‘It was just me’: Riders’ Lauther takes full blame for poor kicking performance

When it comes to the struggles Brett Lauther had against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker believes there’s only one thing to blame — himself.

“It was just me. Everyone is trying to cover up other things and the coaches and teammates are unreal but that’s just one me. There’s nothing wrong with the holds, snaps, no wind or any issues,” Lauther said. “None of those were difficult kicks. You have to put those through.”

The 34-year-old product of Truro, Nova Scotia, missed three field goals and a convert attempt in the team’s 28-23 win over the Ti-Cats on Saturday.

“(It was a) tough one. It looked like I was playing for Hamilton out there with the guys,” Lauther said. “I’m glad the team found a way to win. (I) just have to get back to work this week and be much, much better.”

He will get a chance to bounce back on Friday against the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field. Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m.

The performance dampened Lauther’s milestone night. It was his 100th CFL game as a Rider, and he also recorded his 1,000th point in the game.

But those accomplishments aren’t something on his mind.

“I didn’t think about that for even one second,” Lauther said. “I don’t personally care about 1,000 points or 100 games — all I care about is trying to win the Grey Cup. What I did personally, we’re not even close to doing that.  As a team, I think we’re there but we have to be much, much better and it starts with me.”

Lauther isn’t a stranger to needing to bounce back from a bad performance. He missed four field goals in a 27-24 loss to the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 16, 2024. After the game, he only missed one kick the rest of the season.

“You don’t want to do this to yourself or put yourself in these situations — it’s not really about me. I don’t want to do this for the team and organization. Your mind can take you to a pretty crazy place sometimes,” Lauther said. “All I know from any other situation in my whole life with adversity and back against the wall, I’ve always found a way to respond.

“Just back to work today. (I) came in on the off day to figure some things out.”

Lauther goes around to lots of schools in the year to discuss the importance of mental health. So when these games happen, he knows it’s important to practice what he preaches.

“Doing a lot of that stuff, it’s like anything. If you’re a coach or a teacher or helping a kid with kicking or whatever it may be in life, the more you get to practice and teach it, the better you get at explaining it,” Lauther said. “A lot of the stuff that we talk about in the offseason with the kids, I use myself.

“It’s an important reminder I can’t go around this province all winter in -40 weather to talk to the kids and try to preach a good message and then not do it myself. You’re kind of a hypocrite if you do something like that.

“For some reason I keep doing this to myself, but I almost enjoy it, in a weird way, with all the doubt and everyone wants you out of here. I know I’m going to be able to respond.”

Sam Emilus misses practice

As the Riders prepare for the Argos, they were without one of their top receivers at Tuesday’s practice.

Wide receiver Sam Emilus did not participate due to a foot injury he suffered in the win against Hamilton. Joe Robustelli was running in his spot at practice.

“(Emilus) is dealing with a lower-body injury from the game,” head coach Corey Mace said. “Slow to go. We took it light today and a couple guys, I think, really appreciated that. We’re on a short week so we will see how it goes. I don’t want to promise anything, but I’m never going to say impossible.”

Running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon (groin) missed the last game but returned to practice this week in a limited fashion.