Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo (14) celebrates as he kicks a field goal against the Calgary Stampeders during second half CFL pre-season action in Winnipeg Friday, May 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
One game into the 2024 season, and the CFL has a kicking controversy to deal with.
Winnipeg kicker Sergio Castillo took issue with the league’s chipped footballs Thursday night following the Bombers’ season-opening 27-12 home loss to the Montreal Alouettes.
Castillo missed two of the three field goals he attempted in the game (38 and 40 yards) along with a convert.
Last season, the 33-year-old made 46-of-51 field goals he attempted (club-record 90.2 per cent).
The CFL has inserted microchips into its footballs to help generate real-time advanced statistics through Genius Sports, its data and technology partner.
But many CFL kickers, including Saskatchewan’s Brett Lauther, who is also the vice-president of the CFL Players’ Association, have said the chips negatively impact kicking accuracy.
Montreal kicker David Côté made both of his field goals (22, 19 yards) but missed a convert.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2024.
