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The impasse marked the end of 2 ½ months of negotiations between Durant’s representative and Chris Jones, the Riders’ general manager and head coach. Jones told reporters at the time that the Riders were forced to trade Durant rather than not receive any compensation if the quarterback left as a free agent.

The trade became more than a business transaction. Durant was irked when referred to by Jones as “moderately successful’’ during an interview with the Regina Leader-Post after the 2016 season.

That comment was the final straw for Durant, who realized then he wouldn’t return to the only CFL team with which he had played.

“It could have been handled differently,’’ said the 34-year-old Durant. “Everything could have been about the negotiation and the negotiation only. We could have parted ways on ‘Things didn’t work out, we wish Darian the best and vice versa.’ Shots were taken and things got personal. In my opinion, that’s taking it a little bit too far. It did bother me a little bit.’’

Durant was also bothered that the comments came from Jones.

“It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary because I have had things said about me all of the time by fans and different people across the country,’’ Durant said. “It’s just different when it comes from the GM when you’ve done so much for an organization and a place. You would like to leave on a better note.’’

Durant earned a better sendoff. He shared in Grey Cup victories in 2007 and 2013. He was a backup in the 2007 Grey Cup game and the starter when the Riders beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 45-23 at Mosaic Stadium in 2013. He also led the Riders to Grey Cup berths in 2009 and 2010, only to lose to Montreal on both occasions.