Mitchell, Roughriders part ways
Mitchell, Roughriders part ways
Jackie Mitchell
TSN.ca Staff
1/4/2007 1:42:02 PM
Linebacker Jackie Mitchell and the Saskatchewan Roughriders have parted ways after the seven year veteran asked for and was granted his release.
"If they wanted me, I feel (a contract) would have been done," Mitchell tells the Regina Leader-Post.
Mitchell, who was waived in December, was scheduled to become a free agent on February 15. He had requested a new two year deal plus an option but did not receive a formal offer from the Roughriders.
"I believe I've played well. I've been an all-star, captain of the team, a leader in the dressing room. I don't know what it is. They may say it's injuries, but I can't help that. It's not like you go out to get hurt. When I'm out there I feel I'm one of the best at my position."
Mitchell has a history of groin and hamstring troubles which allowed him to play a full season just once in the seven seasons he's been in Saskatchewan.
While his agent is currently looking for an opportunity with another CFL team, Mitchell admits this could be the end of the line and he's struggling to understand the team's decision.
"That's part of the business," he tells the newspaper. "I wasn't even given the option; I wasn't offered a contract, a pay cut, anything.
"I could see if I was a bad player, if I was a ruckus in the community, if I wasn't - to me - an outstanding person. The only thing I've tried to do here is play well and perform. Nothing else and beyond. I felt I was an utmost professional in one of the hardest places to be that way. I don't know what's going to happen."
Jackie Mitchell
TSN.ca Staff
1/4/2007 1:42:02 PM
Linebacker Jackie Mitchell and the Saskatchewan Roughriders have parted ways after the seven year veteran asked for and was granted his release.
"If they wanted me, I feel (a contract) would have been done," Mitchell tells the Regina Leader-Post.
Mitchell, who was waived in December, was scheduled to become a free agent on February 15. He had requested a new two year deal plus an option but did not receive a formal offer from the Roughriders.
"I believe I've played well. I've been an all-star, captain of the team, a leader in the dressing room. I don't know what it is. They may say it's injuries, but I can't help that. It's not like you go out to get hurt. When I'm out there I feel I'm one of the best at my position."
Mitchell has a history of groin and hamstring troubles which allowed him to play a full season just once in the seven seasons he's been in Saskatchewan.
While his agent is currently looking for an opportunity with another CFL team, Mitchell admits this could be the end of the line and he's struggling to understand the team's decision.
"That's part of the business," he tells the newspaper. "I wasn't even given the option; I wasn't offered a contract, a pay cut, anything.
"I could see if I was a bad player, if I was a ruckus in the community, if I wasn't - to me - an outstanding person. The only thing I've tried to do here is play well and perform. Nothing else and beyond. I felt I was an utmost professional in one of the hardest places to be that way. I don't know what's going to happen."
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