How about some Rider news?I spoke to defensive end Stevie Baggs this week. He was in transit from Regina to Florida and wasn't able to do an interview, however he revealed he's interviewing agents this week and it appears he's set to test free agency come February 15.He made it known to me during the season that his services are available to the highest bidder. As yet, Rider G.M. Eric Tillman has yet to make an initial offer.
----Thanks to the Riders for hosting us at their annual sponsor Christmas reception last night in the locker room.Defensive end Luc Mullinder was there and we discussed his contract renewal by the Riders last week. We'll have an interview with Luc on the blog in the days ahead. Suffice it to say he's relieved to have the deal done, and is happy to be back with the Green & White.Tillman is staying true to form, making the re-signing of Canadian players his top priority.
----I bumped into Councillor Chris Szarka while at City Hall paying a parking ticket on Thursday.Chris is another pending free agent, but has yet to hear from Tillman. Szarka had some key games down the stretch, and is hoping his performances were enough to get a new offer.We decided the best thing for him to do is approach Eric first, and not wait for the call.
----I also talked with Tillman this week, and he's spent the past number of days holding extensive individual meetings with the coaching staff.One thing's for sure; Ken Miller will be back as head coach in 2010. He was asked about retirement during Grey Cup week."Well thank you for that question," Miller responded. "As we've gone through this season, after a couple of losses, I'm sure there were people who were very high on that possibility. But as we came down through the stretch, I heard that rumour circulated through the press both on TSN and in print. But I assure you it didn't come from me or anyone who's close to me.""Certainly when you get through the season you have to step back and evaluate. So there might be a time where I say it's enough, but at this point in time I have no intention of retiring."As for his coaching staff, we'll likely have to wait until the New Year to see if there will be any changes.
----The resignation of Jim Daley in Edmonton this week has left the Eskimos' defensive coordinator position open.As yet, no potential replacements have been identified. Might Rider linebackers coach Alex Smith be interested?He and Eskimo coach Richie Hall are close, and this summer Alex expressed his desire to one day become a defensive coordinator in the CFL.But is he willing to leave Regina?Likely not, but we'll explore it.
----Stampeders receiver Nik Lewis reported on Twitter this week that he had a nightmare that he was playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.Hey Nik! That's your DREAM, and it's OUR nightmare!
----Rider receiver Jason Clermont and his wife are expecting again. That was another thing we learned from Twitter this week.It's interesting that Jason is so guarded in interviews, yet he reveals loads of personal information on Twitter.----
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