With no obvious column ideas and the Saskatchewan Roughriders on a bye week, it’s probably long past the perfect time to write about the hottest topic in the CFL:

Luke Willson.

Until now I strategically avoided discussions about Willson for two reasons — I thought the obsession with Willson, a TSN commentator and former NFL player, would pass; plus I didn’t want to be called a “numpty.”

That’s what Willson calls people who disagree with him on social media, particularly when he’s talking about ways to improve the CFL. And he has lots of suggestions.

Weeks have passed since Willson initially upset CFL followers by describing a Toronto Argonauts/Roughriders game as “hot garbage,” yet fans and media are still talking about his posts. His opinions range anywhere from calling Hamilton fans the league’s worst to justifiably belittling the horrific, never-ending construction in downtown Regina.

I wrote a much more vicious column about the inconvenience and incompetency surrounding Regina’s road construction, which has closed TWO major east-west streets for TWO BLEEPING YEARS and killed businesses along Dewdney and 11th Avenue.

My bosses didn’t get a disparaging letter from the mayor, who reportedly sent a critical note to TSN, and Regina’s city manager wasn’t fired until after Willson’s video went viral. I’m obviously jealous because I don’t have 150,000 social media followers laughing at Regina’s embarrassing downtown.

I’m actually impressed. For a guy who never played a down in the CFL, Willson certainly has caused an uproar. Good for him. He’s entitled to his opinions and he’s definitely not cowered by the critics.

For the record, I’ve never spoken to Willson. I didn’t want to interview him before writing this column because he might change my mind on these observations.

Maybe he wouldn’t agree to an interview. Regardless, I respect that Willson has recently done radio and newspaper interviews outside of TSN, the network who employs him to have opinions.

He has a good grasp on what’s happening. His motives seem purely intended to help the CFL. And he coaches a minor football team in Ontario. I cheered for the guy when he played pro football, a long-haired, hard-working Canadian tight end who won a Super Bowl in 2014 with the Seattle Seahawks. And I enjoy his NFL breakdowns with SportsCentre host Jay Onrait.

Willson is totally correct stating that CFL offences and defences need updating; every team seems to operate the same, predictable run-pass-options and deep-drop zones. However, his suggestion to keep the clock running during the final minutes of a game, following more closely the NFL’s timing rules, doesn’t make sense.

But here’s the beauty of opinions: In at least one person’s mind, they’re always correct. Everyone else is free to disagree.

Because I believe video review is ruining all sports, I have suggested eliminating the God Centre, or Command Centre, or Replay Centre, whatever the booth is called that slows down games and sometimes makes the right rulings. I also believe the CFL would be safer and more offence-oriented — creating more touchdowns than boring field goals — if the goalposts were moved to the back of the end zones.

Some people agree, some don’t. That’s the business.

Willson’s high profile and eagerness to engage in arguments are attributes that have generated ongoing conversations within and outside of regular CFL circles. Nothing wrong with that. “Numpty” is cute, but otherwise the name-calling gets a little numbing, especially from the naysayers who criticize his haircut and moustache.

Local podcaster Michael Ball, the Roughriders’ former play-by-play radio announcer, had heated online battles with Willson and was dubbed “Emperor Numpty” before apparently burying the hatchet.

Willson apparently disliked criticisms aimed at him during CKRM’s daily SportsCage show and hasn’t been eager to discuss those viewpoints on-air. That’s totally within the show’s prerogative.

He was a guest on CJME’s Green Zone because he inadvertently met host Jamie Nye in an alley behind the radio station — not one of Regina’s nicest places — while looking for the casino or a restaurant recommended by a social media follower.

Willson is out and about. He has become recognizable with his intimate football knowledge and strong opinions, which he defends vigourously while creating interest in the CFL. He’s doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing.

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