Someone stole Argo legend Pinball Clemons' Grey Cup ring at Friday night's Toronto-B.C. game
While the Toronto Argonauts managed to go into B.C. and come out with a 40-23 win over the Lions Friday, the night didn't end as well for Argonauts' legendary running back, former head coach and current team vice-chair Michael "Pinball" Clemons. Clemons was hanging out on the Toronto sidelines all night, doing everything from acting as the team's waterboy to cheering them on, and he also took the time to socialize with fans in the stands. Unfortunately, when he tossed one fan one of his Grey Cup rings (he has four) to try on, someone reportedly walked off with it:
Please RT! Get Pinball's GC ring back. Female at #BCLions game caught it and left when he tossed it to some fans to look at
— Lori Bursey (@ArgoDiva) September 20, 2014
.@rminhas13 @CCtsn @CFL @BCLions Sadly, no joke. Security on it. They have a picture of her. Let's hope the #CFL community can help
— Lori Bursey (@ArgoDiva) September 20, 2014
Pinball Clemons watches as lady grabs his Grey Cup ring, turns around and books it out of BCPlace. How does that even happen? #cfl #lions
— Nation '14 (@RobFaiNation) September 20, 2014
Last night at #BCLions game Pinball tossed his Grey Cup ring into crowd for fan to take pic with it. A woman tried it on, then left building
— Mike Hogan (@tsnmikehogan) September 20, 2014
If anyone knows story or even better had a picture of woman, please contact Vancouver police. #CFL #Argos
— Mike Hogan (@tsnmikehogan) September 20, 2014
The story sparked widespread outrage from CFL fans, media types and more:
Stealing from Pinball Clemons is like punching a nun. You just don't...
— Michael Skrzyniak (@Skriz_Nasty) September 20, 2014
If you mess with Pinball Clemons, you mess with Toronto.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) September 20, 2014
Re last RT. Who in their right mind would ever steal Pinball Clemons' Grey Cup ring? Just brutal @TorontoArgos @CFL
— Jim Lang (@JimLangSports) September 20, 2014
Outrageous MT @ArgoDiva: Get Pinball's GC ring back. Female at #BCLions game caught it and left when he tossed it to some fans to look at
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 20, 2014
Pinball Clemons is a genuinely great human being and stealing his Grey Cup ring is the least Canadian thing ever. Ashamed of you, B.C. lady
— Chris Cote (@RealChrisCote) September 20, 2014
It says a lot about Clemons' friendliness, character and personality that he'd be willing to trust fans with his ring, and it says a lot about CFL fans that normally that wouldn't be an issue. One bad apple can spoil the bunch, though, and that appears to have been what happened here.
It's too bad that this came on such a great night for the Argos, and one where Clemons was having such a blast. Seeing someone take advantage of his generosity is highly unfortunate, especially as he's such a crucial face of this league, In fact, TSN announcers Chris Cuthbert and Glen Suitor rightfully discussed on the broadcast how Clemons should perhaps receive consideration for the CFL commissioner's job once Mark Cohon steps down, or another important role with the league office. From this corner, that seems like a smart plan; Clemons has done so much for the CFL, and he can sell the game better than anyone. Here's hoping he gets his ring back as soon as possible.