Tillman Resigns In Regina

((HT: Regina Leader-Post/McCormick))

It was, without a doubt, the longest week in the life of now-former Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Eric Tillman ((pictured facing the scrum one last time, thanks Regina Leader-Post/Schlosser)).

His trial for sexual assault was scheduled to start on Monday, but he immediately entered a guilty plea once the proceeding got underway.

Tuesday was his sentencing and he was granted an absolute discharge. It meant that he was guilty of the offense, but there would be no impact on a criminal record. The judge thought the act, under medication, was uncharacteristic of Tillman.

Wednesday was the first day of meetings among the Green Riders Board of Directors and CEO Jim Hopson to decide what to do after the judge's decision was handed down.

Friday Tillman offered his resignation, and it was accepted by the Board.
You knew it was coming, and it was the best move for everyone involved considering how much the team is part of the fabric of the province- and vice versa.

Tillman got it when he took the job, and he got it when it was time to go...

"It was obvious this place was split, so I will stop the way I started," Tillman said. "At my opening press conference 40 months ago I said that the 'S' on the helmet stood for Saskatchewan and that is bigger than any of us. That hasn't changed in 40 months and I gave my heart and soul to this franchise. It's important to learn from life and your worst mistakes and worst moments. Trust me, I have (learned)."

Here's the first part of Tillman's good-bye...
((HT: Regina Leader-Post))


The rest of the coverage from Regina can be found here... it includes the responses from Tillman and CEO Jim Hopson...

Tillman screwed up. He gets that... the absolute discharge withstanding... which, the HQ is sure, will still resonate within the Green Riders community for quite some time. Tillman will be back- his talent will make it so.

But the clean start was absolute necessary...