RUTHERFORD LEAVES ALS
Intends to join police force
Trey Rutherford said his professional football career never was going to last long. The coronavirus pandemic, however, simply accelerated that thought process, sending him on his next journey.
“COVID-19 came around and it gave me a lot of opportunities to think and mull things over, kind of see where my head was really at,” Rutherford told the Montreal Gazette on Wednesday. “I'd be doing myself a disservice not pursuing something I'm so passionate about.”
The Alouettes' starting left guard has decided to retire from the CFL and pursue a career in law enforcement, preferably with the Ontario Provincial Police. Rutherford, 25, completed his second season with Montreal in 2019 after the team selected him second overall in the 2018 draft.
Rutherford plans to apply to the OPP next month, but realizes his admission is far from guaranteed. The application process, he said, is incredibly arduous.
With the CFL having been furloughed last season because of the health crisis, Rutherford spent much of the year getting himself physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. The 6-foot-5 native of Markham, Ont., played at 312 pounds, but lost nearly 60 pounds by running while changing his diet and eating habits.
A sociology major at the University of Connecticut, Rutherford said a career in law enforcement would eventually beckon. And, while physically imposing, he fully understands the risks he'll be taking on a daily basis should he graduate from the OPP'S academy in Orillia, Ont.
“It's unfortunate what police officers have to deal with,” Rutherford said. “Who's going to do it? Somebody has to. I find it to be ... one of the most selfless jobs you can imagine.
“When things hit the fan — there's an active shooter situation or a violent car crash — you're the one to respond and help people. I find the greatest joy comes from helping people and expecting absolutely nothing in return.”
Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia learned a while ago, through Rutherford's agent, he was contemplating retirement. Maciocia was surprised. While he didn't try to dissuade Rutherford, his message through the agent was to take his time before making an informed decision.
“I think with this pandemic, it brought upon some reflection,” Maciocia said. “This is something he's passionate about. I'd discourage anybody from talking someone out of not doing something — or out of retirement. There's nothing good that comes out of that.
“There's always going to be a surprise or two every year in this business. You just have to deal with it.”
Maciocia said Philippe Gagnon can play guard, there are potential players who could be drafted, or the team might decide to make a ratio change at the position.
“There's no panic from my end,” Maciocia said. “We're still going to be OK. We still have some guys under contract. I don't foresee this being a huge problem.”
Rutherford said he would have earned $141,000 last season had it been played.
Coincidentally, he was eligible to become a free agent next month. But he denied there was any correlation between his contract status and the decision.
This is truly what I've wanted to do. I found a new drive in myself that I hadn't experienced in some time.
Recruit OPP constables are paid a salary of $53,996. After graduation from training, the salary rises to $68,847.
“Like football, I'm not going into this because of the money,” Rutherford acknowledged. “This is truly what I've wanted to do. I found a new drive in myself that I hadn't experienced in some time.
“My passion's taking me this way. I don't want to put it off any longer. It's not that I don't love football anymore. I'll always cherish everything it's given me.”
Should he fail to make it as an OPP officer, Rutherford said he would consider joining the RCMP or becoming a police officer in the Toronto area. But football, he emphasized, is over.
Meanwhile, the Als announced signings on Wednesday, including: receivers Félix Faubert-lussier and Kaion Julien- Grant; special-teams ace Jean- Samuel Blanc; defensive-linemen Bo Banner and Cameron Lawson; linebacker D.J. Lalama and defensive-back Dominique Termansen. Tailback Shaq Murray-lawrence and linebacker Tevin Floyd were among six players released.