For a number of weeks now fans have been collectively sighing at the notion that the Ottawa Redblacks would be compensated by the Edmonton Eskimos for former offensive co-ordinator and now head coach, Jason Maas. Finally, the silence is broken by CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge. The Eskimos released this statement today.
“Edmonton Eskimos have been informed by the league office of the decision made with regard to the dispute with the Ottawa RedBlacks over the hire of Head Coach Jason Maas. Commissioner Jeffrey Orridge decided no compensation is owing to Ottawa from Edmonton. The Edmonton Eskimos consider this matter resolved and will not comment further at this time.” (Statement courtesy TSN.ca)
The Redblacks organization will not be compensated. Ed Hervey and Len Rhodes will not likely comment again on the matter to avoid becoming a distraction in the coming weeks. Let’s hope the Redblacks can do the same and avoid stirring up this sort of afterthought politics at the league office again. They should be planning for a highly rumoured 2017 home Grey Cup to fill their days if they are bored. Make it the best ever Grey Cup! The Redblacks are making great strides should continue to build on their product on and off the field despite today’s statement.
The Eskimos were probably celebrating this victory the second it went back onto the desk of Orridge. I would have been if I was CEO Len Rhodes. Didn’t this announcement of Maas signing in Edmonton all go down before the new coaching movement rules were in place? I believe it was to address recent scenarios from causing future problems. The Eskimos aren’t getting away with anything here. This is just the last ever gentleman’s handshake as far as coaches contracts are concerned. I’m looking forward to watching Maas on the sidelines in his new role.
Main Photo: TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 1: CFL Commissioner Jeffrey Orridge photographed at the CFL Headquarters in downtown Toronto. (Cole Burston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
