NFL News:

• Megatron admitted the culture & acceptance of losing in Detroit factored into his decision to retire. They went 54-90 during his 9 years, only making the playoffs twice. He admitted more success would have made it more difficult to retire, so he looked at what they had on hand for 2016 and made the decision. Renew those tickets, Lions fans!
• Alshon Jeffrey is playing hardball with the Bears, who have until July 15 to get a deal or watch him play under the franchise tag for 2016. The tag will cost $14.6 million, and he apparently wants Doug Baldwin money. The Bears would like him to come in a bit cheaper.

• 

  Packers Hall of Famer Paul Hornung is suing Riddell over claims their helmets didn’t prevent him from suffering concussions during his playing days in both college and the pros. He is trying to tie in concussive head injuries with the dementia he’s developed since his playing days. He’s seeking $50000 in damages, and the case is separate from the class-action lawsuit being considered by the NFLPA once they settle with the League.

Finally, in a delightfully titled article – “Ricky Williams Takes the High Road” – SI is planning a video and large-form story for July 13 on Ricky Williams and the tricky issue of medical marijuana and the League’s rules on non-traditional medicines. Given Megatron’s recent accusations on painkiller abuses by the League, it should be an interesting read & watch.

Your July “Malt of the Month” is The Glenlivet “Nadurra”.

Ooh, she’s a summer beauty. Let’s see what you told Mr Hefner…

Nadurra is Gaelic for ‘natural’, and this bourbon-cask matured whisky from Glenlivet is a pure reflection of the elegant, fruity whisky made at this Speyside distillery.

Bottling at cask strength with no chill filtration allows the whisky’s fruity character shine through, while the cask adds richer notes of vanilla.

Oh, that’s nice. Now, before we publish this, let’s see what your ID says, young lady:

Colour: Light gold
Nose: Sweet pears, soft vanilla fudge
Palate: Juicy pineapple, ripe banana, citrus zest
Finish: Medium, refreshing
Enjoy with: Seafood chowder

Well, I’m sold. I’mma get you home to meet the family.

It’s only 17 days until training camps open. 17…

To whet your whistle, here’s a CFL missed field goal returned 121 yards for a touchdown.

https://youtu.be/9tv3bGE9fxE

Plenty of good sports this weekend. UFC 200 Saturday night (BORK!), and the Euro final Sunday morning. Most Canadians will be watching Wimbledon prior to the Euro, to see if Milos Raonic can finish his magical run. He finally beat Federer today, and faces Andy Murray for the Men’s title on Sunday.

Tonight’s sports:

• CFL: more doubleheader action!
  • Calgary @ Ottawa – 7:00 – TSN
  • Saskatchewan @ Edmonton – 10:00 – ESPN2 / TSN
• UFC: The Ultimate Fighter – finale – FS1 / TSN5
  • Undercard – 8:00
  • Main event – 10:00

I’m abandoning you all for a bit. Thanks to everyone who agreed to cover the open threads next week while my mom visits and I get my summer school class under control. I enjoy doing them, as writing them both keeps me thinking and gives me a necessary distraction from prepping grammar lessons. But the time commitment of visiting relatives will subtract from the available time I have to manage my efforts. In short, IN OVER MY HEAD!