Labatte Unimpressed as C-B-A Ratified…Warmest and Shortest Day of Rider Camp

Off-field news dominated the thoughts of the assembled media on Day 4 of Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp.

Following Wednesday’s shortened session, as scheduled, it was time to get the thoughts of various members of the Green and White about the fact the new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the C-F-L and the Players Association had been ratified.

“We’re very pleased,” said Riders head coach Craig Dickenson. “I can’t wait to see some of the guys that aren’t here that will be…(linebacker) Solomon (Elimimian) being one of them…and just get back to football. So, I’m pleased that both sides were able to come to an agreement.”

Dickenson expected to have former B-C Lions’ star Elimimian joining training camp “in the next few days.” Elimimian is a member of the C-F-L-P-A’s executive and negotiation group. He has yet to be at a Green and White camp session because of the last minute agreement.

Meanwhile, not all players necessarily think the new C-B-A is fabulous.

“It’s good to have it behind us,” explained veteran offensive lineman Brendan Labatte. “I think that’s the biggest thing. It creates a whole lot of hub-bub and uncertainty for nothing really. I think the players advanced a little bit, the league advanced a little bit. But, there’s nothing major coming out of it for as much of a distraction as it (was). There’s nothing that major.”

Following is the Day 4 training camp report from the Riders…

DATE: May 22, 2019

RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY

RELEASE: SR19-062

COORS LIGHT TRAINING CAMP REPORT: DAY 4

Day four was the warmest day of training camp so far it was also the shortest day of practice. It was marked by some big plays by the quarterbacks, but it was the defence who put an exclamation point on the day with a pick six.

ROSTER MOVES

None

INJURY REPORT

Paul McRoberts (illness)
Jordan Reaves (no update)
Mitch Picton (undisclosed)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (undisclosed)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)

PLAY OF THE DAY

On the very last play of the day Ed Gainey made his presence known with a big interception he returned for a touchdown.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I’m a little old school that way. I think the run game sets up the pass game and I believe football is still won by the more physical team.” – Head Coach Craig Dickenson

TOMORROW