A two-hour show involving B.C. Lions’ president Dennis Skulsky brought forth discussion on a variety of topics during President’s Week but it was coach/GM Wally Buono who created headlines Friday.

Buono admitted to TSN 1040’s Matt Sekeres in advance of tonight’s game against the Calgary Stampeders that he has been asked to join the Wall of Fame that is featured at McMahon Stadium, but has turned them down for the time being.

Buono is already enshrined as a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame and is a member of the Order of Canada. To have his name on the wall of a rival is, however, something that can wait.

“That’s just the way I’m wired,” Buono said. “Even (owner) David Braley thought I was nuts when I told him.”

Skulsky, meantime, discussed a variety of issues pertaining to his club and the CFL. Extracted highlights include:

Whether the Lions are currently for sale and Braley’s health after his setback this year: “I don’t know when it will be for sale. One thing (Braley’s) been clear when he’s asked when were in the season its about football….I have been pleasantly surprised how well he has improved. He’s been to hell and back. He continues to get better.

 

Whether Braley is able to travel to Vancouver: “There’s a chance he may be around in the fall.”

 

Whether sons Rob or Ron Braley could eventually own the Lions: “Likely? I’m not sure. I’ve developed a list of interested buyers over the last couple of years. David has accurately reflected 6-8-1- legitimate interested parties.”

 

On whether halftime entertainment will improve: “The University of Washington marching band is coming back Oct. 1….B.C. football fans want a halftime event.”

 

On whether the Lions would consider closing end-zone seating and instead re-opening the upper deck at B.C. Place Stadium: “Our stadium doesn’t allow you to do that and to have the staffing in the upper level is too big for us. I want to be careful… if it helps sell more tickets we’d do that. We’ll revaluate that at the end of the year.

 

On why the CFL wants games to be played on Thursdays and not stick to Fridays and Saturdays: “Our schedule is better but this year is still not good enough…. We knew our fans didn’t like Thursdays but it’s over and done with… Now that we have Toronto sorted out we should be able to get better scheduling.”

 

On why Lions merchandise appears to have different shades of orange: “We had those conversations with suppliers. We have pantones and guidelines. The CFL is a licensee and has control of that; we have some work to be done. We’re trying to clean that up. We’re not happy with some of that. … On the uniform we’ve been having some trouble with the wear and tear.”

 

On whether new rules have made for too many reviewable plays during games: “It’s too early to tell. We’re in it for this season and we’ll revaluate. It may be that we have (made games too reviewable). If you get the call right isn’t that the most important thing? The NFL is closer to adopting more of our things. The pace and flow of our game is sacrosanct.”