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Winnipeg Free Press
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back, girlfriend behind dog rescue TV show
Coming soon to a TV near you: Brady Oliveira, Alex Blumberg, and a whole lot of dogs. The Blue Bombers running back and his girlfriend have started filming a new show for CBC that's scheduled to air next spring called Must Love Dogs. Viewers will see the Winnipeg couple hit the road on dog rescue missions across Manitoba as they try to save as many four-legged friends as possible before winter hits. Supplied Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) and his girlfriend, Alex Blumberg. Blumberg says Must Love Dogs 'shows that regular people can do extraordinary things and make the world a better place.' Supplied Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) and his girlfriend, Alex Blumberg. Blumberg says Must Love Dogs 'shows that regular people can do extraordinary things and make the world a better place.' Season 1 will feature 10 episodes, lasting 30 minutes each. 'It's very exciting. I think Alex and I wanted this to happen for one reason only, and that is to shine a spotlight on an issue and cause that's near and dear to our hearts, which is obviously dogs and animal rescue,' Oliveira told the Free Press this week. Blumberg added: 'It will spotlight the issues that we do have in Manitoba that a lot of people probably have no idea about… It's not just you see a cute puppy and it's up for adoption, there's so much more that goes into it. We're just really excited to share that story and have it be in our hometown.' The canines are the focus, but cameras will also roll on Oliveira's life as a Blue Bomber. Filming began before training camp and will continue throughout the 2025 season, going behind the scenes on the highs and lows of his gridiron career. 'Obviously, everyone sees the results on game day when we're under the lights, and that's all good and everything, but people don't see everything that goes into being a pro athlete and playing at a high level,' said Oliveira, the reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player and a two-time Most Outstanding Canadian. 'It's going to bring a lot of eyes and a lot of great recognition and, hopefully, more viewership to the CFL because I want this league to continue to grow. I think this show is going to blow up, not just here in Canada, but internationally and in the U.S. This is going to be amazing for everyone.' 'Alex and I wanted this to happen for one reason only, and that is to shine a spotlight on an issue and cause that's near and dear to our hearts'–Brady Oliveira How does Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea feel about pulling back the curtain for a production crew? 'I don't think he's too fond of cameras in general. But we have had a conversation about this,' said Oliveira. 'He's excited for me, and if it's something that you're very passionate about, he's on board. He understands that this isn't just about Alex and I, this is about a greater good, a greater cause.' Supplied Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) and his girlfriend, Alex Blumberg. Oliveira says the show shines 'a spotlight on an issue and cause that's near and dear to our hearts, which is obviously dogs and animal rescue.' Supplied Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) and his girlfriend, Alex Blumberg. Oliveira says the show shines 'a spotlight on an issue and cause that's near and dear to our hearts, which is obviously dogs and animal rescue.' After Oliveira and Blumberg met each other through their work with K9 Advocacy Manitoba, the couple started travelling in the winter months to places like Mexico and Bali, Indonesia, where they filmed a video miniseries for The Dodo — a brand that shares animal-related stories to millions of online followers. Making the jump to television was the goal, and it turns out a chance encounter in a hotel lobby in Mexico got the ball rolling. Oliveira was on his way to take out a rescue pup for a walk when producers John Hall and Kayvon Saremi, who were in Cabo San Lucas at the time working on a project for Netflix, struck up a conversation. 'When I shared the work that we do, it kind of sparked something in their heads where they were like, 'This sounds like a TV show,'' said Oliveira. 'They've been grinding the last two years to put something together. We created a pilot trailer and a pitch deck, and then they've been doing their thing, trying to sell it to different networks and here we are.' 'I think meeting them was definitely the reason this all transpired,' said Blumberg, a realtor for Monopoly Realty. 'For a few years, they fought for us, and they believed in what we were doing and now it's coming to fruition and we're super fortunate for the group that they put together to be a part of this.' The show is produced by Omnifilm Entertainment, a content company based out of Vancouver. The series will also recognize local organizations such as K9 Advocacy, Winnipeg Pet Rescue and Manitoba Animal Alliance, as well as independent rescuers like Jasmine Colucci and Ryan Klassen. 'It just shows that regular people can do extraordinary things and make the world a better place.'–Alex Blumberg The rescue adventures in the debut season all take place in Indigenous communities across the province. 'You're going to see incredible Indigenous people in these communities that are our contacts when we go to these communities,' said Oliveira. 'They're the ones that are doing the work every single day when we're not there… You're going to see many amazing individuals that are just trying to help their community in a positive way.' Above everything else, Oliveira and Blumberg hope the show inspires others to get out and help. 'It doesn't really matter how busy life is, you can always make time for something you're passionate about,' said Blumberg. 'It just shows that regular people can do extraordinary things and make the world a better place.' On hiatus The Free Press sports editor keeps you up to date on all that's happening on the ice, the field, the court, and places in between. Taylor AllenReporter Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor. Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Duke legend, Memphis assistant in talks with HBCU per report
Former Duke University star and current Memphis assistant coach Nolan Smith is reportedly in discussions to become the next head coach at Tennessee State University. According to Jon Rothstein, the deal is not finalized, but both sides are working toward an agreement. If completed, the move would mark a major hire for the HBCU program, which lost Penny Collins to the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies earlier this summer. A Rising Coaching Resume Smith has steadily climbed the coaching ranks since retiring from professional basketball. He joined the Memphis staff in September 2024 after two seasons at Louisville under Kenny Payne. Before his time at Louisville, he spent six years at Duke University in multiple roles. These included director of basketball operations, player development, and assistant coach during the 2021–22 season. Decorated Playing Career at Duke As a player, Smith was one of the most decorated in Duke University history. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was named ACC Player of the Year in 2011. That season, he led the conference in scoring (20.6 points per game) and served as team captain. He also won MVP honors in the ACC Tournament. Smith played a key role in Duke's 2010 national championship run. He earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the NCAA South Regional and was named to the All-Final Four Team. Over his four-year college career, he scored 1,911 points, ranking 17th in Duke history. His teams went 121-22 overall, including an incredible 65-2 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Potential New Chapter at an HBCU If hired, the position at Tennessee State would be Smith's first head coaching job. It would also represent a significant moment for the Nashville-based HBCU, which continues to seek national recognition. Smith brings not only high-level basketball experience but also a strong record of community involvement. He's been honored by Points of Light and The News & Observer for his work in social justice and cancer potential hire could signal a turning point for Tennessee State. The HBCU had success with the high profile hire of Eddie George who led the program to the FCS playoffs. The post Duke legend, Memphis assistant in talks with HBCU per report appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Vancouver Sun
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
What different looks will the sagging Ottawa Redblacks have for soaring Hamilton Tiger-Cats?
Two players who were declared their team's Most Outstanding Rookie in 2024 will have important starting roles for the Ottawa Redblacks (1-4) when they visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2) for a critical division clash Saturday night. The more familiar to most CFL fans will be Kalil (The Thrill) Pimpleton, who, along with his responsibilities as one of the team's top receivers, will take on double duty as the Redblacks primary return specialist, replacing the injured DeVonte Dedmon. Pimpleton, who was one of the top returners in U.S. college football at Central Michigan four years ago, provided one of the CFL's top highlights when he took a punt back 99 yards for a touchdown against Calgary in just his third game last season. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Folks might have thought they were watching a replay last week after Dedmon suffered a leg injury in the second quarter against Edmonton and the 26-year-old Pimpleton scored a 97-yard punt return on his first opportunity of 2025. 'I really take pride in the return position,' said Pimpleton, who in eight starts last season added 715 receiving yards on 45 catches and, through five games this year, has 18 grabs for 203 yards. 'I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm a returner.' While many teams prefer not to exhaust their continuously sprinting receivers by making them also field punts and kicks, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound Pimpleton is used to the dual responsibilities. 'I played receiver and returner throughout the majority of my career … even in high school, I played quarterback, slot, returner, so I had a lot on my plate even then,' Pimpleton said. 'It's a matter of your body and making sure you're doing the things, making sure you're resting and getting off your feet when you have that opportunity to make sure when it's time you can go and execute when you're able to do that.' Meanwhile, making his Redblacks debut on Saturday will be Ayinde Eley, a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder out of George Tech who steps in at the weakside (WILL) linebacker spot as the next man up after injuries have sidelined both Davion Taylor and Frankie Griffin. Credit to the Redblacks that they have a third option who was named the B.C. Lions Most Outstanding Rookie last year after recording 66 tackles, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, one sack and a fumble recovery in 17 games — then capped his season with three tackles and a forced fumble in the West Division semi-final against Saskatchewan. 'As soon as we found out he was released, we jumped right on it,' head coach Bob Dyce said in the signing of Eley as a free agent in February. 'He's a heck of a player. It showed up on the film last year, and I'm looking forward to seeing it show up on the film (Saturday).' Eley, who was with the NFL's Carolina Panthers for their training camp two years ago, was vague when asked why he was released by the Lions. 'When you're in this business long enough, nothing's forever and a lot of things are said,' he said with a shrug. 'You've just got to roll with the punches. They made a decision on what they felt was right for their organization and it is what it is.' While middle linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox is very much looking forward to lining up next to Eley, the 26-year-old prides himself on being 'relentless.' Said Eley: 'I would like my love for the game to show through my play. I just want to do what I can to help my team win.' With Canadians Alonzo Addae, Justin Howell and now Charlie Ringland on the team's extensive injured list, Ottawa will go with American Bennett Williams as the centre of its secondary. The 6-foot, 206-pounder played in 11 games and started six as a rookie with the Redblacks, and he has started in four thus far this year, but mostly as a halfback and strong-side linebacker. 'I'm glad the coaches can trust me with (the safety job); versatility is definitely something I pride myself on,' said Bennett, Ottawa's second-leading special-teams tackler with six. '(Learning different positions) is a challenge, but that's something that I embrace. It excites me. You don't get too bored around here, right? Always something to do and something to learn. I love it.' The biggest challenge for Williams and the rest of the Ottawa defence will be to minimize the damage done by Ticats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who leads the CFL with nine touchdown passes and is second in passing yardage with 1,219. It's Mitchell and Kenny Lawler, the league's leading receiver with 483 yards, are salivating at the thought of going up against a first-time starting safety New for Williams will be his responsibility of 'getting everybody lined up and knowing the checks … you've got to know the entire defence in and out. 'You've got to know how everything's fitting together, knowing everybody's assignments, where the blitz is coming from, who's got to replace, where's your help at, so knowing the down the distance, all that type of stuff. That's something that this week I've definitely honed in on. I got to know all the extra stuff, not just okay, what am I doing in this position?' Williams is confident in his wheels. 'I did a lot of off-season work to get that speed up,' he said. 'I won't delve too deep into it, but for me, it was getting my hips a lot more loose and fluid, just being able to engage my whole body and not being limited. 'I think it's shown so far this year on special teams and some of the stuff that I've been able to do, but now I get an opportunity to show it out there on defence.' Second-year player Lucas Cormier of Sackville, N.B., comes off the injured list to play special teams and backup at the WILL spot, while King Ambers, an eighth-round pick from Pickering, makes his debut as a backup in the secondary and on special teams. While right tackle Zack Pelehos is returning from a foot injury to make his first start, American DL Chase McGowan makes his debut as a backup on the defensive line. The Ticats have scored a total of 86 points in wins over Montreal and Toronto in the past two weeks, so to say they're explosive may be an understatement. 'They come in (to Saturday's game) with confidence,' Dyce said. 'Obviously Bo Levi was very good last year and he seems to have more confidence right now. You see him putting the ball up and allowing his playmakers to make plays, so we have to be disciplined in what we do. Get the bodies where they need to be, and in those situations, know that we can go up and make the plays we need to. 'He's doing a great job getting the ball out of his hands fast, and we've got to make sure that we push him to a secondary (receiver) so that our front seven can make him uncomfortable.'
Ottawa Citizen
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
What different looks will the sagging Ottawa Redblacks have for soaring Hamilton Tiger-Cats?
Two players who were declared their team's Most Outstanding Rookie in 2024 will have important starting roles for the Ottawa Redblacks (1-4) when they visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2) for a critical division clash Saturday night. Article content The more familiar to most CFL fans will be Kalil (The Thrill) Pimpleton, who, along with his responsibilities as one of the team's top receivers, will take on double duty as the Redblacks primary return specialist, replacing the injured DeVonte Dedmon. Article content Article content Article content Pimpleton, who was one of the top returners in U.S. college football at Central Michigan four years ago, provided one of the CFL's top highlights when he took a punt back 99 yards for a touchdown against Calgary in just his third game last season. Article content Article content Folks might have thought they were watching a replay last week after Dedmon suffered a leg injury in the second quarter against Edmonton and the 26-year-old Pimpleton scored a 97-yard punt return on his first opportunity of 2025. Article content 'I really take pride in the return position,' said Pimpleton, who in eight starts last season added 715 receiving yards on 45 catches and, through five games this year, has 18 grabs for 203 yards. 'I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm a returner.' Article content While many teams prefer not to exhaust their continuously sprinting receivers by making them also field punts and kicks, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound Pimpleton is used to the dual responsibilities. Article content Article content 'I played receiver and returner throughout the majority of my career … even in high school, I played quarterback, slot, returner, so I had a lot on my plate even then,' Pimpleton said. 'It's a matter of your body and making sure you're doing the things, making sure you're resting and getting off your feet when you have that opportunity to make sure when it's time you can go and execute when you're able to do that.' Article content Article content Meanwhile, making his Redblacks debut on Saturday will be Ayinde Eley, a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder out of George Tech who steps in at the weakside (WILL) linebacker spot as the next man up after injuries have sidelined both Davion Taylor and Frankie Griffin.
Winnipeg Free Press
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Stamps itchin' to cowboy up
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders are fully embracing Thursday's inaugural Stampede Bowl. After wrapping up walk-through practice Wednesday morning at McMahon Stadium, each member of the red and white were handed cowboy hats to get into the spirit of things. 'How's it look?' asked Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. 'Never really worn one before. First Stampede Bowl, and I'm just excited to be part of it. We're all excited.' It's hard to believe, but it's the first time the Stampeders have been home on the eve of the Calgary Stampede. They're committed to running this new kickoff event for at least the next three years and if it's a success, they'll keep up with it moving forward. And then, there's their opponent this week: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. There are no wide-brimmed western hats, belt buckles, or boots being worn on their side. For them, this is just another business trip, and they're treating it as such. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. 'Winning the game is where our mindset is,' said head coach Mike O'Shea. The Bombers (3-0) and Stampeders (2-1) will get to know each other very well over the next month or so as the schedule has them playing three out of the next five weeks. To get you ready for their first showdown, here's the latest edition of 5 Storylines. Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Brady Oliveira runs against the BC Lions in a game on June 12. The star running back has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. (The Canadian Press) Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Brady Oliveira runs against the BC Lions in a game on June 12. The star running back has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. (The Canadian Press) Star running back Brady Oliveira will make his return to the lineup after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. 'This is like my debut to the season it feels like,' said Oliveira, who was injured on the opening drive of the first game, on Wednesday shortly after landing in Calgary. 'I'm ready to go and I'm excited.' The Bombers failed to rush for 100-plus yards in their previous two games so it's an ideal time to welcome back the reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player. 'He's the best tailback in the league. Obviously, he does it all for us,' said O'Shea. Oliveira practised all week and is ready to take on a full workload. He'll aim to have a better showing than his last time in Calgary when Stamps held him to 26 yards on 10 carries on June 29, 2024. With Oliveira drawing back in, rookie American running back Quinton Cooley has been moved to the practice roster and American guard Micah Vanterpool has been added to the active roster. Now that he fits under the ratio rules, Vanterpool will start at left guard over second-year Canadian Gabe Wallace to give the Bombers three imports on the O-line. Zach Collaros was brilliant in last week's 36-23 home victory against Edmonton, completing 25-of-30 passes for 334 yards, three passing TDs and one rushing score. He made the Elks pay with the deep ball, with receivers Nic Demski, Keric Wheatfall and Dalton Schoen all getting in on the action. Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Zach Collaros completed 25-of-30 passes for 334 yards, three passing TDs and one rushing score last week against Edmonton. Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Zach Collaros completed 25-of-30 passes for 334 yards, three passing TDs and one rushing score last week against Edmonton. It'll be a challenge for Collaros to have a repeat performance considering how Calgary has allowed one 20-plus yard passing play this season. They also have the best red zone defence in the nine-team league as their opponents have made it past the Calgary 20 five times and two of those drives resulted in touchdowns. This isn't the same Stampeders team that allowed 29.2 points per contest a year ago, which was the second-worst in the CFL. They made big additions in all three phases of the defence this winter by signing defensive end Folarin Orimolade, safety Damon Webb and linebacker Derrick Moncrief in free agency. This defence has also had former Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill in their ear all week sharing everything he can about his previous club. Bighill, who signed to Calgary's practice roster last week after six seasons in Winnipeg, is still recovering from a torn ACL and will not play Thursday. Collaros, who passed the legendary Ken Ploen last week to move to No. 4 on the Bombers' all-time passing yardage list, is 10-6 in his career against Calgary. 'I think Zach is one of the best,' said Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson on Thursday. 'I love watching him play — not necessarily against us. He's one of my favourite guys… I just really have a lot of respect for him.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The Stampeders can make a massive statement with a win Thursday. They enter the week with the No. 2-ranked defence (21.6 points per game allowed) and rushing attack (135 ground yards per game) but haven't had a chance to test their skills against a West Division foe until now. They beat up on Hamilton and Toronto the first two weeks before falling 20-12 at home in Week 3 against Ottawa and their backup QB Dustin Crum on an afternoon that was heavily influenced by rain and wind. They've had extra time to prepare for this one as they were off last week, but oddly enough, they are 2-6 after byes dating to 2022. They also haven't done a great job of protecting their turf against Winnipeg lately as the Bombers have won three of their past four trips to McMahon Stadium. Overall, the Bombers have prevailed in 10 of 13 previous dates with the Stamps. To pull off a victory, it'll be important for Calgary to have the lead heading into the fourth. Since 2019, the Blue and Gold are 49-4 when leading after three quarters. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., right, has helped Calgary to a 2-0 start this season. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., right, has helped Calgary to a 2-0 start this season. With the Jake Maier era being a huge flop, the Stampeders made a deal with the B.C. Lions shortly after the Grey Cup to acquire Adams Jr. While he helped Calgary start 2-0, his numbers so far are rather pedestrian as he's still searching for his first passing touchdown. He's completed 63 per cent of his passes for 803 yards and three interceptions. His stats are a tad bit misleading as he has led the team to six touchdown drives. He's also found success with his legs with 108 rushing yards and a score. The magic number for Thursday is 275 passing yards because when Adams hits that mark, his teams are 23-7. He owns a 4-3 record against the Bombers in his nine-year CFL career. Defensive end James Vaughters spent four seasons with the Stampeders and recorded 21 sacks in 57 games. Calgary decided to release the 32-year-old in January and the Bombers jumped at the chance of adding a veteran pass rusher to their D-line to complement Willie Jefferson. 'The Stampeders, as a club, gave me an opportunity when I needed it the most at one point in my career,' said Vaughters. 'More important than my emotions is the club I play for now and to be able to contribute the way I want to. For me, it's coming back to a place where I played a lot, but for our team, it's the next team we have to play. I think that's more important than anything.' Vaughters was brought to Winnipeg to take down opposing quarterbacks but is still searching for his first sack as a member of the Blue and Gold. He'll have a good chance to get it against his old pals as the Stamps have surrendered seven through three games. Taylor AllenReporter Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor. Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
