CALGARY GETS SERIOUS WITH CLERMONT

The Calgary Stampeders have struck first in terms of contract with slotback Jason Clermont.Clermont said Tuesday that he has a solid offer from the defending Grey Cup champions and that he talked to John Hufnagel, the Stampeders head coach and general manager on Tuesday.The Stampeders do fit into the parametres that Clermont has established with being closer to his home town of Regina and having stability at the coaching and quarterbacking positions.But he didn’t say it but I think he would really like to play for the Roughriders, which isn’t big news but it’s my observation.Clermont has talked with Eric Tillman and would like to see something on paper that outlines the Riders’ offer. That may not be coming any time soon because Tillman is under the weather.Tillman’s so ill that he skipped the CFL meetings in Las Vegas. Now, that’s sick when a guy can’t get out of bed to make a run to Vegas.I also talked to Darian Durant on Tuesday and the news there is he really wants to re-sign with the Riders. Not huge news but it is December. It’s time for Christmas and those other things, you know.Oh yeh, I also chatted with Mayor Pat Fiacco about the possibility of a domed stadium. The story is featured prominently on the paper on Wednesday, so you can read all about it.The backstory is Fiacco is on China on some city business, which of course I didn’t know. Did you?I called Pat at 3 p.m. our time, which is 4 a.m. in China. We chatted for about 10 minutes before I realized the time difference and that I woke him up.The man still answered every question and was way more lucid than I am at when awakened. That’s why he’s the best mayor in the world. He already has my vote secured for the next time he runs.— Murray McCormick

DURANT WANTS TO THROW TO CLERMONT

REGINA -- Quarterback Darian Durant wants to remain with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the prospect of throwing to slotback Jason Clermont makes that possibility more enticing.
Durant is to become a free agent Feb. 15. There have already been preliminary talks between Durant’s agent and the Roughriders about the third-year quarterback re-signing with the Riders.
“Saskatchewan is where I want to be,’’ Durant said Tuesday from his home in Jacksonville, Fla. “Regardless if we make the move to sign Jason, I still want to be a Rider.’’
Durant has followed the developments on the Clermont front. He knows the Riders have a nucleus of Canadian talent but feels that Clermont would be a welcome addition.
“He brings a lot of toughness and you never have to worry about him taking a play off,’’ said Durant. “He’s a great receiver and a veteran who brings a lot to the table. It’s always a positive when you can add someone like him to the team.’’
That scenario has yet to be resolved. Clermont became available Dec. 2 when he was released by the B.C. Lions. Clermont spent seven seasons with the Lions and was twice selected the CFL’s top Canadian. Clermont, 30, has drawn the interest of five CFL teams, including his home-town Roughriders.
Clermont said Tuesday that he talked briefly with John Hufnagel, head coach and general manager of the Calgary Stampeders, who is in Las Vegas for CFL meetings. Clermont added that he had a “solid offer” from the Stampeders but was waiting to see what else is turns up.
Roughriders’ general manager Eric Tillman talked with Clermont on Sunday but hasn’t had any discussions since.
“I asked Mr. Tillman if he could put on paper what would work in terms of timing and their structure,’’ said Clermont. “I haven’t heard back from him yet.’’
Tillman wasn’t able to make the trip to Las Vegas because he’s battling the flu. Tillman said that his illness has kept him from responding to Clermont’s inquiries.
Tillman added that there isn’t any time frame for the negotiations with Clermont. The same goes for Clermont.
“I will be able to make a decision when I have all of the information that I need,’’ said Clermont. “I’m waiting on a couple of guys. Then we will sit down as a family and decide what to do.’’
Durant is one of 11 Riders eligible to file for free agency in 2009. He is also the lone free agent among the Riders’ quarterbacks, which include Steven Jyles, Dalton Bell and Drew Tate.
Durant saw action in the West semifinal as a backup, which the Lions won 33-12. The Riders finished the regular season 12-6 but the way it ended has Durant looking forward to the 2009 season.
“With everything that went down and all of the injuries . . . we still had ourselves in position to make a pretty good run at the Grey Cup,’’ said Durant. “Hopefully we can get a lot of key pieces back on both sides of the ball and we can make another run at it.’’
Durant said that he is working out and preparing for the upcoming season. Even though he wants to return to the Roughriders in 2009, it has been an unsettling offseason.
“I’m unemployed right now, which isn’t the greatest thing,’’ Durant said. “It can be nerve-racking at times but there is always a positive side to it. It’s good to know that I will have a place to play next year.
“If we can get the thing wrapped up I hope to be in Saskatchewan a month early. Then I get working with guys like Andy (Fantuz) and the other guys up there.’’
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
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