Eric Tillman Now Eskimos GM, Edmonton Opinions Split

The HQ has detailed the odd case of the rise and fall of a very talented GM in Eric Tillman. He was GM of the Green Riders, helped assemble the talent to get them a Grey Cup, and was on staff for a follow-up that had them one play away from two wins in the CFL title game.

Then, there was the incident with the babysitter- sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl while ((as was claimed)) Tillman was under the influence of medication. He was, for all intents and purposes, under house arrest while awaiting the progress of the proceedings. Four days after a guilty plea, he was out of a job. Eventually, he was given a complete discharge, no conviction, and the family of the babysitter forgave him.

Yesterday, Tillman was given the job of a sinking ship in Edmonton. The Esks are 2-8 and are in search of something... anything... to right their rudderless stuff on the field.

Enter Tillman... and enter the division of opinion...

Should Tillman be given a second chance "so soon?" When should he be given a second chance if not now...??? How could the Esks hire "him?"

All that...

Here's Tillman's Q-and-A from Edmonton
((HT: Regina Leader-Post))


Additional coverage of Tillman's hire includes the LP's Robb Vanstone thinking Eric Tillman deserves a second chance...

Tillman joined Jason Gregor in the afternoon on the Team1260 in Edmonton...
That interview is here...

Gerry Moddejonge of the Edmonton Sun was there:

"The football decision was very easy," said Eskimos president and CEO Rick LeLacheur. "However, as we all know, this was not an easy decision. In terms of the community response, it has been a very tough and difficult call."

LeLacheur estimated that up to two-thirds of the phone calls and e-mails received at the Eskimos office were opposed to the decision.

Eventually, the HQ knows the end opinion will only come from results on the field.

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...

Tillman Expected To Be Gone Soon...

((HT: GlobeSports/Naylor))

Not that this would be a surprise to anyone, but it looks like current Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Eric Tillman can swap out the word "former" for the word "current" by the end of the week.

The Roughriders Board of Directors, along with club CEO Jim Hopson met Wednesday to try and figure out where to go after Tillman's admission of guilt on a sexual assault charge Monday and subsequent absolute discharge in a Regina court a day later.

((Tillman crying outside the courtroom, thanks Leader-Post/Schlosser))

According to Naylor, Tillman is apparently weighing the idea of clearing out of the province because of the high profile nature of the Green Riders' job, the charge, and the conviction he faced.

The Regina Leader-Post newspaper exercised their editorial page rights to encourage Tillman to get out of dodge... in part...

Because the Riders are a community owned team Tillman must also be considered a leader in this community, someone expected to uphold high standards of behaviour.

The code, in part reads: "The test that may be applied to such conduct is whether club personnel would be proud to have their activities fairly reported on the front page of the local newspaper."

A poll running in the Leader-Post is virtually split on their results on whether or not Tillman should stay or go...

If he does go, Toronto's franchise may be the logical choice for him to land...

But they'd have to get rid of their current GM, Adam Rita, first and settle their own ownership issues...

Tillman Avoids Criminal Record

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

Current Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Eric Tillman ((pictured crying, thanks Leader-Post/Schlosser)) got his absolute discharge...

As a result, he'll still have the sexual assault as a conviction, but it won't appear on any kind of criminal record.

Provincial Judge Murray Hinds thinks TIllman's behavior with a 16-year-old babysitter was directly tied to his using prescription meds...

"I am of the view that Mr. Tillman's behaviour was out of character for him and that no further steps are required to deter or rehabilitate Mr. Tillman or to protect society."

The HQ thinks that Tillman and the Green Riders will catch an inordinate amount of hell as a group- which means that Tillman will catch hell on his own when the Riders dismiss him from his job.

When that happens, the HQ thinks Tillman will respond with some kind of lawsuit...

"I want to make it very, very clear that a mistake was made," Tillman said outside the courtroom. "And as I said yesterday, I assume full responsibility for it . . . Although it was without one ounce of malice or intent, it's a regret that I'll take to my grave."

Ya think...???

Here's Tillman's interview from outside the courtroom, thanks to GlobalTV Regina...

Here's the Leader-Post's version...


WEDNESDAY EARLY, EARLY UPDATE:

The Green Riders Board of Directors is currently deliberating Tillman's future... a decision may come after a meeting later today after conferring with president and CEO Jim Hopson.

If you listened to the comments above ((after the Drew Barrymore commercial, of course)) Tillman would like to stay, but he's resigned to a fate either way...

If you didn't, here's part of what he said...

"I hope that my relationship continues with the club," said Tillman. "If it doesn't, then I will have a great deal of gratitude for the last three years for the privilege of being here. It will not end acrimoniously but in the end they will speak to that, not me."

That Was Quick: Tillman Pleads Guilty

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

Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Eric Tillman plead guilty this morning to a sexual assault charge involving a 16-year-old babysitter in a Regina court.

According to Crown prosecutor Bill Burge, Tillman from behind put his fingers in the belt loops of the babysitter's pants, grabbed her, made contact, and made some sexually explicit movements.

"This occurred without the consent of the complainant, and she told the accused 'no.' "

The Crown also divulged that Tillman claimed to be under the influence of two medications and that Tillman's attorney says their client doesn't recall the incident.

Sentencing is set for Tuesday morning and Tillman's attorney is asking for a complete dismissal, or "absolute discharge."

It's the HQ's feel that Tillman is out of a job- post haste- unless there is a dismissal and he undergoes some kind of chemical dependency program... which, given today's landscape, wouldn't surprise us, either.

The Leader-Post's Murray McCormick already has Tillman "stepping away" from day-to-day duties. He's been on administrative leave for about a year.

Here's Tillman's August presser where he could say what he could say- and nothing more about the matter...until today, of course...

Tillman Will Continue Working For Riders

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

The Saskatchewan Roughriders aren’t going to change their game plan now that the sexual assault charge against general manager Eric Tillman ((pictured, thanks CP))has been set for a January 4 trial.

Jim Hopson, the Riders’ CEO and president, said the same structure in regards to football operations will remain in place as was before a trial date in Regina Provincial Court was set Friday for Tillman.

Tillman is on paid administrative leave and will continue to serve as a consultant. Tillman earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge. Two weeks have been set aside to hear the charge in January but it could be settled earlier.

“Clearly we would be happier if our general manager was here and able to do his regular duties," said Hopson. “That’s not the case and we’ve made changes to make it work for us. So far, we are very confident of where we need to be at this point.’’

Riders head coach Ken Miller will remain in charge of football operations. Joe Womack, the Riders’ director of player personnel, will also assist Miller in those duties. Womack as also helping coach the secondary at the Riders’ training camp.

Tillman will assist in the day-to-day operations. He hasn’t attended the Riders’ main training camp but does view videos of each practice at his Regina home.

“(Tillman’s) expertise is phenomenal and we want to use that,’’ said Hopson.

Hopson said the team doesn’t have any plans filling the GM position on an interim basis while Tillman is on leave.

“We had said that but that would be predicted on how it’s effected the team and how it’s performing,’’ Hopson said. “I’m very happy with the roster and the coaching staff. We’ll continue to monitor it but we’re not anticipating a change right now.’’

Miller declined comment on the Tillman issue. He deferred to Hopson as the team’s representative. Hopson has been in regular contact with Tillman, who was introduced as the Riders’ general manager August 23, 2006.

“He wants to see this resolved as well,’’ said Hopson. “It’s very hard on him and his family. He continues to be focused on the team and any advice he gives is the best he can. He still wants the team to do well and be a tremendous asset.’’

Hopson said that the Tillman situation has had an effect on the perception of the Roughriders. That hasn’t emerged in terms of ticket sales and sponsorships. The Riders have sold 23,000 season-tickets and have already sold out the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“One of the things we’ve seen from our fan base is a tremendous level of understanding and certain acceptance that this is a personal issue not a football issue,’’ said Hopson. “It’s outside the club and the club is doing what it should be doing, which is stepping back and allowing the thing to be resolved properly and we aren’t rushing to judgment. Clearly with the support we’ve received from season-ticket sales, sponsorships and to the number of people at training camp . . . The fans are like players, they are worried about the next football game.’’

Here's Hopson at the press conference, thanks to the Leader-Post

Eric Tillman Trial Date Set

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

The man who helped lead the Saskatchewan Riders to the Grey Cup Championship in 2007 is heading to court to face a trial on a sexual assault charge.

Eric Tillman was not at the provincial courthouse in Regina on Friday when two weeks were set aside for the trial starting January 4.

"I'm not sure that it will take that long. It is a summary matter, assuming it does go ahead, it might take that long," Tillman's lawyer, Aaron Fox, told reporters outside the courthouse.

A summary matter is considered to be less serious than an indictable offence. A summary conviction for sexual assault carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail, while an indictable sexual assault conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Fox wouldn't comment on how complex the trial might be. He suggested that it is possible that the case might not proceed to trial.

"Anybody that's been on the court beat knows that because the matter gets set down for trial things can change and that certainly always is a possibility and that is a possibility here too," he said.

Friday's court appearance came one day after a case management meeting was held with lawyers for both sides and a judge. Fox called it an "off the record" meeting and declined to say what was discussed.

Tillman, 51, was arrested January 27. The charge followed a complaint by a 16-year-old girl who alleges he sexually assaulted her last summer. When news of the allegations broke February 3, the married father of two suggested there was more to the story and said he would rely on the justice system to air the facts.

Fox said Tillman is disappointed the case is going to trial.

"It's not a good time for him. There's no question about that," he said.

Tillman has been on paid administrative leave from the Canadian Football League club since the charge was laid.

Roughriders president Jim Hopson said Friday that the situation hasn't changed.

"He remains on administrative leave," said Hopson.

"We anticipated that this could drag on for the whole year so it's not a total surprise. We wish of course that there was a conclusion. There isn't, but we'll continue as we are and we're quite comfortable in doing that."

Hopson said Riders head coach Ken Miller will continue running football operations and Tillman will act as a consultant behind the scenes. Tillman isn't on the playing field.

Hopson also said he doesn't think the situation is a hurting the Riders.

"One of the things we've seen from our fan base is a tremendous level of understanding and sort of acceptance that this is a personal issue, this not a football issue," Hopson said while standing at the sidelines of the team's training camp at Mosaic Stadium.

Eric Tillman Pleads Not Guilty

And he didn't even have to be present to be there...

Jana Pruden of the Regina Leader-Post was there not to see Tillman enter the plea in court...

Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, but defence lawyer Aaron Fox (pictured, thanks Brian Schlosser/Leader-Post)) maintains that "anything" could happen before the matter is set down for trial.

"The options would be anything," Fox told a flock of media gathered outside Regina Provincial Court on Tuesday. "The ultimate option would be actually setting a trial date, but some resolution could take place, and it would be really wrong to speculate what that might be."

Fox entered the not guilty plea in court on Tillman's behalf. Tillman isn't required to be present in court, and he hasn't appeared for any of his previous court appearances.

The case has now been set down for a case management conference on the morning of June 11, and will be back in docket court on June 12.

A case management conference is a private meeting between counsel and a judge, where issues around disclosure, witnesses, exhibits and other matters related to the case are addressed outside of open court.

The procedure is similar to that used to prepare before trials in Court of Queen's Bench, and is increasingly being used in Provincial Court as well.

"This takes place all the time," Fox said. "This isn't the only case that this is happening to in Provincial Court ... it's just you're more interested in this one."
The media are typically barred from pre-trial meetings, where the strengths and weaknesses of a case are discussed candidly by the parties involved. The accused doesn't usually attend the meeting unless he or she is representing themselves.

If the case is going to proceed to trial after the June 11 meeting, Fox said, a trial date could be fixed at that time. Still, Fox left the option open for another outcome.

"Obviously something could happen between now and the June date, and something may come out of the discussions at the June meeting which might lead to a resolution, and that could be anything, so there's always that possibility," he said.

When pressed on what "anything" could mean, Fox would not elaborate.

Because pre-trial conferences are closed, it is somewhat unusual that criminal charges are stayed in those private meetings -- but it does happen.

Tillman was charged with sexual assault in January, after a six-month investigation into a complaint brought forward by a 16-year-old girl last summer.

Asked how Tillman is feeling, Fox said the matter is "certainly causing a degree of anxiety," and said his client would like to see it move ahead.

Sarah Kemmere was there for the television side of things and reports for GlobalTV in Regina by clicking in black...

Tillman Case Pushed Back Again

((HT: Regina Leader-Post))

Jana Pruden got to sit in on a continuance... how thrilling...

Eric Tillman’s sexual assault charge has been adjourned two weeks and is now slated to be back in court on April 21.

Neither Tillman ((pictured, thanks Don Healy/Leader-Post)) nor his lawyer, Aaron Fox, were in court for the adjournment, with a colleague of Fox’s instead adjourning the matter on his behalf.

The lawyer, Brian Banilevic, told court the adjournment would “allow some additional time for discussion.”

Tillman was charged with sexual assault in late January, after a six-month investigation into an allegation dating back to August. The charge relates to an alleged incident involving a 16-year-old girl.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ general manager held a press conference after the charge became public, telling media he co-operated with police investigators and has “faith in the process.”

He has since stayed out of the media glare, and has not appeared in person for any of his court appearances.

It is the third time Tillman’s charge has been adjourned. That number of adjournments — and more — is not at all uncommon in the criminal court system, as lawyers wait for and review evidence related to the case, discuss the case with their clients, and negotiate with the Crown about various issues.

At Regina Provincial Court, trials are currently being set into the late fall.

Eric Tillman Case Postponed

A sexual assault case against Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman ((pictured, thanks CP)) has been put over to next month.

Tillman's lawyer, Aaron Fox, appeared very briefly in a Regina courtroom before the case was adjourned to April 7.

Tillman, 51, has yet to enter a plea and did not appear in court.

He has been on paid administrative leave from the Canadian Football League club.

The general manager who helped lead the Riders to a Grey Cup in 2007 was charged in January after a complaint by a 16-year-old girl that he sexually assaulted her last summer.

The Crown has opted to proceed summarily against Tillman, meaning the allegations are considered less serious.

The Regina Leader-Post continues:

A throng of media were at Provincial Court for Tillman’s first appearance, which was over in less than a minute.

The Crown previously announced its intention to proceed summarily, which is the less serious way of approaching a charge and implies that the allegation is on the lesser end of the scale.

Eric Tillman Case Delayed

((HT: Howard Bloom SBN/Regina Leader-Post))

The sexual assault case involving Saskatchewan Roughriders’ general manager Eric Tillman has been adjourned to March 17.

Tillman’s first appearance on the charge occurred Tuesday morning in Regina Provincial Court.
Tillman was not present and his lawyer, appearing on his behalf, did not enter a plea. The matter was simply adjourned to next month.

Senior Crown attorney Bill Burge — who prosecuted the aggravated sexual assault trial of former Riders linebacker Trevis Smith two years ago — has been assigned to the Tillman file.

A popular figure within the CFL and the Rider Nation, Tillman made headlines around the country when he was charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

The assault is alleged to have taken place on August 6, and was reported to police in Regina three days later. Tillman was charged on January 27, and the allegation became public knowledge several days after that.

Authorities have not released any details about the allegation.

Speaking at a press conference on February 3, Fox said he expected there could be “a lot of developments” before Tillman’s first court date, but that does not appear to have been the case so far.

Instead, prosecutor Lane Wiegers recently told the Regina Leader-Post the case is currently proceeding in the usual fashion — starting with this morning’s court appearance.

Sexual assault is a broad charge that can refer to any unconsensual action of a sexual nature, ranging from touching to intercourse. The Crown has not yet confirmed whether it will proceed summarily, the less serious way of treating a charge, or by indictment, which is more serious.

Tillman is currently on paid administrative leave from his position with the Riders organization.
At the February 3 press conference, Tillman told the media he’d been co-operative and truthful with authorities, and has faith in the process.

“You might imagine, this is not fun,” Tillman said at the time. “There are a lot of other things that I would like to say but out of respect for the individuals who are involved, many of whom I have profound respect for, I can simply say I told the truth. The process will unfold and I ask you to judge it as it goes forward and as the facts and truth are told.”

The 51-year-old Tillman came to Regina to work with the Riders in August 2006, after general manager Roy Shivers was dismissed. Tillman’s popularity skyrocketed in 2007, when he hired Kent Austin as the team’s head coach, a decision that ultimately helped the Riders win the Grey Cup.

Eric Tillman Speaks

Here's TSN's wrap-up from yesterday in Regina, Saskatchewan after it was divulged that Riders GM Eric Tillman was being charged with sexual assault.

Riders GM Charged With Sexual Assault

((HT: CP))




Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman ((pictured, thanks Troy Fleece/CP)) has been charged with sexual assault.

The 51-year-old veteran CFL executive and former broadcaster will appear in court on February 24, Regina police said Tuesday.


Details of the allegation against Tillman, who has been general manager and vice-president of football operations with the team since 2006, haven't been released. It's alleged the incident that led to the charge happened on August 6 in Regina. The complainant, a 16-year-old girl, made her allegation on August 9, police spokeswoman Elizabeth Popowich said.



Following an investigation, Tillman was charged on January 27, Popowich said.



At a news conference at 3 p.m., Riders club president Jim Hopson said he was "stunned" when he heard over the noon hour that Tillman was charged but added that Tillman is presumed innocent until it's proved otherwise.

He confirmed Tillman remains as general manager but has been put on paid leave and will not be involved in team operations. Head coach Ken Miller will take over some of his duties, Hopson said. Tillman was home in Regina, Hopson said.

"The club is going to continue to operate on a daily basis," said Hopson, who conceded that business as usual will not be easy. "It's going to be an emotional time for a lot of folks."

Although Tillman was charged a week ago, Hopson said he didn't have any trouble with the fact that he didn't find out until Tuesday.



"I don't have a right as president of the club to have immediate information like that," Hopson said, adding he had known about the investigation into the allegations since September.

Hopson said he spoke to Tillman earlier in the day and "he seems to be doing remarkably well."
One member of the Roughriders who didn't want to be identified said the players are shocked.
Arriving in Regina midway through the 2006 season, Tillman has been popular with fans. In 2007, the Riders won their first Grey Cup championship since 1989.



Tillman was also general manager of the B.C. Lions when they won the Grey Cup in 1994.
During Tillman's tenure with Saskatchewan, the team adopted a code of conduct requiring players to obey the law, act with honesty and integrity, respect others and take responsibility for their actions.



Plans for the code came about following several high-profile conflicts with the law involving players. One player, Trevis Smith, was sentenced to six years in prison in 2007 after being convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault.


Some of Jim Hopson's presser from Global TV Regina is in black...

7 PM EST UPDATE: Tillman addressed the media a few minutes ago.

"I have been absolutely and totally and completely cooperative and told the truth from day one," Tillman told reporters. "That will not change and I have complete faith in the process."
He was scheduled to fly out of the country to visit his sick father in Mississippi when he "found out about this unfortunate development.”
"I cancelled that trip because from day one I have been absolutely honest and forthright," said Tillman.
Tillman was flanked by lawyer Aaron Fox, who said he expects further developments in this matter before Tillman's first scheduled court appearance scheduled for February 24 at Regina Provincial Court. However, he didn't explain much further.
"The process will unfold. I ask you to judge it as it goes forward and as the facts and the truth are told," said Tillman.

Jana Pruden and Karen Brownlee's coverage from the Regina Star-Leader and Saskatoon Star Phoenix newspapers is in black as well...