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MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Riders QB Trevor Harris (above) broke into the CFL in 2012 with Bombers QB Zach Collaros.

Veteran CFL QBs aging well

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

It’s hard to believe the Toronto Argonauts once had Ricky Ray, Jarious Jackson, Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris all in their quarterback room in 2012.

If you ask Harris, it’s even harder to believe he and Collaros — who broke into the CFL that season together as rookies — are still in the three-down loop today slinging it.

“I remember our first year in the league, we (were leaving after the season) and Swayze Waters (the Argos kicker at the time) was like ‘Man, we’re never going to see Zach Collaros ever again,’” said Harris.

“Because he was ready to go home. He was like ‘I’m done, I’m ready to get out of here.’ And here he is all this time later. I thought he’d get into coaching a little bit sooner, but he’s really turned himself into a first ballot hall-of-famer. He’s been absolutely incredible.”

Manitoba Open

Fan outcry needed to curb leagues banking blood money

Jerrad Peters 5 minute read Preview

Fan outcry needed to curb leagues banking blood money

Jerrad Peters 5 minute read Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

What do the FA Cup, the NBA, the Tour de France and Sudan’s civil war have in common? They’re all being funded by the United Arab Emirates.

Unsurprisingly, the UAE acknowledges only three of these sponsorships. But its financing of the fourth is a widely-held matter of fact and, increasingly, a major problem for the sporting properties receiving its cash.

Last week, the humanitarian agency Refugees International renewed its call for the NBA to sever its relationship with Emirates — the airline owned by the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund. Emirates is the title sponsor of the annual NBA Cup.

It also holds the naming rights for a Tour cycling team and English football’s FA Cup, and its wordmark can be seen on the shirts of prominent clubs like Arsenal, AC Milan and Real Madrid.

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Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

Jon Super / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Emirates airlines’ wordmark can be seen on the shirts of prominent clubs — as seen on Real Madrid’s kit sported by Jude Bellingham in the clubs clash with Liverpool earlier this week.
Jon Super / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Emirates airlines’ wordmark can be seen on the shirts of prominent clubs — as seen on Real Madrid’s kit sported by Jude Bellingham in the clubs clash with Liverpool earlier this week.

Oak Park captures high school football glory, denies Dakota three-peat

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Oak Park captures high school football glory, denies Dakota three-peat

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

The Oak Park Raiders finally got theirs.

After their last two seasons ended in heartbreak at the hands of the Dakota Lancers, the Raiders narrowly escaped the same outcome for the third year in a row, triumphing 22-17 over the Lancers to capture the Winnipeg High School Football League AAAA tier 1 varsity championship at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday.

A fumble by the Raiders, deep in their own territory with 18 seconds remaining, gave the Lancers late hope, but Oak Park’s defence stood tall one last time to end an 11-year championship drought for the program and end Dakota’s two-year reign.

“It’s amazing,” said two-way player Amyas Furst, who had a long touchdown run in the second quarter and secured an interception in the late moments of the contest. “We’ve grinded all year for this. The bond we have with this group, you can’t break it. We had some struggles at the start of the year, but we really found it. We found our click, and now, you can see we won it now — beautiful.”

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Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS

Oak Park Raiders receiver, and ANAVETS Bowl MVP, Tavin Parani (right) carries the ball Thursday night with Dakota Lancers defender Luke Edmondson in hot pursuit.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Oak Park Raiders receiver, and ANAVETS Bowl MVP, Tavin Parani (right) carries the ball Thursday night with Dakota Lancers defender Luke Edmondson in hot pursuit.

Trevor Story declines to opt out, keeps contract with the Red Sox

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Trevor Story declines to opt out, keeps contract with the Red Sox

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

BOSTON (AP) — Shortstop Trevor Story declined to exercise his right to opt out of his contract and is remaining with the Boston Red Sox.

Story agreed to a $140 million, six-year deal with Boston before the 2022 season and could have opted out, giving up $55 million in guaranteed money.

Instead, he kept $25 million salaries for 2026 and ’27, and a $25 million team option for 2028 with a $5 million buyout.

The two-time All-Star shortstop, who turns 33 on Nov. 15, played in 157 games, his most since 2018, and hit .263 with 25 homers and 96 RBIs.

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Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

FILE - Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10) throws during the fourth inning of Game 2 of an American League wild-card baseball playoff series, Oct. 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
FILE - Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10) throws during the fourth inning of Game 2 of an American League wild-card baseball playoff series, Oct. 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Aston Villa beats Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 in Europa League amid protests and arrests

Karel Janicek, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Aston Villa beats Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 in Europa League amid protests and arrests

Karel Janicek, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

Aston Villa beat Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 Thursday in a Europa League game played amid heightened security measures, with more than 700 police officers deployed to deal with possible protests.

Morgan Rogers put through Ian Maatsen in first-half stoppage time for the defender to score from a tight angle and Villa doubled the lead on the hour with Donyell Malen hitting the bottom corner from the penalty spot. It was Villa's third win from games in the competition.

The game at Villa Park had become the center of a political debate after Maccabi fans were banned from attending as West Midlands Police deemed the match to be high risk and cited violence and hate crimes that took place when Maccabi Tel Aviv played at Ajax in Amsterdam last season.

The ban attracted widespread criticism including from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said it was the wrong decision.

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Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen, right, scores his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Birmingham, England, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Darren Staples)
Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen, right, scores his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Birmingham, England, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Darren Staples)

Jets looking for a November to remember

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Jets looking for a November to remember

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

The Winnipeg Jets finished October on a high. Now they open a challenging new month by hosting hockey’s hottest team.

Few, if any, puck pundits had the Pittsburgh Penguins pegged to sit atop the NHL standings at any point this season. Yet that’s exactly where they are, rolling into town with an 8-2-2 record.

That sets up a marquee matchup Saturday afternoon at Canada Life Centre, with the 8-3-0 Jets also feeling good about their game after back-to-back victories.

“Pittsburgh has been playing great lately. We have to be ready for a tough test,” Jets centre Mark Scheifele said following Friday’s practice at the downtown rink. “Playing against Sidney Crosby, there’s always a lot of motivation.”

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Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

Gene J. Puskar / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

The Winnipeg Jets will start November at home with a matinee game against the NHL’s hottest team, hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday at Canada Life Centre.

Gene J. Puskar / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Jets will start November at home with a matinee game against the NHL’s hottest team, hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday at Canada Life Centre.

David latest casualty of Juventus-level scrutiny

Jerrad Peters 6 minute read Preview

David latest casualty of Juventus-level scrutiny

Jerrad Peters 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

You can count on one hand the number of European clubs that face as much scrutiny as Juventus. Take Thursday’s hiring of new manager Luciano Spalletti, for example.

First, there are the rumours that he’ll soon arrive at the Continassa training ground. Then the details of his contract are leaked. A crowd of supporters gathers outside Continassa. Spalletti is expected to lead the day’s training. He arrives at Continassa.

Next he is shuttled to the J Medical facility — about 1.5 kilometres across the complex. He leaves J Medical after slightly more than an hour. He greets the fans. Damien Comolli, the club’s GM, is now in his car. Spalletti is shuttled back to Continassa. Turns out he will not lead training. His contract is confirmed. The assistants are named. A press conference is scheduled for Friday.

This has all taken place in a single afternoon, and not a gesture, chin stroke or smoothing of a suit has gone unanalyzed by numerous TV and radio stations, at least three sports dailies, the mainstream press, fan bloggers and minute-by-minute logs on social media.

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Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

Alberto Saiz / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Juventus forward Jonathan David reacts after missing a scoring chance during the Champions League opening phase match on Oct. 1 against Villarreal.
Alberto Saiz / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Juventus forward Jonathan David reacts after missing a scoring chance during the Champions League opening phase match on Oct. 1 against Villarreal.

Sports Editor's Picks

Winnipeg Free Press:

Special Coverage: CFL Grey Cup 112

Special Coverage: CFL Grey Cup 112

Mike McIntyre:

Lowry a leader in every sense of word

Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry (17) celebrates as Kyle Connorís (not shown) shot sneaks through the pads of Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) for the winning goal in NHL overtime action in Winnipeg, Thursday, December 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Taylor Allen:

Sky’s the limit for ‘Double Gold’ MacDonald

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS sports - jiu jitsu fighter, Logan MacDonald What: Brazilian jiu jitsu fighter who recently won gold at an event in California. Family owns a BJJ gym in town. Photos of Logan with his dad, MATT MACDONALD, in their home gym. See Taylor's story Dec 13th, 2022

Mike Sawatzky:

Deadline deal pays off for Terriers

Scott Stroh photo Defenceman Hayden Lacquette has become a key cog in Portage’s attack.

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Bob Dyce never considered coaching as a career; now he’s a CFL boss

The way the Dyce roll

Mike Sawatzky:

Brennan makes the most of opportunities

SUPPLIED Lucas Brennan is known for his willing to do the work required to improve and be successful on the ice.

More Sports

Alouettes’ Philpot looks to replicate 2023 Grey Cup impact

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Alouettes’ Philpot looks to replicate 2023 Grey Cup impact

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

The last time Tyson Philpot was in this spot, he left a champion and a hero.

It’s a day that Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans would rather forget, but it’s hard to erase the image of Philpot coralling a touchdown that gave the Montreal Alouettes the lead (and the win soon after) with 11 seconds remaining in the 110th Grey Cup.

The catch, made by a 23-year-old, second-year pro, stymied the Bombers from reaching dynasty status for the second year in a row.

It also elevated the Delta, B.C. product to prominence. He was named the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Canadian on that night and, two years later, Philpot, now 25, is regarded as one of the brightest homegrown talents in the CFL.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot celebrates his game-winning touchdown in the 110th Grey Cup.
Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot celebrates his game-winning touchdown in the 110th Grey Cup.

Long week of rehab for Alouettes’ Alexander

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Long week of rehab for Alouettes’ Alexander

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

No limp. No restrictions. No problem?

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander was a full-go as the club practised for the first time as a part of their Grey Cup preparations on Wednesday.

Dealing with a season-long hamstring injury that flared up in last week’s Eastern final, all eyes were on the star pivot as he went through drills at Princess Auto Stadium. Alexander, who, albeit, didn’t take off running at any point, looked comfortable while working from the pocket, stepping into short and deep throws as he normally does.

“Better than expected. I’ll tell you that — better than I expected, just because I think I’m finally not sore… from the Hamilton game. So that helps a little bit,” Alexander said. “I felt great. This is playoff football, and I’ll be ready to go.”

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander had seven carries in the Eastern final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander had seven carries in the Eastern final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Bombers sign receiver Tim White

Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed former Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White to a one-year contract. 2 minute read Preview

Bombers sign receiver Tim White

Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed former Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White to a one-year contract. 2 minute read 8:40 PM CST

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed All-CFL receiver Tim White to a one-year contract.

White was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Monday ahead of the free agent market opening on Feb. 10.

White, 31, appeared in 83 games over his five seasons with the Ticats and has posted four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including pulling in 84 passes for 1,016 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

He was named All-CFL three times (2022, 2023, 2024) and East Division All-CFL on four occasions (2021-24).

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8:40 PM CST

Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White (12) runs downfield as Toronto Argonauts linebacker Jack Cassar (45) defends during second half CFL football action in Toronto on Friday, August 26, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White (12) runs downfield as Toronto Argonauts linebacker Jack Cassar (45) defends during second half CFL football action in Toronto on Friday, August 26, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

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