Sir Purcival hit the nail on the head for me! HATE the Riders and am happy whenever they lose.
Like many on here they used to be my default team cause they were always so bad and you had a soft spot for them. Moving to Sask changed that for several reasons:
1. The Riders started to get good when the Lions were on top in the 2004-2012 range so a natural rivalry formed. It’s like being a Red Sox fan living in NY and hearing about the Yankees non-stop. I swear Christ himself could return and the news shows would lead with a story of some Div 3 CB they signed.
2. With success, many in their fan base got arrogant and in your face. They truly believe that the only reason the CFL exists is because of them. Never mind the other 90 plus years when the league survived and they had to be bailed out. They aren’t Canada’s Team. No team is. It’s just their fan base is spread out as so many people move or move away from Sask. Give them credit they do support the team even when they move away.
3. I firmly believe no team in the CFL gets more breaks and favourable calls than the Riders, especially when at home. Last weeks poor roughing the passer call against the Eskimos with 5 minutes left changed the game and helped them win a game and clinch the West in a game they should have lost.
4. Am I the only one sick of seeing Green jerseys at EVERY event on the planet? Buy some other clothes! I get it, you love your team but wearing Rider gear to NHL, NBA, MLB, rock concert or your cousins weddings is beyond belief.
5. I will admit though, that if every CFL city has the NUMBER of fans the Riders do the CFL would be in phenomenal shape. That being said, as a Lions fan, my passion is no less, it’s just unfortunate that there aren’t as many out there. It bugs me when I hear fans of a team that almost folded multiple times in the 90’s act so smug at ever increasing times.
6. So in summary cheer for the Lions first and whoever in the CFL is playing the Riders that week!
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