Today the CFL world was shocked to discover that the
Montreal Alouettes released “problem” receivers/prized off season signings, Duron
Carter and Kenny Stafford. Both players announced on twitter that they were
released which then was confirmed by the team. It was no secret that both
players were butting heads with on again/off again starting Quarterback Rakeem
Cato which made for a less than peaceful locker room.
So what 3 things can we learn from this fussin' and a feudin'.
1) Chapdelaine probably isn’t going anywhere, but Noel Thorpe most certainly is.
The Alouettes might as well removed the interim tag off
Jacques Chapdelaine’s “Interim Head Coach” title, as it was widely reported
that he spearheaded the move to remove the players. If Chapdelaine isn’t going
to be with the Alouettes next year, why are Popp and Wettenhall allowing him to
call the shots on roster moves?
Also both players were on deals that ended at the end of the
season. So it wouldn’t be hard for Popp and Wettenhall to tell everyone to suck
it up for the remaining three games and decide everyone’s fate then. But if
they are looking at keep Chapdelaine in some fashion then the receivers, talented or not, had to
go.
This situation is probably going to speed up another divorce
between the Alouettes and Noel Thorpe. Poor Thorpe, he just wants to be Head
Coach and can’t buy a break in Montreal. Thorpe already tried having his
contract nulled last off season so he could get a fresh start elsewhere and it
was blocked by the league. Can’t imagine he would want to stay after being
passed over again.
2) Contracts after the trade deadline should be guaranteed.
It was also reported that despite Stafford having four years
in the CFL, he doesn’t have enough games in to be considered a four-year veteran
so his contract wasn’t guaranteed. Combine that with the fact that they were
released after the trade deadline, while they can sign with a team, they are not allowed to play for that team
till the 2017 season. So no team can pick up either player for a playoff run, essentially ending their seasons today.
Make no mistake these two were probably released mainly on
their attitudes and actions, but money was probably also a factor. Alouettes beat reporter Herb Zurkowsky was reporting
this week that he was hearing rumblings that the Als were on pace to be 300,000
over the salary cap. Which is entering the “losing multiple draft picks and big
money fine” territory.
According to Looniecap.com, Carter’s 2016 contract was for $260,000,
while Stafford’s was a much more affordable $52,000. If you average that out
over the three remaining games, the Alouettes end up saving $52,000. It’s like
Popp got Stafford’s 218 yards and 2 touchdowns for free.
While neither player was a great teammate it isn't a good look that a team can wait to drop a player after the trade deadline to keep him from earning an income despite not being on their roster. The CFLPA should probably look at closing this loop hole at the next CBA, even if can get a short signing window after the release happens.
3) Talent doesn’t mean anything unless you are a pro.
Vince Lombardi said “Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.” Unfortunately, for Carter and Stafford they missed this lesson and are now paying the hard price for it.
Carter’s antics were nothing new to the Alouettes, they had
similar issues with him in 2014 when a team meeting almost came to blows
because Carter supposedly disrespected a teammate. According to then Head
Coach, Tom Higgins, there was actually a vote to decide whether or not they
could go on with Carter on the roster. Then follow that up with his and
Stafford’s run in’s with Cato at practise and the constant stories of locker
room turmoil coming from Montreal it is painfully obvious that Carter is a “me”
guy (or is it “moi” guy in Montreal) and not a real teammate.
I’m sure both Carter and Stafford will sit out the rest of
the season and they will probably both check to see if there is any NFL
interest. If there isn’t any NFL interest I am sure
there will be a CFL team or two kicking the tires on either one because they are definitely great athletes.
But great athletes don't make great teammates... Just ask Duron Carter's old community college Quarterback.
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