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REDBLACKS GM TOO RIGID

To say the Ottawa Redblacks have had extraordinary success in their short existence would be an understatement. Now, however, it looks like the birds are coming home to roost.

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In past years, GM Marcel Desjardins has worked his magic. He has also been quoted with a hard-line Howard’s what he feels a player or position is worth, and that’s it. No flexibility whatsoever.

Given the post-departure comments of some of the talent considered crucial to retain, (Ellingson, Harris et al), it appears there is a “take it or leave it” attitude and an ego-driven approach that, “I’m the GM and it’s up to players to call me; it’s beneath me, (grovelling?) to make the first move in negotiations.”

Granted, Desjardins has a budget to work within and a yet unknown salary cap, but it certainly appears he is directly responsible for some of the players moving on. If that rigid approach continues, the team may be in for a long stretch of mediocrity. The novelty of being a big cog in a new team with lots of opportunity to shine and the almost immediate success that no doubt attracted many players in the initial years has faded.