Is Eric Tillman in hot water again? Ha ha
Well, IMO he is a slippery guy. Other worse names come to mind.
The Riders reported it to the CFL.Eskimos GM Eric Tillman denies tampering
By ROB VANSTONE, Leader-Post October 18, 2011 4:39 PM •Story•Photos ( 1 )
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have consulted with the CFL as to whether a comment made last week by Edmonton Eskimos general manager Eric Tillman constitutes tampering.
He asked about the availability of Andy Fantuz. No big deal. So far.In an interview with an Edmonton radio station following the Oct. 12 trade deadline, Tillman acknowledged that he had inquired with Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman about the availability of Andy Fantuz. The star slotback is to become a free agent after this season.
Dave Naylor of TSN reported Monday that the league is reviewing the comment made by Tillman.
Why drag Kavis into it? He didn't comment to the media. A little cover for Tillman? A distraction? It is the comment to the media that could be taken as tampering. Not unlike Brian Burke and Ron Wilson talking about how they would like to sign the Sedins.“TSN called and asked me for a comment, but I have no confirmation from the league office, so it’s hard to respond,’’ Tillman told the Leader-Post during a break in a discussion with Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed. “Kavis and I are sitting here, and to say we are stunned would be the understatement of a lifetime.
One could be suspicious that Tillman has ill feelings towards the Riders, the team that cut him loose after his molestation scandal.“Last week, I was simply asked why there weren’t any big deals before the CFL trade deadline, compared to the NHL, NBA, etc. I half-jokingly responded with, ‘Well, we tried to trade for Andy Fantuz.’ That comment was quickly qualified by saying we would have been negligent not to ask, and by giving the Riders, specifically Brendan Taman, credit for saying no.’’
One could surmise that Tillman mentioning Andy Fantuz to the media could give Fantuz ideas about next year.
One could surmise that mentioning Fantuz to the media could be a shot at the Riders who stand to lose him.
Details.Fantuz returned to the Roughriders in early September after being released by the NFL’s Chicago Bears. He had signed with the Bears after exercising the option-year escape clause in his CFL contract. If he plays out his option year and does not re-sign with Saskatchewan by Feb. 15, he will be a free agent.
The 27-year-old Fantuz was named the CFL’s most outstanding Canadian in 2010 after catching 87 passes for a league-high 1,380 yards. He has spent all six of his CFL seasons with the Roughriders.
Ah yes, the rationale by Tillman. The attempt to get himself out of the spotlight. So he said that to Fantuz when they were both with the Riders. But now, he would like to get Fantuz away from the Riders. And in the same discussion he says he hopes Fantuz is a Rider for life. Ha ha“Look, Andy has a special relationship with Saskatchewan, and I have told him countless times over the past three or four years that it would be wise for him to be a lifetime Rider,’’ said Tillman, a former Roughriders GM. “I believed it then, and I believe it now. My comment wasn’t an attempt to tamper. It couldn’t possibly have been anything further from that intent. We all know Andy has family in southern Ontario, but I truly hope that he retires a Rider. Is that clear enough?
“Now, we’re going to go back and focus on trying to secure a home playoff game. For most teams, including ours, that is still a viable goal.”
"I have told him countless times over the past three or four years that it would be wise for him to be a lifetime Rider,’’ said Tillman, a former Roughriders GM. “I believed it then, and I believe it now."
LOL ... Talking out of both sides of his mouth. If he believes Fantuz should be a Rider for life, then why is he talking about trading for him? LOL
"I truly hope that he retires a Rider." I'm not believing that. No.
"Is that clear enough?" What seems clear to me is that Tillman's actions and his words about those actions are often strangers to each other. He likes to spin. For the media. He is experienced at trying to get out of hot water. He can spin a rationale in a heartbeat.
The CFL may well find that this is insufficient to be called tampering. But it seems evident to me that Tillman is still a slippery guy.
“Now, we’re going to go back and focus on trying to secure a home playoff game. For most teams, including ours, that is still a viable goal.” Most teams ... Ummmm, Oh Yeah, but not the Riders ... LOL
LOL ... One final shot at the Riders by Tillman. LOL A head shaker.
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To the Eskimos: You knew that going in. A sharp football guy. But not necessarily a guy with admirable scruples.