Ex-riders have similar feats, but very different tweets
Jeff Fairholm and Duron Carter are on the same page statistically, if not philosophically.
Fairholm and Carter boast two of the five best single-game receiving-yardage totals in Saskatchewan Roughriders history.
They were comparable, considerable threats to rival defences, albeit with contrasting on-field comportments. The differences have also been noted on Twitter of late.
On Sunday — one day after the Roughriders inflamed many fans by cutting Carter — Fairholm tweeted: “C’MON folks. Carter is a huge ‘distraction’ or else why wouldn’t such a talented player be on a CFL roster for a long time. His time in the NFL was shortlived and each team he has played for in the CFL is short. Something is wrong here and I suggest it’s Carter.”
Fairholm had previously taken issue with Carter via @slotback18, as the recently released receiver noted Monday.
“This guy again stop it my man!!” Carter retorted on @DC_ Chillin_8. “To be honest, the only time your relevant is when you mention my name. I’m glad I can bring you back to your old glory days that are probably diminishing from CTE!”
What does the ultra-cerebral Fairholm make of this, er, spat?
“I wouldn’t think of it as a spat,” the three-time 1,000-yard man replied. “It was, ‘This is my comment. Take it or leave it.’
“I have strong feelings about how people should act on the field. I don’t like the way he acts on the field. I don’t know what’s going on off the field, but clearly there was an issue.
“His way of having fun is different than my way of having fun. I wish I’d had half the talent that he has. I would have gone a lot further. But I don’t like the way he plays and carries himself. Clearly, the Riders think that too, as do several other teams.”
Fairholm and Carter last made a joint appearance in this space Oct. 17, shortly after the latter player had amassed 231 receiving yards in a game.
In so doing, Carter moved into a tie for fifth on the Riders’ all-time list with Steve Adkins, who registered 231 yards in a 1934 contest.
Fairholm is third all-time, with a 244-yarder (1992). Chris Defrance (260 yards, 1983) leads the way. Andy Fantuz is second (255 yards, 2010) and fourth (240 yards, 2007).
So, clearly, this discussion focuses on two of the more talented pass-catchers in franchise history.
However, Fairholm was able to enjoy six prosperous seasons and one Grey Cup championship en route to being named to the Roughriders’ Plaza of Honour.
Carter, for all his formidable skills as a receiver and a cornerback, didn’t quite make it to a year and a half in Riderville.
“There’s a whole bunch of questions that I have with this whole dynamic of the Riders this year with respect to Carter,” said Fairholm, referencing the five games Carter started at cornerback for an offensively starved team.
But, he emphasized, there’s nothing wrong with the dialogue.
“I’ve been trying to be respectful,” Fairholm said. “I have my opinion and I state my opinion. That’s what Twitter’s for.”