Former Argo defensive lineman Wayne Smith passes away

[ArgoRavi]

Smith was part of a dynamite defensive line with the Argos in 1977: http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/1419787-former-cfl-star-smith-dies-at-home-in-halifax

I thought that this was a very interesting article about him from his playing days (while with Ottawa in 1975): https://news.google.ca/newspapers?id=HlQxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-6EFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3815,4061697&dq=wayne+smith+ottawa&hl=en

[Ron]

RIP

Also with the old paper Ravi linked there's an interesting article on the BC Lions being behind on rent in 1975. And flipping to the next page (page 95) there's an article about Phil Esposito denying rumours that his rift with Bobby Orr led to him being traded to the Rangers.

[AngeloV]

And flipping to the next page (page 95) there's an article about Phil Esposito denying rumours that his rift with Bobby Orr led to him being traded to the Rangers.

Also on that same article of sport shorts, it is mentioned that Stamps QB Joe Pisarcik wanted to leave the team due to lack of appreciation from management. He ended up going to the NFL where as QB of the NY Giants, was responsible for what some people say was the worst play in football history. While running out the clock against the Eagles, he fumbled a hand off attempt to Larry Csonka and Eagles DB Herm Edwards (yes that Herm Edwards) picked up the ball and ran it in for a TD.

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VmEMW0L6kfg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[PullTogether73]

Also on that same article of sport shorts, it is mentioned that Stamps QB Joe Pisarcik wanted to leave the team due to lack of appreciation from management. He ended up going to the NFL where as QB of the NY Giants, was responsible for what some people say was the worst play in football history. While running out the clock against the Eagles, he fumbled a hand off attempt to Larry Csonka and Eagles DB Herm Edwards (yes that Herm Edwards) picked up the ball and ran it in for a TD.

Ah yes, "The Miracle at the Meadowlands" play.
A classic!

[ArgoGabe22]

This article says that current Argo Wayne Smith is the son of the late Wayne Smith - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/wayne-smith-cfl-all-star-defied-the-odds-with-pro-football-career/article33317281/

The Argos tweeted about the passing of Wayne Smith's father today, but later deleted that tweet so perhaps his son Wayne Smith Jr. is another Wayne Smith?

Heard from Wayne Smith himself - no relation. The obituary is still a good read though.

[paulwoods13]

The original Wayne Smith had one of the greatest Afros in Argo history. More importantly, he was a starter on the front four of IMO the best defence in Argo history in 1977. He and Jim Corrigall at end, Granny Liggins, Bruce Smith and Ecomet Burley rotating at tackle. (Rotating as players dressed, that is. Rosters were too small for imports to rotate in and out during a game the way they do now.)

[ArgoRavi]

This article says that current Argo Wayne Smith is the son of the late Wayne Smith - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/wayne-smith-cfl-all-star-defied-the-odds-with-pro-football-career/article33317281/

The Argos tweeted about the passing of Wayne Smith's father today, but later deleted that tweet so perhaps his son Wayne Smith Jr. is another Wayne Smith?

Heard from Wayne Smith himself - no relation. The obituary is still a good read though.

For the past decade, many in the media have claimed that the current Argo Wayne Smith is former Argo Wayne Smith's son but I could never find definitive evidence of that.

[jerrym]

Living in Ottawa when he arrived as a 19 year old, I remember the buzz in the city about the natural talent level he displayed so young without any high school or university play.



"The thing that struck me about Wayne is that he was such an amazing athlete," said former Ottawa Rough Riders teammate Bill Robinson. "He was a really gifted, natural athlete who was extremely fast, one of those kind of guys who had NFL-type skills." ...
"He was a stellar player on that defence," said Robinson. "He was a real team guy too, he was a real unique character but was always really well liked by his teammates."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/wayne-smith-football-dies-grey-cup-winner-1.3870858