Newsome won’t be shaking any hands
Defensive end Jonathan Newsome won’t be exchanging pleasantries with some members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ organization before Friday’s game at TD Place.
Newsome has moved on and landed with the Ottawa Redblacks since being suddenly released by the Riders on July 4.
He hasn’t forgotten what took place between himself and head coach and general manager Chris Jones and defensive line coach Ed Philion that led to Newsome being cut between team meetings and practice at Mosaic Stadium.
“I won’t shake their hands because I’m not with the fake stuff and nothing is going to change,’’ Newsome said Thursday after Ottawa’s walk-through. “When people want to be brutally honest about how they feel about you, then as a human being you should take action in eliminating those people from your life and don’t give them any energy. I don’t see what the significance would be of shaking hands with them.’’
Newsome was released by Jones just two games into the 2017 season. At the time, Jones said it was a difference of opinion and that it was in the best interest of the football team to part ways.
Newsome responded on Twitter to those comments shortly after signing with the Redblacks. He said that Jones had heard that Newsome had issues with how the coach handled things and that “things were messed up’’ around the Riders.
Newsome, who added that it was Philion who passed on those concerns to Jones, denied those accusations.
“That was a crazy and a sad day in Regina,’’ Newsome said. “Still, I want to leave it for what was said. (Jones) said it was difference in philosophies and I said it was a ‘he said, she said’ type of thing that turned into a miscommunication and misunderstanding.
“Honestly, I’m past it and I’m glad that it happened. I’m in a place were I’m appreciated and I appreciate (the Redblacks) giving me a chance to continue playing football, which I love.’’
Jones has also moved on. “That’s so far removed from my thought process that I don’t remember the details of it,’’ Jones said. “We’re happy for (Newsome) that it’s all working out for him.’’
Newsome added that he would acknowledge his former teammates before the game.
“They are my brothers for life and it’s nothing personal,’’ said the 26-year-old Newsome.
Newsome was a free agent for three days before signing with the Redblacks. An injured hamstring led to him being placed on the sixgame injured list. He made his debut with the Redblacks on Aug. 26 against the B.C. Lions and he made an impression with three defensive tackles and an interception.
Newsome has recorded seven defensive tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in four subsequent games.
“I had a lot of rust because I haven’t rushed the passer in a long time so it’s good to get here and do what I do,’’ Newsome said, who had one defensive tackle and interception in his one start this season with the Riders. “I get to work on my game more and keep perfecting my craft. I’m still getting the rust off because I’ve been hurt for most of the year.’’
Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell appreciates what Newsome has brought to the defence since being activated.
“He’s a talented guy and a really smart player,’’ Campbell said. “He understands the game and he has done some really good things for us. He can also handle the one-onones and you don’t have to blitz or scheme it up because he can handle the offensive tackles. He has done some great things for us and we expect more of it.’’