In a shocking move, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have released defensive lineman John Chick and Weston Dressler, two of the most popular players to wear the green and white.
When Chris Jones was hired as the head of football operations for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he wasted little time in putting his stamp on the team.
Jones made numerous changes to the roster, leading many to wonder about the futures of older and more well-established veterans. On Thursday, he went even further, much to the dismay of many in Rider Nation.
“We spoke with each player and their respective agents at length in an attempt to negotiate more cap friendly contracts but unfortunately could not reach satisfactory agreements,” Jones said in a news release.
However, in a statement tweeted out by Dressler, the eight-year veteran criticized the organization for not making enough of an effort to keep him with the Riders.
Within moments of reading the news online, Roughrider fans immediately took to social media to express their shock and disbelief.
Meanwhile in Saskatchewan… #Riders #MindBlown pic.twitter.com/L5zpP6MbrJ
— Gareth Bush (@garethbush) January 14, 2016
Jones came to Sask like: pic.twitter.com/gM7DQDrCtM
— TYRON BRACKENRIDGE (@TBrack41) January 14, 2016
#RiderNation yesterday: Do whatever you need to win, Chris Jones. And today: EXCEPT THAT, YOU HEARTLESS MONSTER. #Riders #Sask
— Lise Merle (@LiseMerle) January 14, 2016
Fans need to chill out.It sucks Dressler and Chick are gone but football is a business. Can’t have 2 30+ yr olds making 10% of cap.#Riders
— 306 Sports Customs (@306Customs) January 15, 2016
How almost all #Riders fans feeling! #ridernation @fakeGAINER @CFL @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/3OYvNt1p2U
— Troy Kocur (@ProudOFyouBRO) January 14, 2016
Thank you @WestonDressler7 @johnchick97. #Riders pic.twitter.com/1aixdYiolC
— Brad Wall (@PremierBradWall) January 14, 2016
#Ridernation WE WANT CHANGE! When do we want it. NEVER!
— Sandra 🙂 (@smilingsandra) January 14, 2016