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 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.