Riders’ Carter arrived, departed with baggage

There is no denying that former Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Duron Carter is an immense talent. But it should also be remembered that he became a Rider with baggage, and left the same way.

However, in the interim he left indelible memories while displaying his talents and, unfortunately, his foibles.

Until last Saturday, he was the most polarizing person on the Riders’ payroll. Now that mantle is worn by head coach and general manager Chris Jones.

When Jones dropped the bombshell which terminated Carter, there was considerable collateral damage. Carter learned he was cut during a short phone call from Jones during a bye week.

Would it be reasonable for anybody, in any line of work, to receive a call advising termination while on vacation?

While Jones, the coach, may have had enough ammunition for the firing, Jones, the general manager, gets a failing grade. At least handle the matter in person at the earliest opportunity.

For all of his talent, Carter is a me-first guy. Good teammates don’t pout when they don’t get enough touches, and they work hard to be at their best.

It seems that the fans are more focused on winning than their favourite player, who treated the game more or less as a hobby.

Carter is a lovable, free-spirited guy who couldn’t come to grips with the fact that the team didn’t revolve around him.

Perhaps the risk-versus-reward balance tipped toward “risk” with regard to Carter, and the spectre of an undisciplined penalty at a crucial juncture of a playoff game was the tipping point.

So now, with Carter out of the picture, the spotlight under which Jones is working will be even more intense.

All of Jones’ detractors will forgive and forget if he delivers a Grey Cup.