1954 (72 years ago)
The entire Western Conference, joined at least with Ottawa Rough Riders and Montreal Alouettes football clubs, will support a move to have 12 imports used in East and West this year. However, they are definitely in favour of making the 12 include any U.S. players who now enjoy Canadian status and to wipe out the four-year rule which has enabled U.S. players to qualify as Canadians for football purposes.
1961 (65 years ago)
Ottawa Rough Riders coaches Frank Clair and Bill Smyth signed five-year contract extensions. Clair’s former contract was a basic $12,000 salary plus bonuses. General Manager George Terlep signed a three-year extension. The club also signed University of Michigan end Bob Johnson and Boston University’s Dick Desmarais.
1973 (53 years ago)
Each Canadian Football League team took advantage of a new league rule and named two players from their home areas who will be exempt from the CFL draft of college graduates. The Ottawa Rough Riders protected tackle Donn Smith from Purdue and traded their second choice to Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who chose Wayne Ducharme, a running back from University of Windsor.
1977 (49 years ago)
Ottawa Rough Riders signed linebacker Sylvester Boler from University of Georgia. He comes on the recommendation of former Riders’ defensive end, Jon Jelacic, who is now scouting for Atlanta Falcons.
1984 (42 years ago)
The Voice of the Ottawa Rough Riders, Ernie Calcutt, passed away at the General Hospital after a massive heart attack the week before. He was 51 years of age.
1990 (36 years ago)
The new Commissioner of the CFL, Donald Crump, met with a large group of the Ottawa media. Before their meeting, he met with Ottawa Rough Riders General Manager, Joanne Polak, to discuss the club’s financial matters.
1992 (34 years ago)
Carleton Ravens announced that former Ottawa Rough Riders Head Coach, George Brancato, will join the Ravens’ staff as Offensive Coordinator. Also added were Chris Thompson as Defensive Coordinator, and Bob Stephen as Assistant Head Coach. Each position is part-time. Thompson and Stephen came over from University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.
1992 (34 years ago)
The Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton loaned the Ottawa Rough Riders $500,000 in July of 1989. They received the 1990 installment, but are awaiting the 1991 installment of $166,666.66. The CFL guaranteed repayment from TV revenues, but payment has not appeared yet.
2022 (4 years ago)
Offensive lineman Jacob Ruby signed a two-year deal with the Ottawa RedBlacks. Ruby was released by Edmonton Eskimos in August of 2021 “due to a breach of COVID protocol.”
2025 (1 year ago)
Ottawa RedBlacks signed running back William Stanback to a one-year deal.
BIRTHDAYS (TODAY)
JANUARY 6
1957 (69 years ago) Jan 6
Jordan Case, Ottawa Rough Riders quarterback from 1980 to 1982, born at Seagoville, Texas.
1962 (64 years ago) Jan 6
Todd Dillon, Ottawa Rough Riders quarterback in 1986 and 1987, born at Modesto, California.
1972 (54 years ago) Jan 6
Denis Montana, Ottawa Renegades wide receiver in 2002 and 2003, born at St. Jean, Quebec.
