Hi PJ:
From the National Post...
[b]"Saskatchewan’s pursuit of both players was one of the first stories to emerge on a quiet day first day of free agency Wednesday, and LaBatte, a native of Weyburn, Sask., is “extremely happy? to be home.
Apart from hometown pride, Edmonton general manager Eric Tillman suggested Wednesday a large salary may have also swayed LaBatte. Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed flew to Saskatchewan to meet with LaBatte Wednesday afternoon, but when Edmonton learned the Roughriders had supposedly offered the right guard $200,000 a year, Tillman said that benchmark could set a “dangerous precedent.?
LaBatte reportedly will make $200,000 and Picard $150,000.
“It’s not necessarily [about the money],? LaBatte said. “I’m not too worried about where people say I am financially.?
Winnipeg general manager Joe Mack did not seem to begrudge LaBatte’s move or the size of his contract when he met with the media late morning. Mack called LaBatte’s decision “personal,? and said the Blue Bombers’ offer was “as good if not better? than what LaBatte signed for."
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And then there's Simeon Rottier...
[b]"“Being able to return to Alberta and play for the Eskimos in front of their incredible fans fulfills a lifelong dream of mine," Rottier said in a statement. "The Eskimos have a very bright future and I’m excited to be part of it.
"I’d also like to thank the entire Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization for their support during my time there.?
“Being able to return to Alberta and play for the Eskimos in front of their incredible fans fulfills a lifelong dream of mine," Rottier said in a statement. "The Eskimos have a very bright future and I’m excited to be part of it.
"I’d also like to thank the entire Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization for their support during my time there.?[/b]
Again, with Labatte, there were other teams in the signing derby, and yet he ended up in Regina. So, it wasn't just Hamilton that missed out. Saskatchewan was lucky that this player wanted to be home. So, they had it much easier than the rest. The same with Rottier. We had the same kind of luck when Fantuz became available. That's just the way it rolls.
But, you believe what you will....