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Up until Harris chose to go to the media no one was dumping on him. However, he went public with what should have stayed behind closed doors and now fans are responding to it. There is nothing Riderfans about that. FACT: Andrew Harris, by his own admission, came into camp out of shape and unfocused last year. Saying that is not dumping on him it's a matter of public record now. FACT: Andrew Harris chose to go to Toronto for more money. That too is public record. FACT: No one in the Bomber organization commented on this in anything but a very positive manner. Harris chose to go to the media about his departure. FACT: When a prominent player signs elsewhere in FA, talks to the media about it, there is going to be discussion that arises from that amongst the fans. Doesn't matter what fan base you belong too. FACT: Long before Harris left people were wondering what his role should/would be with the Bombers with most suggesting it was a year for him to pass the torch. This is not new. FACT: Not a single person here, unlike RIderfans, is minimizing Harris's past contributions or role with the team.

Regarding Harris and the Friesen article... I look at it like this: Imagine knowing you have a big meeting coming up and you show up unprepared. Now, thankfully those in your area showed up and were more than capable of handling the slack you left - how do you think your bosses are going to think/feel, especially when it comes to performance review time? Bottom line: Harris took his job for granted, and someone (or a duo) came in and filled in admirably, and the bosses noted. I can't blame Bomber management one bit, and I think they were fully justified in their decision making - and considering how the organization stuck their neck out for Harris after his positive drug test (trace or more, you're still busted), he really didn't reward their faith by being out of shape, and I totally get why O'Shea would be miffed.

Well, the most respected guy in the room is showing a lack of respect to the team & coach he played for. You don't hear Walters or O'Shea saying anything publicly & we know they won't. Andrew Harris should have taken the high road but he chose not to. This kind of reminds me of the way Gerry James left the Bombers back in the early 60's. James was a Canadian fullback who tore it up for the Bombers having two 1,000 yard seasons in 1954 & 56. James rushed for 5,541 yards before & during the Bud Grant years. He left the Bombers after the 1962 season very unhappy feeling disrespected by Grant. He played his last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1964. He accused his Head Coach of disliking Canadians thinking they were inferior players to their American counterparts. He accused Grant of underpaying & treating every Canadian player on the Bombers like dirt. As well, he felt he deserved more money but the Bombers wouldn't pay so he left very angry when his contract expired. Until his name was put up on the Ring Of Honour a number of years ago, James had little to do with the Bombers or Alumni. My point is, most players don't get to leave the game at any level the way they want. Injuries, lack of playing time, eroding skills, contract disputes or coaching changes all contribute to a lot of players being dissatisfied as to how they left the game. Not many Tom Brady's get to walk away on top.

Kyle Walters can't pay big contracts because he's strapped for cash.

This. Let's be honest, the team knew what kind of shape he was in (injury wise) going into the Grey Cup so they may have reason to be cautious beyond the fact he's 35 years old. "Andrew, we want you here but let's see where you're at .." isn't a big ask from the team given that point of view.

We currently have a couple of players that will be Bomber legends. I'm still happy my son got a signed Harris jersey for Xmas. My plan has been to get a Demski jersey.

Think I saw something here about it. Wireless tech, don’t you know!

Kinda off topic but not really. Today exactly 7 years ago was one of the greatest signings in Blue Bomber History. Mr. Bryant joined the Bombers!

Good for McGuire! ...And that'd be fantastic if Darby decides to stay......really important piece last year.

I see your giant hammers and raise you an automobile plow:

Any news on where Andrew Harris decided to sign?

The overreaction to some of the offseason news is kind of funny. This is all normal business of sport stuff. As much as the media has painted a sunny narrative, the Bombers as an organization aren't really that special. If we don't trade for Collaros at the 11th hour in 2019, how many stories do you think would have been written about what a great culture it is that we have built?

He's kind of dumping on us, tbh.

Dumping on Harris now that he's gone. very " Riderfans " like. not a good look.

Hard to say because his interview was so contradictory. On one hand, he was insulted that the offer would not have made him the highest paid RB on the team but on the other hand, he says he would have considered taking the offer, had Kyle & Osh looped him on their plans. If the offer was so bad, would he really have considered it, or is this just a case of his ego being bruised because he was clearly not being brought back as the starting RB.

I think it is OK to be a little disappointed with the airing of dirty laundry.

Too short to be receiver in the CFL? A league that has had Brandon Banks, Chad Owens and Weston Dressler as league leaders in receiving stats in the last 10 years.

Unless his locker room attitude is different from his public persona, I don't know if he's a fit here.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/judge-tosses-lawsuit-against-province-1.6346812 Ya love to see it! It's so, so nice to see these covidiots get a dose of reality and that they have no legal ground on which to stand with their feeble arguments dripping with ignorance and entitlement. This sets a really good precedent going forward, IMO.

Yeah, I posted a twitter thread takedown of the study, earlier this week: Solid read

There was talk in camp last year, that Harris did indeed come into camp out of shape...thats not new news...maybe not blabbed about in the papers/online....but it is a fact And maybe he has lost the fire to put in the 365 day a yr work now at his age, or maybe isnt able to, and the Team wanted to see where he was at so they don't go through the same thing again....and yes....players notice when guys don't do the weekly grind, yet still play in season...vet...or not.... Can guarantee one thing tho.....Augustine will come to camp in phenomenal shape....like he has every year and work like a dog...he's earned his payday and shot at being a feature back...or par of a 1a/1b scenario, and u know Oliveira gonna come in and do everything to take the torch of the new Hometown back.

Government needs to grow a pair and crack down. Haul the vehicles away and impound them. Charge these people. Blockading a highway and now apparently doing the same at the Ottawa airport isn't protesting, its domestic terrorism. **** these assholes.

Are you getting news from print newspaper?

Maybe I missed something but where has it been mentioned Harris was offered less than 130K? I don't know how much more transparent they could be when you sit down with a guy and openly talk about his health, his commitment level and how that might translate to his contract. That's pretty ******* transparent to me.

I could see Bailey stepping into that role as well.

Awesome. To be clear: we had a special run. It might even continue. But our money is worth the same as every other team's. The disbelief around here that anyone would ever want to leave, and that if they do it is an indication of some kind of deep issue is Riderfans territory, and it makes me feel gross. The crapping on Harris would be hilarious if it wasn't so predictable.

If as a vet and a ni star mos loses trust in you you have fked up at the highest level. We've seen countless times him ride or die with fringe at best players because he trusted them. Can't say how disappointed I am in the ending. But the time is right for the Bombers to move on from Andrew Harris. It would've been a bad move to give him 150k this year. He's gonna be 35 he couldn't stay healthy last year and he lost mos trust. Plus we got 3 excellent nis to battle for every rb spot in camp.

I appreciate what 33 did for the Bombers. His exit tho... sounds like sour grapes This post likely deserves a banning How anyone can say that and say they are a fan is beyond Me Back to back Champs and class of the league. Yeah nothing special.

Who's dumping on Harris? Did I miss something?

Well said. It is crappy situation all around but it sounds like the team had reason not to trust the AH would be 100% ready for this season AND AH had reason to feel hurt by the way the team handled trying to sign him again. That article didn't come off a as a one-sided hit piece to me at all.

Professional Athletes, coaches and management are humans too. The stuff that happens behind the scenes can really complicate things that is way more impactful and complex than some people think. He was struggling like he said. He owned it mostly, could have handled some things better but still was pissed at not feeling wanted. Life is messy for all involved. Good luck, thanks for the years of entertainment and hope when the dust settles you retire a Blue Bomber where you belong. Oh and ps Argos suck.

Meanwhile his replacement Augustine looks straight out of a comic book super hero.....

I'm pretty sure O'Shea is the most respected and followed by a lot of other guys like Bryant and Bighill and many more.

Yep, that’s how mirages work.

Shocking ... another Stampeder heading east to the big smoke. not a Stamps fan but I hate how MLSE can just buy talent from the rest of the league.

I mean, let’s just call it what it is. Harris didn’t just develop this chip on his shoulder when he became a Bomber, he’s been like that his entire career and for the most part, it’s served to work for him and not against him. In this case, it may have worked against him. There’s nothing wrong with expressing some doubt in a 35 year old who plays a position 35 year olds don’t play, especially when you’ve seen a history of ongoing issues related to your concerns. He wasn’t coming to camp in shape, the team was a bit put off because they expected more and they asked to try and meet in a middle ground. “If you’re telling us your commitment to staying in shape isn’t going to be an issue, show us” isn’t an unreasonable request. Quite honestly, this isn’t meant to shine negatively upon anyone but we all know if this was anyone BUT Harris, we’d all be in the corner of Walters and O’Shea. Wade is in the business of promoting the team. Walters and O’Shea are not. Hometown kid or not, they’re in the business of winning football games and while I may or may not agree with their choice, I understand the thought process that went into it.

Just saying but Willie does his own deals, Jake Thomas does his own deals and alot of guys do.

No player is bigger than the team....Harris found that out the hard way....kudos for him getting more money elsewhere, but he is 35 this yr, and we have 2 young bucks chomping at the bit. From what I get out of it, Augustine is pulling in the most, not sure where but Harris was offered between 115k and prob 130k...and didnt like it...is what it is. His public comment tho on feeling disrespected and not wanted, due to having to prove health/ability is kind of a bad look on him tho, and don't blame the team for wanting to do that...for all you know others may have to submit some kind of fitness report, and proof of ability...it does happen....it also is needed for insurance reasons...Personally I became un-insurable at one point and no team will touch you. Augustine and Brady will play a duo role...I thinking JA getting the "starting" role, then the go with how game flows...I'd like to see BO tho get in the 220 range with his weight tho...that 10 pound drop wont effect his power...prob make him more powerful running to be honest Was a crappy ending to an awesome era with Harris, carried this team at times, and was inspirational leader as well....but we have a room full of leaders and he will be missed, but it wont be the culture, or locker room demise by any stretch...If anything make it tighter, as others will see what can happen

What comments here have been either?

He wants to prove to everyone else he still has it. But isn't that exactly what the Bombers wanted? For him to prove it via a work out? There's only 1 reason he wouldn't want to do that. Good luck to him, I hold no ill will at all. He's an all time great and it sucks his time with the Bombers ended this way. But I feel like the Bombers made the right call even more now. I was waiting for someone to say this. That's just kinda what happens with emotions. But I also don't think anyone is dumping on him. Just speaking truth to what the situation is(according to the article anyway).

Sounds like an ego problem. Sounds like personal issues in his own life played a huge role here. Gotta admit, I've lost some respect for Harris Sounds like lots of this would have been avoided if maybe Andrew wasn't his own agent also

It sounds like Harris had a lot going on away from the game and that ultimately impacted his commitment to his craft going into the 2021 season. Let me preface the rest of my comments by saying he's one of my favourite athletes ever and what he did as a Blue Bomber is nothing short of legendary by local and CFL standards. I love Andrew Harris. What kinda chaps my hide is this narrative the Bombers "let him go" despite offering him a contract he felt was insufficient. He chose to decline and look elsewhere for an opportunity to keep playing football, so there's accountability to be shared by either side, IMO. Was the offer that paltry by the WFC? Were the two sides that far away on numbers? The article states his offer from the team was insulting but without knowing the specifics (hard money, incentives, etc.), it's hard to determine whether or not that's a reasonable conclusion. It sounds like there was validity to the rationale of the offer, what with being out of shape prior to TC, strained trust with O'Shea, and then his injury-riddled 2021 season. Granted, he still produced at a very high level when he did play, but injuries tend to become a concern as one is hitting his mid-30s. That doesn't necessarily bode well for most athletes, tailbacks in particular. There's also business side here to consider, which he should be able to appreciate considering his entrepreneurial endeavours off the field. The past is no doubt relevant but the future has to be considered, meaning someone has to take the torch sooner than later. I'm sure Harris can also appreciate that as he was once in that position. It's unfortunate to see this unfold as it has. But I don't think what's happened should cast doubt on the organization or injure any reputations of those involved. In any event, it's going to be weird and somewhat gross seeing him in double blue this upcoming season. And that's not going to change for me. All the best in Toronto, Andrew.

He might not be the most respected guy after this past season. He admitted to coming into unfocused and not in shape. He also admits he isolated himself from the team and didn't have the same comradery. In his interview, he admitted family stuff was an issue.

Soooo....the stupidity stops at the BC- Alberta border. At least for now.

I teach a martial art and right now it's mostly kids. I work them hard for an hour with masks on. I give them a chance a couple of times to separate and have a drink with their masks off for less than a minute. So ya, I think shopping is possible. Maybe not for the anti mask softies mind you. A quote from the book I'm reading, in reference to the American state of a affairs but it fits here. " Factual evidence, since it is an impediment to what we desire, is banished " Its become a huge issue in the world. From Covid, to climate change, to politics , the facts and the truth no longer seem to matter. I'm so sorry to hear that Tracker. That's an awful thing to have todeal with.

same....maybe he reconsiderd all he leaving behind here...and maybe now Harris spurned us...he reached out to see if we can juice up an offer