DAY 6 IN RIDER CAMP

By Murray McCormick 06-12-2009 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

Just a brief weather report: Gorgeous — but loads happened today at Rider camp and elsewhere, so let’s get at it:

— Riders president Jim Hopson met with the media during main camp about Eric Tillman’s charge goingto trail on Jan 4. Hopson said it’s business as usual, which was expected. Tillman remains on paid administrative leave while the case is before the courts.
— Hopson responded this way when asked about the effects of the charge on the perception of the Roughriders: “You have to think that it does have an effect,’’ Hopson said. “One of the things we’ve seen from our fan base is a tremendous level of understanding and certain acceptance that this is a personal issue, not a football issue. It’s outside the club and the club is doing what it should be doing, which is stepping back and allowing the thing to be resolved properly and we aren’t rushing to judgment. Clearly with the support we’ve received from season-ticket sales, sponsorships and the to the number of people at training camp . . . The fans are like players, they are worried about the next football game.’’
— I asked one player for comment and he declined. It’s not really their issue and it doesn’t have much to do with the football team.

— The trade of Joe McGrath was among of the other topics not related to the Tillman court case. McGrath was traded back to Edmonton on Thursday for a first-round pick in the 2010 draft and a neg. list player. Riders head coach Ken Miller reiterated that the importance of chemistry the locker room and how if McGrath didn’t want to be there and he didn’t fit in, it was good thing he wasn’t there.

— Gene Makowsky chuckled when asked if he sensed some unhappiness with McGrath. “I don’t think anyone is overjoyed during camp,’’ said Makowsky. “I think that everyone is a little bit down, so he’s not alone. We have a some good guys here and I thought he would fit in. That may not be the whole case but that has past now and we’re looking forward.’’

— I asked Miller for more details on Carl Berman, who was released on Thursday. Miller didn’t elaborate other than to say that he was gone and they would coach the guys they have here. Berman was attempting to come back from a torn Achilles tendon in 2008.

— With so much going on off the field, it was tough keeping track of what was taking place on the turf. Rob Bagg made a spectacular, twisting 45-yard reception on a pass from Dalton Bell. LB Jerron Wishom made a strip and pick on Chris Jones on the sidelines.

— The Riders also pack up for a road trip on Saturday to Saskatoon. Along with the other festivities, they will have a controlled practice. Miller sounds like he’s looking forward to the trip: “One of the reasons I like to go up there is we get to see some different fans and it’s great for them,’’ said Miller. “I also like it because we get out of our comfort zone and have a little different schedule. That’s good because in a few days we’re going to Edmonton.’’

— Practice sessions were reduced to just one Friday and ended at 11 a.m — nearly 90 minutes earlier than Thursday. Miller said that one practice was enough because the players were working hard and some are nursing minor injuries.

— Legend George Reed also stopped by practice. We chatted and the substance of that interview will appear online later and in the L-P on Saturday.— Also looking ahead, I have a Riders’ reaction on Tillman and a long look at the development of Darian Durant as a leader and a quarterback. As always, you can check online or look in the paper in the morning. Busy day, so I had better pound.