Moving On

Moving On

Ladies and Gentlemen, Eric Tillman has left the building. I know it’s almost been a week since he resigned but the reality of him being gone is really only starting to settle in now for me… having almost nothing to do with the 5 day bender that the loss of Tillman and Chick within 24 hours sent me spiralling into.

The good news is that ET took every precaution to ensure that his successor could not screw things up for the upcoming season (guess he was just as worried about Taman taking over as I am). He has apparently reached verbal agreements with most of our free-agents, has ensured we are under the cap and used the excess money to extend a few contracts and he has apparently signed a bunch of Americans and filled our training camp roster to the point that there are no more spots left for imports. Basically it seems that ET saw the writing on the wall and decided to do an offseason’s worth of work in a few weeks to ensure one more good season for the Riders. I wouldn’t be surprised if he left instructions on who to draft over the next 3 years… with a big sticky note on top that says “Don’t Let Taman Trade Away Our Picks!”

According to Jim Hopson, Taman and Joe Womack are the leading contenders. Though apparently Tom Higgins has expressed his interest. Higgins must not be enjoying his job as Director of Officiating that much because any football related job that has come along in the past few weeks, he has made a point of letting people know that he’s interested. I’m waiting for the Argos to say they are looking for a new summer temp and Higgins to immediately declare his interest in the position.

The NFL is in the middle of a full fledged pillage of CFL rosters. Having already snagged Rolly Lumbala (Miami), Ryan Grice-Mullen (Miami), Larry Taylor (NYJ), Dudley Guice (Indy), Jonathan Hefney (Detroit), Walter Curry (Jacksonville) and John Chick (Indy… you bastards!) as you’ll see below, the list continues to grow. My concern is that if mediocre receivers like Grice-Mullen, Green and the unheard-of Guice are getting contracts, that can’t bode will for our chances of keeping Fantuz. Then again I haven’t heard that Fantuz has had any workouts yet and you’d have to think that if he gets snubbed this year while lesser receivers are getting signed that would pretty much have to bed his NFL aspirations.

This just in… Mark McGwire has admitted to using steroids throughout his career including the year he broke the home run record. I for one was completely caught off guard by this development. Never saw it coming. I mean what’s next? News that Wilt Chamberlain was promiscuous during his playing days? Or news that wrestling is fake? I just don’t know what to believe anymore.

The CFL released its list of potential free agents today. Among the most concerning potential Rider free agents are Scott Shultz (who retired many months ago), Andy Fantuz (who’s already agreed to an extension with us) and Dustin Cherniawski (can’t imagine how we would ever survive without him).

I’d also like to point out that James Johnson is a potential free agent. Let the bidding war begin… well okay I can’t even type that with a straight face. But seriously, I sincerely hope that Johnson is able secure another CFL contract… as long as it’s with anyone but us.

Winnipeg’s search to fill every position except their receptionist (who at this point is probably in charge of player signings… marking a dramatic improvement in that area compared to previous years) continues. The list of candidates for the head coaching positions has apparently been narrowed to Stamps OC George Cortez, Stamps DC Chris Jones, Ti-Cat DC Greg Marshall and Als DC Tim Burke. All speculation points to Marshall as the front-runner.

Among those said to be interested in the front office jobs are current Bombers personnel men John Murphy and Ross Hodgkinson, Brendan Taman, Tom Higgins and Mike McCarthy (the Als scout not the Green Bay coach). Please pick Taman, please pick Taman, please pick Taman.

CFL Ins and Outs

Calgary

In: OL Tim O’Neil, OL Godfrey Ellis (re-signed)

Out: OL Dmitri Tsoumpas (signed with Miami Dolphins)

Montreal

Out: WR SJ Green (signed with NY Jets)

As with most Alouette news I include this only to comply with constitutional requirements to maintain a certain level of French content. Tres bien!

Winnipeg

In: DB Jovon Johnson (re-signed)

While I’m not surprised that Winnipeg wanted to re-sign Johnson (seeing as he is an elite cornerback and kick retruner), I’m somewhat surprised that Johnson would re-sign with a team with no GM, coach, QB or another element that is key to the success of a football team.

Hamilton

In: OL Peter Dyakowski, LB Yannick Carter, S Sandy Beveridge (re-signed)

Out: DB Bo Smith (signed with NY Jets)

Bo Smith got an NFL contract, Markeith Knowlton and Geoff Tisdale have worked out for NFL teams as well… for a team that spent the better part of decade with a roster filed with guys that probably wouldn’t make

Toronto

In: OL Zachary Pollari, OL Gordon Sawler, DB Brad Crawford, DB Anthony Deslauriers (2009 draft pick signing); FB Peter Quinney, LB Tang Bacheyie (free agent signing)

Given that all 6 of these players are young Canadian players, it would seem on the surface that the Argos have finally realized the importance of recruiting quality Canadian players… but if you dig deeper you realize that all of them were drafted in the 4^th round or later in last year’s draft so the “quality” part of things doesn’t really apply and that this is the same old Argos. By the way… who names their kid Tang?

Monday Morning Sentimonies: Back To Football

After spending most of last week discussing legal proceedings, sexual assault and other serious matters that don’t lend themselves to the humour you’ve come to expect from this blog, I thought it would be refreshing to start the week with some actual football news and some actual humour (well at least feigned attempts at it). And if its humour we’re after there’s no better place to start than Toronto…

The Argos search for a head coach continues. Fortunately it seems they learned from their mistakes last time. Unlike last year when they pursued the likes of Jim Fassel, Tom Clement and attempted to resurrect Vince Lombardi… this year their candidates actually appear interested in the position. And unlike last year when the best thing that could be said about their leading candidate’s knowledge of the CFL is he’s “watched the game”… this year their candidate list includes people who not only have CFL coaching experience but also enjoyed success in their role. Now this would fly in the face of the longstanding Toronto tradition of making embarrassingly bad decisions when it comes to the operation of their sporting teams but fear not… there’s still plenty of time for them to screw things up before the season starts.

The Argos’ have narrowed their candidate list down to 4: Als OC - Scott Milanovich, Stamps DC - Chris Jones, Ti-Cat DC - Greg Marshall and the currently unemployed Doug Berry. Though all 4 would be good choices, I think the Argos would be wise to go with on offensive minded coach like Berry or Milanovich. Their D actually wasn’t that bad last year but their offense was abysmal. Having said that, look for the Argos to defy logic and go with either Jones or Marshall… or pass over these candidates altogether and hire Cito Gaston in an attempt to renew interest in the team.

The Bombers, not to be outdone in the biggest CFL gong show competition, are currently looking for a Head Coach, VP of Football Operations and President/CEO (seriously who is running this team!?!? The mascot? Steve from accounting?). Interest in these posts has been decidedly mixed. While some people (like former Commissioner Tom Wright) have (wisely) made it clear that they are not interested, some people (like Director of Officiating Tom Higgins) have said they are very interested. While I realize being the head of one of the most hated group of people in the league may not be a dream job, would being the head of the Bombers really be a step up?

The Lions have announced that they will play the 2010 season at a temporary stadium to be erected at the old Empire Stadium site while BC Place is having its roof replaced. Other than the fact that I just used the word “erected” I’m struggling to think of something funny to write about this.

CFL Ins and Outs

Winnipeg

In: K Alexis Serna (contract extension)

Out: DB Jonathan Hefney (signed with Detroit Lions), WR Dudley Guice (signed with Indy Colts)

After spending a season on a team that was mired in a constant gong show/media circus and terrible on-field performance, Hefney will get to enjoy being on a team that focuses exclusively on the terrible on-field performance. As for Guice… he somehow managed a contract with one of the NFL’s elite offenses after catching only 6 passes and appearing in only 3 games this past season with the lowly Bombers… that’s nothing short of amazing.

Hamilton

In: LB Otis Floyd, DL Darrell Adams, QB Kevin Glenn, QB Quinton Porter (contract extension)

So I wonder if Hamilton has finally realized that Kevin Glenn gives them the best chance to win or if they plan to waste a few more games next season on the “Porter is due” theory.

Toronto

In: RB Jeff Johnson, LB Jason Pottinger (contract extension)

Out: DL Walter Curry (signed with Jacksonville Jaguars)

I’m shocked that the Argos re-signed not 1 but 2 Canadians. Adam Rita must have mistakenly assumed they were Americans.

BC

Out: FB Rolly Lumbala, WR Ryan Grice-Mullen (signed with Miami Dolphins)

Cam Wake must have made one hell of an impression on the Dolphins, for them to go out and sign 2 of his former team mates. I mean given Lumbala’s size I can see the interest in him but given that Grice-Mullen got turned inside out by our punter, I can’t see him lasting too long in the NFL.

Montreal

Out: KR Larry Taylor (signed with New York Jets)

I hope Taylor puts his best skills on display because given his diminutive size, if he angers Coach Rex Ryan, I could see Ryan eating him as a mid-afternoon snack.

Also, Keron Williams had a workout with the Minnesota Vikings though no contract offer has been made yet. That’s just what the Vikings need another D-lineman named Williams. I wonder how long before they ask Jared Allen to change his last name.

From Bad to Worse

John Chick has signed a 3 year deal with the Indy Colts including a 6 figure signing bonus. That means he's gone and won't be seen around here for a long time... if ever. This blows!

Seriously… my kingdom for some good Rider news. Then again maybe because “my kingdom” is limited to a robe, a non-profit blog and whatever money you can get by returning the empties in my basement I guess I’m not in that good of a bargaining position.

The Fallout

By now I’m sure you’ve heard that Eric Tillman will not be returning to the Riders . While I always hoped this day would never come, I knew from the day the story broke that this was likely what the end result would be. Short of a full exoneration it was pretty much inevitable that this would spell the end of Tillman’s time with the Riders. The Board obviously felt that it was not in the best interests of the team to go forward with someone who had committed sexual assault as the leader of the franchise. The court of public opinion is not as lenient as the courts of justice and in the end Tillman was let go not because of what he’s done but rather what people think of what he’s done.

Though I disagree with their decision, I understand why the team chose to go this route and accept their decision. They came to the conclusion that keeping Tillman on would be more trouble than its worth.

You’ll note that throughout the legal proceedings I have kept my opinions fairly quiet and I’m sure many are you are wondering where I stand on this issue. Well here goes…

I think it’s a shame that one of the most successful GMs in team history was sent packing because of such a minor incident… okay poor choice of words… let’s go with such a small indiscretion. By all account Tillman has been nothing but a stand-up guy both in his career and in his personal life for all but one brief moment in his 52 years on this earth. What he did in that brief moment was wrong and I will not make any attempt to excuse his actions or downplay their seriousness. That said I don’t feel as though this one incident was severe enough that it would inhibit his ability to continue to perform at a high level as our GM and ensure continued success for the franchise.

The idea that public perception left the Riders no choice but to part ways with Tillman is somewhat hypocritical and I’ll use a comparison to illustrate why.

When we look back on 2009 what will be the biggest black mark on this franchise? The infamous 13^th man. And who was responsible for this black mark? Kavis Reed. He screwed up, plain and simple. There was public criticism and this will no doubt something that will be the source of a ton of media attention and public criticism in the coming season. Yet Reed was not let go. The team seemed to be willing to forgive one massive screw up in light of his performance throughout the season.

The same logic was no afforded to Tillman. He screwed up plain and simple as well but in this case the team was not willing to forgive. Now I’m not saying that a coaching error is as bad as inappropriately touching a minor (especially since one is illegal and one is not)… but I guarantee that it will be a bigger story in the coming season. So if the logic for parting ways with Tillman was that his actions were too damaging to the team’s image then it would be hypocritical to not also part ways with Reed has his actions were far more damaging to the franchise… Just a point to ponder.

In the grand scheme of things was what Tillman did all that bad? People still cheer for Canada’s Olympic hockey team even though their roster features someone (Dany Heatley) who killed a man while driving at excessive speeds. People still watch TSN even though one of their panellists (Craig MacTavish) killed a woman while driving drunk. People still listen to James Brown despite his multiple weapons and drug related offenses. Yet people are taking a “holier than thou” approach to one solitary, brief instance of inappropriate contact?

Tillman was quick to give second chances in his time with the team. He gave one to Jason Armstead despite a run in with the law. He gave one to Adarius Bowman despite his pot smoking. He offered one to Hakeem Hill (though Hill wasn’t smart enough to actually take advantage of the offer). But he wasn’t lucky enough to have one offered to him which is too bad.

As I said, though I disagree with the team’s decision, I accept it and respect it. I don’t imagine its one they came to lightly and maybe in the end this will be what’s best for everyone. Both parties can move on and leave this unfortunate incident in the past.

At this point I think ET would be best served to go lay low for awhile and after some time passes I imagine he will resurface in a scouting role or consultant role with a team (much like Roy Shivers did after he was fired) and in time we will see him back in charge of a football team. He’s too good at what he does to stay away for long.

And so it is with great remorse that I bid adieu to one of the great men in Rider history. Though is legacy will unfortunately be marred by the sexual assault charge, his contributions to the team and the heights of success he has led them to is what I will choose to remember.

Tillman Granted Absolute Discharge

The courts have granted Tillman’s request for an absolute discharge after he plead guilty to a charge of sexual assault. It’s basically the legal equivalent of letting him off with a warning. He’s guilty as charged but no further punishment has been deemed necessary. As long as he doesn’t do it again in the next year he’ll have no criminal record.

While this is the end of his legal troubles, his status with the Roughriders is still very much up in the air. Tillman indicated that he would like to stay with the team but understands that the ultimate decision lies with the Board of Directors. They will be meeting tomorrow and won’t be making any further statement on the matter until they have reached their decision.

There are 2 highly polarized sides in this debate: those that firmly believe Tillman should be let go and those that firmly believe Tillman should be kept on and neither side is willing to listen to arguments of the other. The thing I find ironic is that the people that believe he should be dismissed do so not because of what he did but the fact that he did something bad. Those that believe he should be kept do so because of what he’s done with the team not what he’s done with his babysitter. I’ve heard very few arguments on either side that are based on the actual incident itself.

This is a very difficult decision for the Board to make. There will be hardship regardless of their decision. If Tillman stays then there will definitely be a flood of public criticism and negative media attention that will follow the team all season. If Tillman goes then we will be letting one of the most successful GMs in team history walk out the door and will likely face a flood of public criticism.

My gut instinct is that the team will ask Tillman to resign but I guess we will see tomorrow.

Tillman Pleads Guilty

Here’s a summary of what happened in court on Monday in the Eric Tillman trial…

- Tillman changed his plea to guilty and requested an absolute discharge. The crown was in agreement with the request.

- Tillman apologized saying he takes responsibility for his actions and that it was out of character for him… You can read the full apology here.

- He claims that he was on pain medication mixed with sleeping pills at the time and didn't remember the incident

- The judge reserved his decision until tomorrow

The Riders responded by issuing a statement saying they will be holding a special meeting of the Board of Directors to discuss what to do in light of this new development. They won’t be making any decisions until the judge hands down his verdict. Both parties have agreed that Tillman will no longer be involved in the day to day operations of the club until the matter is resolved.

What this all means in terms of Tillman’s future with the Riders remains to be seen. I guess we will find out more tomorrow.

Monday Morning Sentimonies: New Year, Same Bigotry

Happy New Year to all of you… unless of course you’re Chinese and still clinging to the misguided view that the lunar calendar is better than the solar calendar that the rest of the world has adopted… what has the moon ever done for us? There’s no such thing as “lunar power”, a “moontan” or a “moondae”. But I digress.

Hopefully you all had a good Christmas… unless of course you’re Ukrainian and think you are too good to celebrate Christmas with the rest of us and need your own special Christmas 2 weeks later because you follow the Julian calendar. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that a bunch of former Soviets adopted a Roman calendar that happens to allow them to benefit from Boxing Day sales. But I digress.

As we start a new year, let me get you caught up on what’s been going on in CFL...

The big news in Riderville is of course that the Eric Tillman trial starts today. In a true testament to the efficiency of our justice system, the charges were laid 11 months ago, for an incident that allegedly occurred 17 months ago. In the intervening time, 4 separate court appearances have occurred, totalling no more than 15 minutes and all we have to show for it is a plea of not guilty. At their current pace, by the time they get around to handing down a verdict I assume Tillman will be controlling team operations from his moon base will commute occasionally back to Regina in a trans-galactic space cruiser that is fuelled by Rider Prophetonium (a new element that I plan to discover sometime before I die).

While it will be nice to finally have so closure on the matter, I’m somewhat leery of what that closure may entail. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

The Blue Bombers have received permission from the Riders to speak with Brendan Taman about their vacant VP of Football Operations… the same post Taman resigned from before the season started. My first thought upon reading this was “Oh yeah, I forgot that Taman worked for the Riders”. I do find it ironic that Mike Kelly was brought in to clean up Taman’s mess and now, the Bombers’ answer to Kelly’s mess is to bring back Taman.

Dmitri Tsoumpas is trying out for the Miami Dolphins and NY Jets among other NFL teams. Kicker Justin Medlock is also working out for a few teams down south. Both would be huge loses for their respective teams. Tsoumpas one of the Stamps top linemen despite his young age and Medlock… well his really the Argos’ only offensive weapon.

CFL Ins and Outs

Toronto
In: OL Taylor Robertson (re-signed through 2011)

Winnipeg
Out: Barrin Simpson (released)
I’m half expecting the league to determine later this week that the Bombers weren’t able to cut Simpson and force them to re-instate him.