You know how the CFL team in Saskatchewan is called the Roughriders? Well, evidently the team’s GM wanted to really put his stamp on the name. Unfortunately, he tried to do so by sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, or so the Regina police claim.
According to the SASKATOON STAR PHOENIX, via the REGINA LEADER-POST, Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Eric Tillman was charged in connection with an incident dating to Aug. 6, right about the time that the 2008 CFL season was hitting midseason form.
There are few details about the alleged assault, but we know that Tillman was arrested, charged and then released to appear back in court. The GM clearly hasn’t fled the country, because he re-signed lineman Jeremy O’Day today, and heck, when you’re in a place like Saskatchewan, it’s probably hard to avoid being noticed trying to get away. (We have a feeling he’d be pretty anonymous in Venezuela, though.)
If the claim is true, then it’s a sad story, to say the least. But it’s hard to tell whether it actually is legit. The President and CEO of the Roughriders, a fellow by the name of Jim Hopson, announced a press conference for 3 p.m. Saskatchewan time, which won’t be done until after you’re reading this. And considering the fact that this is the CFL, not the NFL, they don’t exactly provide streaming video for these kind of things.
Still, unless some 16-year-old girl is completely fabricating a story, Tillman is in a lot of trouble. Think about it: Best case scenario, he engaged in consensual sex with her. That’s assault. Worst case scenario, he forced himself on her, which might just earn him a rape charge.
Either way, the Roughriders might be looking for a new GM sooner rather than later. Like right now, depending on how that presser turned out.
5:25 pm on February 3rd, 2009
Guess the CFL is ready to come back to the U.S., after all.
(Fondly remembers the Baltimore CFL Colts, then just Baltimore [thanks to an NFL lawsuit], then the Baltimore Stallions)
5:37 pm on February 3rd, 2009
Isn't there an Ottawa Roughriders too?
6:11 pm on February 3rd, 2009
Blame Canada!
6:27 pm on February 3rd, 2009
It's the Ottawa Rough Riders and Saskatchewan Roughriders. I "s" you not.
8:16 pm on February 3rd, 2009
Well, the Ottawa franchise hasn't been around for years. And they had the "same" name for historical reasons.
8:21 pm on February 3rd, 2009
Since the CFL has only 3 downs instead of 4, is Tillman's case under the "Two Strikes, You're Out" law?
9:35 pm on February 3rd, 2009
Nice condom find.
10:16 pm on February 3rd, 2009
Lawyer: don't worry Tillman nobody knows what the CFL is, you are fine. Besides Canucks are legal at 16
Tillman: What the f**k is the CFL?, I thought this was Community College Football 101. 3 downs, are you f**king serious? You must have to make the field 2o yards wider (or 7.5 metres CDNjust to have a game that might actually be entertaining)
CFL: we aren't in the business of entertaining. We just want to have some televised blooper reels of what NFL rejects subject themselves to in Hamilton, ON
11:01 am on February 4th, 2009
this guy is one of the most respected executives and broadcasters in canadian football.
really one of the most surprising sports stories ive ever seen.
and the cfl may not be the nfl, but at least its not arena football…
8:12 pm on February 4th, 2009
The Age of Consent in Canada is 16 (it was 14 until last year), so unless there is physical proof of rape, this is more a he said-she said situation.
8:15 pm on February 4th, 2009
From what I've heard and know of her, that girl's bad news. I don't think I believe the stories. We'll see after court I guess. I'm hoping he's proven innocent.
9:15 pm on February 4th, 2009
Does anyone have Jim Hopson's email address? I'd like to send himi my resume.