POPULAR EDMONTON EQUIPMENT MANAGER MANDRUSIAK LET GO

49-year Edmonton Eskimo equipment manager Dwayne Mandrusiak (pictured, middle) is among those let go by the football club amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

The move has not been a popular one.

“Hearing long-time #EEFootballTeam equipment manager Dwayne Mandrusiak has been let go permanently after 49 years with the team,” Tweeted Edmonton football colour commentator Dave Campbell. “Was temporarily laid off in May.”

Campbell later reported the entire equipment staff of the team has been let go.

The team made a statement to Campbell shortly thereafter.

“We are unable to comment on the specific employment status of current or former employees as this is personal, private and confidential information,” the team wrote. “COVID-19 has taken a toll on many businesses and ours is no exception. With the cancellation of our 2020 season we have had to make and continue to have to make tough choices. This unfortunately has included ongoing staffing reductions. We do not take these choices lightly and continue to strive to make decisions to ensure the ongoing viability of the team.”

Mandrusiak later confirmed his termination to Global TV.

“Dwayne Mandrusiak should have had the opportunity to leave on his own terms, when he wanted,” Tweeted TSN 1260 Edmonton’s Dustin Nielson. “As simple as that, there is no room for debate.”

“Brutal, cold, wrong,” Tweeted Sportsnet 650 Vancouver’s Scott Rintoul, the former Voice of the BC Lions. “That’s the way this comes across.”

“WTF,” Tweeted former Eskimo receiver Natey Adjei.

“That’s gotta be a sick joke,” Tweeted current Edmonton offensive lineman Jacob Ruby.

“This is more likely to lose fans than the name change,” Tweeted fan Rick Watson.

RP
@rodpedersen