The Montreal vs. Winnipeg game in the Eastern Final was an amazing game, and sadly, the biggest storyline isn’t the play on the field. Instead, it’s about a player allegedly crossing the line with his words. According to Alexander, David Reese was trash-talking him about his father, who passed away from cancer in 2024.
Now, let’s be honest, this is all he said, he said. We don’t know what happened for sure. But from reports from players on both sides and tweets from Chris Streveler, I am going to make the assumption that these comments were made. Players, fans, and CFL creators across all platforms have made their opinions heard.
What Have Other Players and Coaches Said?
Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot was one of the first players to speak out in support of Davis Alexander. Philpot, who said he witnessed one of the exchanges, made it clear that he believed Reese had crossed the line. “I’m glad Davis addressed what he said. It’s super disrespectful. There’s no place in our game for stuff like that,” Philpot told reporters. Philpot also alleged that Reese made a comment directly connecting Alexander to his father’s death. He went as far as saying Reese did not deserve to play in the league if he was going to behave that way.
Most people on X seemed to feel the same way as Tyson Philpot, saying there is no place for this in sports. However, not everyone on the field felt the same way. On the Winnipeg side, veteran defensive lineman Willie Jefferson offered a different perspective when speaking to reporters on Sunday. Jefferson admitted he did not personally hear what Reese said to Alexander, but explained that personal trash talk is nothing new in professional football. “Guys talk about people’s families all the time,” Jefferson said, explaining that players sometimes bring up wives, girlfriends, parents, and children in an attempt to get inside an opponent’s head. Jefferson also mentioned that there is both good and bad trash talk, and that players need to understand what they can and cannot say.
Montreal head coach Jason Maas really did not say much in his media availability and played it very cool. Maas said he had not heard exactly what was said and wanted to speak with Alexander before making any judgments. However, he acknowledged that trash talk can cross a line and said he expected to discuss the situation with Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea.
As for O’Shea, Alexander approached him immediately following the game to raise his concerns about Reese. However, O’Shea has yet to publicly address the specific allegations in the reporting available as of November 8.
Reese himself has denied making the alleged comments about Alexander’s father. Speaking with the Winnipeg Free Press, Reese questioned Alexander’s account and claimed that Montreal players had also made inappropriate remarks during the game.
With conflicting accounts from both sides, the question now becomes whether the CFL or the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will investigate the allegations and determine whether further action is warranted.
Mike O’Shea Preaches Culture and Accountability, But Will He Walk the Walk?
I want to make one thing clear: I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike O’Shea. From everything I’ve seen and heard about him over the years, he seems like a genuinely great person, a fantastic football coach, and, without question, a CFL legend. What he’s accomplished in this league, both as a player and a coach, deserves respect.
For years, Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea has built his reputation around culture, respect, and accountability. He’s been praised for the standards he sets in his locker room and the expectations he has for his players, both on and off the field. O’Shea has never been shy about speaking on issues involving players around the CFL. In 2024, following the suspension of Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly, O’Shea spoke about the importance of respect and ensuring everyone working in the CFL has a safe workplace. He also made his feelings clear about Shawn Lemon’s gambling suspension, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of the league.
Now, the spotlight is on O’Shea and his own locker room.
Mike O’Shea has talked the talk for years about culture, respect, and accountability. But now the question is, will he walk the walk?
Let’s be clear: David Reese has denied the allegations, and he deserves the opportunity to tell his side of the story. However, if what Davis Alexander and Tyson Philpot have alleged is true, O’Shea and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers need to do the right thing and hold Reese accountable. And if O’Shea does not do anything about it, I hope he gets called out the same way he has called out others across the league.
What Would I Do?
If it were me, I would have a meeting with Reese and make sure the public was aware of said meeting. I would hear his side of the story, and if it comes to light that what he said was as bad as what has been rumoured, he would be suspended from the team if he seemed like he wanted to atone. We all make mistakes, and everyone deserves a second chance. But if he does not seem sorry or feels he did nothing wrong, I say cut him and let him be someone else’s problem moving forward.
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Watch The Analyst Desk Panel Discuss the David Reese Controversy
We also discussed the David Reese situation on The Analyst Desk, sharing our thoughts on the allegations and the importance of accountability in the CFL.
Watch our discussion on YouTube and let us know where you stand!
