There's never a dull moment around here. Ever.
As the calendar flipped to the second week of the Saskatchewan Roughriders' 2012 training camp, one career ended while another one was extended.
Which do you want first?
Let's start with the retirement. Highly touted wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, a former second round pick of the Carolina Panthers and record-setter at USC, missed all of rookie camp due to travel issues. He showed up for day one of main camp last Sunday and participated lightly in drills. Unfortunately for all of us, however, that's the last we saw of him. An injury kept him on the sidelines for the rest of the week and on Thursday coach Corey Chamblin confirmed that Jarrett decided to retire. It appeared his heart wasn't in it and he wasn't prepared to put in the work which the others were.
See ya!
As for the other announcement, when the Riders practised Saturday in Saskatoon, team President Jim Hopson announced a one-year contract extension for general manager Brendan Taman. It was appropriate, I suppose, because it was in Taman's hometown. However at first glance the timing seemed a bit odd.
Taman was precariously situated in the last year of his contract, facing a make or break season. Should the Riders implode, he would assuredly be out of a job. However if the club improved to the point of making the playoffs or even hosting a playoff game, you know he would be rewarded with a new deal.
However Jim Hopson, who has made no secret of his admiration for Taman's abilities, said "why wait?" and finished the contract. At a closer look, Taman's hay is already in the barn, so to speak. This past winter he oversaw the hiring of a new coaching staff, vastly overhauled the roster (as we discussed last week), harvested a wealth of import rookie talent and signed his Canadian draft picks.
Mission accomplished. Go to Hawaii and put your feet up Brendan! Now the onus is on rookie coach Corey Chamblin to work this group into a contender. Taman has bought the groceries and now it's up to Chamblin to make the meal.
Bon appetit!
It all starts this week with the first preseason game of the year in B.C., and once it kicks off, we can finally stop talking about last year.
Enjoy the ride.
