The Roughriders got back to work on Tuesday with a closed practice at Mosaic Stadium as they prepare for Saturday’s home game against the Montreal Alouettes (5:00 pm, TSN, CKRM Rider Radio Network). Receiver Taj Smith – who missed last week’s 23-17 win at Winnipeg due to suspension for violating team rules – participated in the workout and head coach Corey Chamblin said afterwards Smith will play on Saturday.
“He’ll have a role this week,” Chamblin revealed. “He’ll be on the roster this week and he’ll have a role. How much he’ll play, I can’t tell you. That will depend on what the packages are but he will join us this week.”
Surprisingly, and impressively, Smith spoke to reporters about last week’s incident in Gatineau, PQ in which he violated conditions of his parole for last year’s bar fight on Dewdney Avenue. He said he apologized to the team for being a distraction, and wants to contribute however he can.
“When stuff happens, if it’s good or positive, it doesn’t stick to you that well but when it’s negative it always sticks,” Taj admitted. “Some things you just have to pray about and I’ve just been praying and trying to get through this.
“I try to always be positive but sometimes bad stuff happens. You can’t really express how you really feel or you can’t take things into your own hands. You have to know everybody’s watching and I’m just grateful I’m still on the team.”
Rider GM Brendan Taman says they’ve spoken with Smith and they don’t expect to have another situation like this arise or that could spell the end of his time in Saskatchewan. Chamblin said they support Taj because they know what he’s all about.
“Taj is a great young man,” Chamblin continued. “He’s very remorseful and a lot of different things. He has a great heart and he wants to do the right thing. I can honestly say that. But like I told him, we shouldn’t have to answer questions about those things again.”
It's great the team is willing to give him another chance, I just hope he is getting some outside help with his issues. Everyone makes mistakes,however, I believe this may be a three strikes your out scenario
Too bad we didn't have a gof good receivers. Would he be playing if the veteran receivers like Baggs Grets were stepping up & making plays.
Anonymous
10 years ago
Rob Vanstone summed up the situation well in the LP, plus with having his head coach vouch for him should motivate Taj to stay on the straight and narrow.
Anonymous
10 years ago
I like the fact Taj is back "in some capaciity". That tells me they are ready to move on with Taj on the team but he will have to earn his spot back. The best players will play, up to Taj now whether he is on the field or on the bench.
Anonymous
10 years ago
Given his background, I believe he deserves one more chance…if you haven't read about his life…you might want to before judging him.
Just saying…
LA
Anonymous
10 years ago
Agree with LA. Spirited, but a good heart. Don't think he'll mess up again. P.s. Thanks to you DA for the great leadership(?), glad you're outta here!
oldriderfan
10 years ago
Right on LA!!! I grew up in the Regina version of the 'wrong side of the tracks'. Learned not to be so quick to judge others using my (lucky) family environment. Taj's actions are nothing. Let him be a football player and you be your kids role model.
Anonymous
10 years ago
background BS…….everyone should be accountable for their actions…the excuse of " his background" or " upbringing" is a sad and worn out excuse. Be a man and be responsible for the decisions you make….he knew exactly what he was doing, he just didn't think he'd get caught. That I thinks shows what he thinks of his responsibilities.
lmao….assumptions huh? I assume he knew what his legal restrictions were….I assume he knew very well what he was doing…I assume he choose to ignore those legal restrictions with the thought he would not be caught and I also assume that the thought of a person being responsible for his actions isn't something you believe in. This is no big deal but to try and play the upbringing card is just wrong, he knew what he was doing and got caught….that act had nothing to do with where or how he was raised.
Anonymous
10 years ago
Catch a few TD's and Rider Nation will be placated like a baby with a used soother.
Anonymous
10 years ago
Jealous Waaaampeder fans!
Anonymous
10 years ago
The background excuse wears thin. Did he grow up in the Gaza strip, Iran, Iraq or Israel with missiles and car bombs? It's time to grow up period. Take responsibility for your life Taj.
It's great the team is willing to give him another chance, I just hope he is getting some outside help with his issues. Everyone makes mistakes,however, I believe this may be a three strikes your out scenario
Excuse me? "Everyone makes mistakes"…?
I guess you have never met Obama…lol
The Rock
It shouldn't happen again, he's been to the one gentlemens club visit for the year.
Plus how many times a year can a CFL player afford to go to a gentlemens club anyway.
Too bad we didn't have a gof good receivers. Would he be playing if the veteran receivers like Baggs Grets were stepping up & making plays.
Rob Vanstone summed up the situation well in the LP, plus with having his head coach vouch for him should motivate Taj to stay on the straight and narrow.
I like the fact Taj is back "in some capaciity". That tells me they are ready to move on with Taj on the team but he will have to earn his spot back. The best players will play, up to Taj now whether he is on the field or on the bench.
Given his background, I believe he deserves one more chance…if you haven't read about his life…you might want to before judging him.
Just saying…
LA
Agree with LA. Spirited, but a good heart. Don't think he'll mess up again.
P.s. Thanks to you DA for the great leadership(?), glad you're outta here!
Right on LA!!! I grew up in the Regina version of the 'wrong side of the tracks'. Learned not to be so quick to judge others using my (lucky) family environment. Taj's actions are nothing. Let him be a football player and you be your kids role model.
background BS…….everyone should be accountable for their actions…the excuse of " his background" or " upbringing" is a sad and worn out excuse. Be a man and be responsible for the decisions you make….he knew exactly what he was doing, he just didn't think he'd get caught. That I thinks shows what he thinks of his responsibilities.
make assumptions much?
lmao….assumptions huh? I assume he knew what his legal restrictions were….I assume he knew very well what he was doing…I assume he choose to ignore those legal restrictions with the thought he would not be caught and I also assume that the thought of a person being responsible for his actions isn't something you believe in. This is no big deal but to try and play the upbringing card is just wrong, he knew what he was doing and got caught….that act had nothing to do with where or how he was raised.
Catch a few TD's and Rider Nation will be placated like a baby with a used soother.
Jealous Waaaampeder fans!
The background excuse wears thin. Did he grow up in the Gaza strip, Iran, Iraq or Israel with missiles and car bombs? It's time to grow up period. Take responsibility for your life Taj.
#Waaaampeder – man that still is funny
Schultzy man you just kill me.