' and outlined in detail why he felt that way. Article content Article content Predictably, in the moments (and days) following Willson's blunt version of his truth, the sensitivity of CFL apologists was exposed. He was dismissed as a hater of the Canadian game because he played in the NFL (untrue) and that he wanted to see it die (absurd given he coaches a team in London, Ont.) Article content 'I log onto socials after the game and it's tweet after tweet about how AMAZING the CFL is because of the kick return ending,' Willson posted. 'Even articles and podcasts declaring the CFL's greatness. It's bold face lies.
Toronto Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Why a TSN personality went off script and ripped CFL as 'hot garbage'
'If the goal is to grow the game and attract a younger demographic, the on field product of the Sask/Toronto game is just not going to cut it,' Luke Willson posted on X. Get the latest from Rob Longley straight to your inbox Rod Smith, Luke Willson and Duane Ford of TSN pose for a photo before a CFL game. Twitter I first met Luke Willson when he was playing in the NFL as a promising tight end with the Seattle Seahawks. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The initial impression was that the LaSalle, Ont., native was a well-spoken and thoughtful observer of the game that was his profession. When Willson retired from his playing days and had the opportunity to talk about and analyze the game for TSN, he quickly became an insightful broadcaster with personality and thus the network wisely jumped on that considerable upside and increased his profile. The next act may be the most profound yet for the unique football mind and personality. Assigned as a regular to the network's Friday Night Football CFL telecasts this season, to say Willson has made a massive impact just weeks into the role is an understatement. It started with a promise to 'to be honest and tell the truth about the CFL' and the former Super Bowl champ hasn't backed down. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The most bombastic comments came off air and online this week when Willson was adamant that despite the thrilling finish in a Saskatchewan Roughriders/Toronto Argonauts game at BMO Field, the CFL game is flawed. 'If the goal is to grow the game and attract a younger demographic, the on field product of the Sask/Toronto game is just not going to cut it,' Willson wrote on X. 'That game was hot garbage.' I told you I would be honest and tell the truth about the CFL. If the goal is to grow the game and attract a younger demographic, the on field product of the Sask/Toronto game is just not going to cut it. That game was hot garbage…Let me be clear in saying that I don't think… — Luke Willson (@LWillson_82) June 22, 2025 Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Later in the lengthy post, Willson ripped the penalties called, referred to elements of the contest as 'junk football' and outlined in detail why he felt that way. Predictably, in the moments (and days) following Willson's blunt version of his truth, the sensitivity of CFL apologists was exposed. He was dismissed as a hater of the Canadian game because he played in the NFL (untrue) and that he wanted to see it die (absurd given he coaches a team in London, Ont.) And what makes him a voice that will continue to be worthy of being heard was his reaction to blowback from the predictable crowd in the CFL space. 'I log onto socials after the game and it's tweet after tweet about how AMAZING the CFL is because of the kick return ending,' Willson posted. 'Even articles and podcasts declaring the CFL's greatness. It's bold face lies. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The league and the people who cover it are trying so hard to protect the game that their lack of honesty is ruining it. Why can't we call it like it is. A bad football game. 'Let me be very clear, if the goal is to grow the game for a younger demographic, this sort of stuff will not do it. You'd have a better chance at pissing in a hot sauce bottle than having any sort of substantial growth with games like that.' Tell us what you really feel, Luke? We suspect he will continue to do so and viewers will be the winners. The beauty of Willson's commentary is that it accentuated his wisdom both as a football guy and a broadcaster — a point he essentially acknowledged in another post on X late this week. He's not professing to know everything, just to have an opinion and an educated one at that. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I've received a crazy amount of thank you messages from just about everyone … front office, coaches, players (past and present) and fans,' Willson wrote. 'Although they might not all agree on everything I've said, the dialogue has opened.' Boom. Willson doesn't need to rip the CFL weekly to be an engaging success — and we suspect he's too smart to fall into that trap. But to dismiss him as a former NFL player who wants the CFL to die is silly. Was his criticism harsh? Damn straight it was. You may disagree with his comments, some of them open for debate. But you can't dispute that he's good, engaging television with a personality who ironically has the potential to do the opposite of what people are accusing him of and that's make the game more popular. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. You think the Willson commentary didn't resonate? Think again. The topic was broached at a press conference with Hamilton Tiger-Cats QB Bo Levi Mitchell this week. 'Luke, welcome to the CFL. Tell me (the dramatic ending) wasn't exciting. That's for him to decide I guess,' Mitchell said. And Willson certainly will — good or bad — as he described in a video post on X on Thursday. 'I'll see you Friday night in Hamilton, everybody,' Willson said. 'I hope its a great game.' Read More CAMERA DOESN'T LIE The beauty of Willson's pot-stirring is that it counters some of the sensitive approach TSN traditionally has employed in its CFL coverage. The rights-holder relationship can be a delicate one and reflected in some, but not all, of the commentary. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But know this: The artistry employed by game camera opportunity does a good job of avoiding at all costs the wide swaths of empty seats in CFL stadiums, most notably in Edmonton and Toronto. Tight camera work — presumably at the directive of producers — keeps viewers from seeing one of the big concerns in the league, concerns that tie into Willson's worries. SPORTSNET DUMPS ANOTHER VOICE Tough gig to be a reporter at Sportsnet these days. The network has parted ways with Raptors court side reporter Savanna Hamilton as the broadcaster acknowledged on X. After three unforgettable seasons covering the team I grew up watching, my time on the Raptors sideline with Sportsnet has come to a close. Though I imagined this chapter lasting a little longer, I'm grateful for every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity to grow while… — Savanna Hamilton (@SavHamilton11) June 25, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'After three unforgettable seasons covering the team I grew up watching, my time on the Raptors sideline with Sportsnet has come to a close,' Hamilton wrote. 'Though I imagined this chapter lasting a little longer, I'm grateful for every moment, every lesson and every opportunity to grow while doing what I love. 'I always knew I was representing more than just myself. I carried the weight – and the pride – of the communities I come from. I hope I made you proud.' Canada Sunshine Girls Music Toronto Raptors Canada
