As someone who has known Roy Shivers personally for over 20 years I feel I am qualified to give some insight about the man.
Roy Shivers is one of the most loyal persons I have ever known…perhaps overly so if the reports from Regina are true that the Board asked him to fire Danny Barrett. From personal experience I know that if you are a friend of Roy’s , you are a friend for life.
Is he outspoken? Absolutely. Is he undiplomatic? Certainly at times. Does he stand up for what he believes in? Always. Frankly, I believe these qualities are admirable.
One thing I know…when you look at Roy, what you see is what you get. He is real…he does not BS anyone.
Personally I am sorry that Roy will not be in Saskatchewan any longer. However, I don’t think we have seen the last of Roy in the CFL. Having said that, if Roy stays in the CFL I can assure you it will be his choice and on his own terms.
I have a huge respect for Roy as a person and as a football man…I hope his departure from the Riders is not the end of his remarkable CFL career.
A while ago, the CBC (I believe) ran a one hour biography of Roy and if you ever get a chance to see it, you will understand what makes the man tick. Roy is truly one of a kind.