James Wilder Jr. #32 of the Florida State Seminoles during their game at BB&T Field on November 9, 2013 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Speaking for the first time since being granted his release from the Toronto Argonauts, James Wilder Jr. shares his feelings on the team’s coaching staff.

Whether he was on the field, on the sidelines or in street clothes at practise James Wilder Jr. wanted his Toronto Argonauts teammates to know that he had their backs.

Not only did he show his devotion to the team but also to the fanbase as he didn’t mind the spotlight and he wanted to help grow his fandom and the team’s reach across the city. It begs you to wonder how such a beloved player had his issues become public.

Wilder Jr. joined The Rod Pedersen Show to discuss what was next for him after he was granted his release. During the interview, Pedersen asked a question on behalf of former teammate Shawn Lemon about his relationship with the coaching staff, namely head coach Corey Chamblin and offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine.

James Wilder Jr. (@IAm_Wilder32) provides insight on his connection with the #Argos Coaching Staff this past season. Shoutout to @SLemonator for tuning in. #RPShow #CFL pic.twitter.com/22KSivv8yI — The Rod Pedersen Show (@RodPedersenShow) November 29, 2019

The 27-year-old made it a point to say that he felt disconnected with the coaching staff and they weren’t receptive to his desire to organize meetings to try and turn things around. He also believes the team was holding him out of the lineup longer than he wanted when he suffered broken ribs and being asked to play special teams wasn’t going to help him remain healthy.

There was no doubting his ability to produce but he wasn’t being used like most running back. Injuries might have played a part in that but the team also spent most of their time chasing the game which meant relying more on the pass than the running game.

Whatever the reasons were it’s unfortunate to see how it all ended considering how much Wilder Jr. embraced the city. It’s also unfortunate that those are the feelings he had about the coaching staff and you have to think if there are any other players who might share the same feelings.

What do you think about Wilder Jr.’s comments? Should that be seen as a red flag about the coaching staff or is it overblown? Let us know in the comments below.