What's a guy got to do to get FIRED around here?

In 1934, George Richards as the new owner of the NFL's Detroit Lions1 got the bright idea of playing a game on Thanksgiving Day and another great American tradition was born. But, after their 5th straight whipping the Lions are probably just wishing that the tradition could go the way of the Dodo bird.

Lions Coach Rod MARINELLI, now 1-19 in the last 20 games, is likely thinking of the immortal words of Lions predecessor Darryl ROGERS, who also coached the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a forgettable season in 1991.

In a related topic, Danny MACIOCIA, Coach of the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos announced he is stepping down as Coach but will remain as the team's full-time GM. As a Coach he was considered a success and under his leadership the Eskimo's only once did not make it to Western Championships. A list of replacements will be consulted before Xmas.

And finally, I really enjoyed this reprint in yesterdays National Post by Frank FITZPATRICK of the Philadelphia Inquirer about the appointment of Rick TOCCHET to Head Coach of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lighting "It's been a rocky road for Tocchet" Tocchet was charged with illegal gambling while Assistant Coach to Wayne GRETZKY in Phoenix in 2006. The incident was well covered because of his close relationship to the legendary hockey player - and I'm not lion. ;)


Footnotes:
1) Acquired in the depth of the Depression, the new owner acquired the Portsmouth Spartans and moved them from Ohio to Detroit.