James Fraser (University of Guelph)
@jamesefraser.bsky.social
history professor • Canadian football history • finishing book on Toronto Argonauts, 1873-1956 • member, Canadian Football Research Soc, Pro Football Researchers Assoc, Argonauts historical committee • tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis
And also a scourge on sport.
Sport's embrace of online gambling, and the complicity of analysts and journalists to accept sponsorship from betting companies, is a scourge on society: mentalhealthcommission.ca/money-mental...
Breaking the Cycle
One student’s recovery from gambling addiction offers hope—and lessons—for a generation under financial and mental strain.
mentalhealthcommission.ca
November 11, 2025 at 5:14 PM
And also a scourge on sport.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
I'm cited in this piece in the Toronto Star today about the spread of generative AI, the challenges it poses for historians & history education, and the need for digital literacy.
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
How fake AI history is threatening Remembrance Day — with endless YouTube videos glamorizing Nazis
A search for any historical topic is sure to be met with a torrent of fake AI-generated garbage — at real cost to our history.
www.thestar.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I'm cited in this piece in the Toronto Star today about the spread of generative AI, the challenges it poses for historians & history education, and the need for digital literacy.
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
Reg Barker was murdered in cold blood by the SS along with forty other Canadian soldiers taken prisoner during the Juno Beach landings. He spoke German, and warned the others what he was overhearing. Two men survived the machinegun fire that killed the rest and escaped.
November 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Reg Barker was murdered in cold blood by the SS along with forty other Canadian soldiers taken prisoner during the Juno Beach landings. He spoke German, and warned the others what he was overhearing. Two men survived the machinegun fire that killed the rest and escaped.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
killed at Dieppe
November 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM
killed at Dieppe
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Curly Britton quarterbacked the Argos to their first league title in 1901.
November 11, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Curly Britton quarterbacked the Argos to their first league title in 1901.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
On one memorable occasion, Hugh Hoyles, as the club representative, tabled a resolution on behalf of the Argos at an Ontario RFU meeting, and then (because he disagreed with it) denounced it.
November 11, 2025 at 2:41 PM
On one memorable occasion, Hugh Hoyles, as the club representative, tabled a resolution on behalf of the Argos at an Ontario RFU meeting, and then (because he disagreed with it) denounced it.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Toronto Cenotaph — a quiet, carved reminder of the cost of war that has gathered Torontonians in reflection every November 11 since it was unveiled in 1925.
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
November 11, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Toronto Cenotaph — a quiet, carved reminder of the cost of war that has gathered Torontonians in reflection every November 11 since it was unveiled in 1925.
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
#remembranceday #war #sacrifice #cenotaph #memorial #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Longboat Taylor was one of Canada's most decorated rowers, as well as being a fair football player. He was killed in the infamous gas attack on Canadian trenches near St. Julien, Belgium, during the Second Battle of Ypres.
November 11, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Longboat Taylor was one of Canada's most decorated rowers, as well as being a fair football player. He was killed in the infamous gas attack on Canadian trenches near St. Julien, Belgium, during the Second Battle of Ypres.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
In the last month, the FBI has charged players from two different leagues for roles in sports-betting scandals.
Either legalized gambling is exposing corruption that’s always been there.
Or it’s creating it.
Either answer is terrible for sports.
Either legalized gambling is exposing corruption that’s always been there.
Or it’s creating it.
Either answer is terrible for sports.
November 10, 2025 at 4:22 PM
In the last month, the FBI has charged players from two different leagues for roles in sports-betting scandals.
Either legalized gambling is exposing corruption that’s always been there.
Or it’s creating it.
Either answer is terrible for sports.
Either legalized gambling is exposing corruption that’s always been there.
Or it’s creating it.
Either answer is terrible for sports.
Congratulations to the Saskatoon Hilltops on their 24th victory in the "Canadian Bowl" for the national junior football championship. And congratulations to the Okanagan Sun for the wonderful season that got them one step away.
November 10, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Congratulations to the Saskatoon Hilltops on their 24th victory in the "Canadian Bowl" for the national junior football championship. And congratulations to the Okanagan Sun for the wonderful season that got them one step away.
<sigh>
B.C. Lions ‘disgusted’ by social media death threats following West Final loss
3downnation.com/2025/11/09/b...
#CFL #BCLions #RoarAsOne #GCPlayoffs
3downnation.com/2025/11/09/b...
#CFL #BCLions #RoarAsOne #GCPlayoffs
November 10, 2025 at 1:51 PM
<sigh>
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Interested in the history of sport? Considering postgraduate study? Want a distance-learning course that is flexible and offers full and part-time study routes? Our MA Sports History and Culture could be for you! @icshc.bsky.social @dmu.ac.uk
dmu.ac.uk/study/course...
dmu.ac.uk/study/course...
November 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Interested in the history of sport? Considering postgraduate study? Want a distance-learning course that is flexible and offers full and part-time study routes? Our MA Sports History and Culture could be for you! @icshc.bsky.social @dmu.ac.uk
dmu.ac.uk/study/course...
dmu.ac.uk/study/course...
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
'The Boston Game and the Origins of Football in America'. We recommend this episode of the 'Rugby Reloaded' podcast as Prof. Mike Cronin and Dr Kevin Tallec Marston join Prof. Emeritus Tony Collins to discuss their new book - 'The Boston Game'. soundcloud.com/rugbyreloade... #sportshistory #rugby
203. The Boston Game and the Origins of Football in America
Our new episode investigates the origin story of football in America, in conversation with Mike Cronin and Kevin Marston, authors of 'Inventing the Boston Game: Football, Soccer, and the Origins of a
soundcloud.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:20 AM
'The Boston Game and the Origins of Football in America'. We recommend this episode of the 'Rugby Reloaded' podcast as Prof. Mike Cronin and Dr Kevin Tallec Marston join Prof. Emeritus Tony Collins to discuss their new book - 'The Boston Game'. soundcloud.com/rugbyreloade... #sportshistory #rugby
And Leon McQuay's knee was down before the ground caused his fumble.
‘Obvious it’s not a catch’: B.C. Lions believe wrong call was made on Riders’ West Final-winning TD
3downnation.com/2025/11/09/o...
#CFL #BCLions #RoarAsOne #Riders #RiderNation #GCPlayoffs
3downnation.com/2025/11/09/o...
#CFL #BCLions #RoarAsOne #Riders #RiderNation #GCPlayoffs
November 10, 2025 at 1:45 AM
And Leon McQuay's knee was down before the ground caused his fumble.
This is a weird coincidence with a different post today concerning the origins of Canadian football! The earliest evidence of rugby - from which our football ruled evolved - being played in Toronto comes from Trinity College, where students formed a rugby club in 1864 or 1865.
Trinity college was moved to its current location in 1925.
The original 1852 structure was torn down by the 1950s, but the gates still stand on Queen Street as an entrance to Trinity Bellwoods park.
The original 1852 structure was torn down by the 1950s, but the gates still stand on Queen Street as an entrance to Trinity Bellwoods park.
November 9, 2025 at 8:07 PM
This is a weird coincidence with a different post today concerning the origins of Canadian football! The earliest evidence of rugby - from which our football ruled evolved - being played in Toronto comes from Trinity College, where students formed a rugby club in 1864 or 1865.
Actually, rugby, the game that became Canadian football, wasn't played at the university until 1877. Until then, the students defiantly played their own brand of football by the "old university rules", which had more in common with Australian rules than either soccer or rugby.
On this day in 1861, the first documented game of what became Canadian football was played at the University of Toronto. It was a practice game between students and it predates the first recorded American football game by eight years.
November 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Actually, rugby, the game that became Canadian football, wasn't played at the university until 1877. Until then, the students defiantly played their own brand of football by the "old university rules", which had more in common with Australian rules than either soccer or rugby.
What a shame: a fabulous scholar and a teacher of very high repute. Deepest condolences to his loved ones and former colleagues.
Sorry to hear of the death of Charlie Doherty, of History at UCD, a noted scholar of early medieval Irish hagiography, ecclesiastical history, and the concept of the "monastic town". Condolences to his family & friends & former students & colleagues.
#Spéirghorm
#MedievalSky
rip.ie/death-notice...
#Spéirghorm
#MedievalSky
rip.ie/death-notice...
Death Notice of Charles Doherty (Tallaght, Dublin) | rip.ie
The death has occurred of Charles Doherty of Tallaght, Dublin Ireland, on 07/11/2025. You can view the full death notice and add your condolences here.
rip.ie
November 9, 2025 at 12:11 AM
What a shame: a fabulous scholar and a teacher of very high repute. Deepest condolences to his loved ones and former colleagues.
I play bass and sing in a Hamilton pub band. Have even been known to switch the words in that Proclaimers song to "oskee wee wee". I truly feel for all the fine Ticats fans who are hurting right now. But my dad, who turned 80 this year, is a Montreal fan, and I'm happy for him.
November 8, 2025 at 11:17 PM
I play bass and sing in a Hamilton pub band. Have even been known to switch the words in that Proclaimers song to "oskee wee wee". I truly feel for all the fine Ticats fans who are hurting right now. But my dad, who turned 80 this year, is a Montreal fan, and I'm happy for him.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
If Bryan Adams released a time-adjusted “Summer of ‘69” this year, it would be “Summer of 2010”.
November 8, 2025 at 10:38 PM
If Bryan Adams released a time-adjusted “Summer of ‘69” this year, it would be “Summer of 2010”.
Shutting down archives is part of the ongoing assault on academic historical studies. You can't question the narrative if you can't access the sources.
Not enough attention is being paid to the effective closure of the bulk of one of the 2 or 3 most important public archives for modern British history. A terrible own goal for the BBC as a public-service agency.
WAC wrong-headedness
(that's the BBC Written Archives Centre)
I've brought together the key links for the campaign against the changes which now make independent and exploratory research at WAC impossible - and why this matters.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/wac-wrong-he...
(that's the BBC Written Archives Centre)
I've brought together the key links for the campaign against the changes which now make independent and exploratory research at WAC impossible - and why this matters.
www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/wac-wrong-he...
November 8, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Shutting down archives is part of the ongoing assault on academic historical studies. You can't question the narrative if you can't access the sources.
In those days, U of T had the best football team in the city and students unable to make the varsity team occasionally played for the Argos instead.
TODAY IN ARGOS HISTORY
NOV 7, 1908 ~ A crowd of 3,000 at the Rosedale lacrosse grounds saw University of Toronto student Ernest Norcross become the first US-trained player to play for the Argos. Norcross played fullback in a 13-7 loss to the Montreal Football Club to close out the 1908 season.
NOV 7, 1908 ~ A crowd of 3,000 at the Rosedale lacrosse grounds saw University of Toronto student Ernest Norcross become the first US-trained player to play for the Argos. Norcross played fullback in a 13-7 loss to the Montreal Football Club to close out the 1908 season.
November 8, 2025 at 4:45 AM
In those days, U of T had the best football team in the city and students unable to make the varsity team occasionally played for the Argos instead.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
TODAY IN ARGOS HISTORY
NOV 7, 1899 ~ Captain Ralph Ripley and the Argonauts held the first night practice in the club's history under electric lights at the old Upper Canada College playing field at King and Simcoe streets.
NOV 7, 1899 ~ Captain Ralph Ripley and the Argonauts held the first night practice in the club's history under electric lights at the old Upper Canada College playing field at King and Simcoe streets.
November 8, 2025 at 4:22 AM
TODAY IN ARGOS HISTORY
NOV 7, 1899 ~ Captain Ralph Ripley and the Argonauts held the first night practice in the club's history under electric lights at the old Upper Canada College playing field at King and Simcoe streets.
NOV 7, 1899 ~ Captain Ralph Ripley and the Argonauts held the first night practice in the club's history under electric lights at the old Upper Canada College playing field at King and Simcoe streets.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
TODAY IN ARGOS HISTORY
NOV 7, 1914 ~ Outside wing Mac Murray (in dark jersey) and flying wing Hermis Duke each scored 2 of the 8 touchdowns scored by the Double Blue in a 47-4 demolition of the Ottawa Senators at Lansdowne Park. The 1914 Argos went on to win the first of the club's 19 Grey Cups.
NOV 7, 1914 ~ Outside wing Mac Murray (in dark jersey) and flying wing Hermis Duke each scored 2 of the 8 touchdowns scored by the Double Blue in a 47-4 demolition of the Ottawa Senators at Lansdowne Park. The 1914 Argos went on to win the first of the club's 19 Grey Cups.
November 8, 2025 at 4:39 AM
TODAY IN ARGOS HISTORY
NOV 7, 1914 ~ Outside wing Mac Murray (in dark jersey) and flying wing Hermis Duke each scored 2 of the 8 touchdowns scored by the Double Blue in a 47-4 demolition of the Ottawa Senators at Lansdowne Park. The 1914 Argos went on to win the first of the club's 19 Grey Cups.
NOV 7, 1914 ~ Outside wing Mac Murray (in dark jersey) and flying wing Hermis Duke each scored 2 of the 8 touchdowns scored by the Double Blue in a 47-4 demolition of the Ottawa Senators at Lansdowne Park. The 1914 Argos went on to win the first of the club's 19 Grey Cups.
Aye. And if it's "fresh" outside, your tauntaun will freeze before you reach the first marker.
November 7, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Aye. And if it's "fresh" outside, your tauntaun will freeze before you reach the first marker.