Bennett brings new attitude to Riders
Fred Bennett is putting the Calgary Stampeders in his rear-view mirror. After spending the past four-plus CFL seasons in Calgary, the international defensive back is eager for “a fresh start” with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who picked him up in a trade Aug. 16.
As for what led to his departure, Bennett redirected the question to his former employers.
“That’s something you’d have to ask them,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been told so many things. I don’t really care to shed too much light on that. Calgary is in the past. I’m a Roughrider now and I’m glad to be here.”
As a veteran of the CFL wars, Bennett understands it’s rare for a player to spend his entire career in one city.
However, the 32-year-old veteran suggested he didn’t exactly leave Calgary on his own terms.
“I feel like there are certain ways you do business,” said Bennett, who lost his starting job after Week 5 and spent the next three games on Calgary’s injured list.
I’m not saying I have a problem with Calgary or anything. Just be straight up and honest with me. It wasn’t at times.
“I’m a professional. I’m a grown man. I understand the business side of things, but my thing is, just be straight up and honest with me and I’ll take that on the chin.
“I’m not saying I have a problem with Calgary or anything. Just be straight up and honest with me. It wasn’t at times. But that’s behind me now.”
The Riders acquired Bennett — and national defensive back Jeff Hecht — for the rights to two undisclosed negotiation-list players. Bennett joined his new team late last week but didn’t dress for Saskatchewan’s 53-7 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Saturday.
However, he was on the field with the first-team defence when the Roughriders returned to practice Tuesday to begin preparations for a road clash with the Edmonton Eskimos Friday.
“I love the game and I love being out there. For that to be taken away from me in that little span of time, it wasn’t difficult, but I had to deal with it. Now it’s a relief. I thank this organization for giving an opportunity to put my best foot forward.”
That opportunity could come as soon as Friday.
“He’s a veteran guy who brings a little bit of leadership to our group,” Riders head coach/GM Chris Jones said. “He’s a guy who has been very vocal since he has been here — in a constructive way. We’re looking forward to having him in there.” The feeling is mutual. Although he’s going from first to worst in the CFL standings, Bennett is eager to get to work with the 1-7 Roughriders.
“We’re in a tough situation right now, but that’s not to say we can’t turn it around,” he said. “I feel like we have the talent in this lockerroom. It’s about everybody buying in and being accountable and getting this thing done together.”
In addition to his talents on the field, Bennett also plans to bring a winning attitude to the Roughriders. He’s hoping it will rub off on his new teammates.
“I don’t accept losing,” added Bennett, a 2014 Grey Cup champion and West Division all-star. “I know it comes with the territory but, at the same time, I always believe in working to win no matter what the situation.
“I’m a positive guy. Anybody who knows me can vouch for that. I have a winning attitude. That’s my thing — come in here and grab a lot of these young guys by the hand and show them the winning way and hopefully things start turning around.”