Started this one cuz just heard BC Lions Asst. GM Neal McEvoy had turned down the GM job with Montreal. Why? Suspect it has something to do with team stability and erratic ownership, even small possibility of not having a potential contract certified or guaranteed. Als really need a steady hand at the helm to build up the roster and help with community relations (aka season tickets & promotional money). Suspect Jim Popp may be considered for a GM or AGM role in CFL cities not named Toronto or Montreal. Popp wore out his welcome in both markets. Also think the tide has passed on veteran CFL coach/GM Jim Barker. Seems to be happy as a sideline man in Hamilton. Money good, ownership stable and besides, the Ti-Cats could be a force for the next 3 or 4 years. My guess is the Als settle with Winnipeg talent scout Ryan Rigmaiden or perhaps Danny McManus - but the stability question may haunt their decisions!
The way this off-season has started, I am not sure that there will be a team left with identity anymore. So many players and coaches are moving, all that is left is to cheer for colours. It is all just a little melancholy.
PLOP (Paul LaPolice) soon to be announced as head coach of Ottawa Redblacks - guess he wanted redemption from the Bombers shutting down efforts to bring him in as OC last season. Main problem for PLOP = willy Wonka QB situation in the nation's capital. He'll target one of Mope Nichols or Zach Collaros - perhaps even make a run at The Grey Cup Kahoona - Chris Streveler. Might be able to salvage one of last year's OTT RB QBs - Jennings or Dom Davis, certainly not both those mopes. Both were a discredit to that team last season, a season that cost Porky Campbell his job.
Nick Arbuckle will certainly fall into PLOP's wide-screen CFL gaze. Hamilton might be able to put up a salary firewall against it - but PLOP will also try to entice one of Jeremiah Masoli or Dane Edith Evans to the capital.
