CFL News for Monday, February 23, 2009

February 23, 2009 - Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release

Two-stage stadium plan a 'shell game' Hamilton Spectator Mon 23 Feb 2009 Page: A11 Section: Opinion Byline: Andrew Dreschel Column: Andrew Dreschel Source: The Hamilton Spectator

Amid all the shimmying and shuffling leading up to today's city council vote on the Pan Am Games bid, the slickest move by far was dividing the stadium proposal into two stages.

Rather than asking council to commit to the whole shebang, city staff sweetened the pill by only asking for $60 million for a 15,000-seat venue, big enough to host Pan Am events, but not Ticat games.

Only the second phase, which adds $50 million to the price tag and as many a 15,000 more seats, would allow the shiny new facility to replace Ivor Wynne as the Ticats' home field.

But council isn't actually being asked to approve that second stage.

All they're being asked to do is direct staff to pursue other "funding opportunities" for it -- public, private, lotteries, donations, asset sales, you name it.

It's a brilliant piece of stickhandling because it gives the impression that local taxpayers are only being tapped for $60 million.

But it's shell game, of course.

We all know that if those other "funding opportunities" don't materialize or fail to bring in the full $50 million, local taxpayers will be on the hook.

And we all know that once council commits to investing the $60 million, they'll be writing a blank cheque for the second phase.

That's because we don't want or need a new 15,000-seat venue.

We want and need a full-size stadium to replace the worn-out Ivor Wynne, which is already 30 years past its best before date.

We all know that the only reason Hamilton council will likely back the bid is the lure of getting that stadium through a cost-sharing plan that would see the senior levels of government kick in millions of dollars.

This is not about the Games.

A world record hasn't been set at Pan Am since 1979.

They attract only limited public interest and marginal TV exposure, at least in the United States.

This has never been about the Games.

This is all about "legacy." And the legacy is building a new stadium.

Can we afford it?

They're talking about bankrolling the $60 million through the Hamilton Future Fund, which would have no impact on operating and capital budgets, or the city's credit rating.

Councillor Sam Merulla makes a persuasive argument that the $60 million would be better spent on repairing and replacing basic infrastructure.

But it's unlikely he'll convince the majority of his colleagues. As Merulla notes, Pan Am boosters have entered a dream-like state in which a new stadium has taken precedence over all other needs in the community.

So, whether you call it a leap of faith or sleepwalking, tapping the Future Fund for the $60 million is clearly the safe way to go.

But what about the other $50 million? Can we afford that?

If the other "funding opportunities "fail, the city could always dip back into the Future Fund, which will be topped up again in a few years.

But bear in mind, the city already needs to find funding for several big capital projects it wants to do but hasn't budgeted for -- $22 million for Lister, $10 million for the proposed downtown education centre, $20 million for a new fire training centre, and unknown millions for a light rail transit system.

Also bear in mind that it costs the city $51 million annually to service its debt, which now stands at $426 million.

When you factor in the cost of a new water treatment plant, the debt will soon rise to about $1 billion.

That projected debt load has already lowered the city's credit rating, which means it now costs more for the city to borrow money.

We want a new stadium. We need a new stadium. But can we afford a new stadium?

Call me a heretic, but I'm hoping Lima, Peru, or Bogota, Colombia, win the bid so we won't have to find out the hard way.

Council set to OK $60m for Pan Ams Hamilton Spectator Mon 23 Feb 2009 Page: A1 Section: Local Byline: Nicole Macintyre Source: The Hamilton Spectator

The city's plan to spend $60 million to build a Pan Am stadium and velodrome in the west harbour is expected to be overwhelmingly endorsed by council today.

Even the deal's most vocal critic, Councillor Sam Merulla, is walking in expecting to lose in a 13-3 vote.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger isn't willing to predict numbers but he is banking on a strong show of support from council.

"I think there is majority support for this."

For a council known for split decisions, Eisenberger believes today's vote will send a powerful message to the community and outside observers.

It tells residents that the city "isn't prepared to fold its tent and just fill potholes" in the face of an economic downturn, he said.

"It's also a signal to other levels of government that we're willing to be a partner ... it lets people know this council has vision."

But Merulla believes "history will show this will be one of the biggest mistakes this city has ever made."

The deal calls for Hamilton to jump into the Golden Horseshoe 2015 Pan Am Games bid with a $60-million commitment to building an approximately $165 million sports complex.

The province and federal government would throw in $54 million, with the city looking for private partners, like the Ticats, to raise the remaining millions needed to build a 30,000-seat stadium.

A smaller stadium is required for the Games, but Hamilton wants a venue big enough to replace Ivor Wynne and host the Ticats.

The preferred site for the complex is a 30-acre plot bound by Barton, Stuart, Bay and Queen streets.

Though the location costs more up front because the city needs to buy and remediate the land, staff believe it is the best choice for legacy and accessibility.

There is also hope the city will receive additional funds because the site is a brownfield.

The airport is the second pick.

Games supporters launched a strong push for the city's participation in recent weeks, as critics argued the Games are unaffordable.

Merulla, who believes he'll vote against the deal - along with the Games' original opponents Brad Clark and Margaret McCarthy - thinks emotions have overtaken the city's business sense.

"I want a new stadium, too. It's not about want, it's about need," he said, arguing the money should be spent on other infrastructure.

The $60 million is to come from the Future Fund - a $100 million city legacy account created from the 2002 sale of Hamilton Hydro.

Tony Tollis, acting head of finance, said taking from the reserve will not hurt the city's credit rating, but does push it closer to a change.

The expenditure would have no impact on taxes. Tollis said the one drawback would be reducing the fund that council has borrowed from to finance other projects.

"The decision (council) has to make is: Do we want to put all our eggs in one basket?" he said, noting there will still be $40 million left.

Councillor Brian McHattie, who was on the fence, said he will support the deal, but wants the city to pay back the fund. Councillor Chad Collins, who was also undecided, said he's now supportive as well.

Both sides of the Pan Am debate

PRO

* Hamilton needs a new stadium, this is a chance to leverage funds.

* The city will benefit from international attention for the Games.

* The proposed site reforms a brownfield and ties into the city's transit and waterfront planning.

* Money is available in the Future Fund, therefore there is no tax impact.

* Without a new stadium, Hamilton risks losing the Ticats.

* Urban regeneration, spin-off development.

CON

* Hamilton faces ongoing budget issues, must make tough decisions about where to spend.

* Permanently removing $60 million from Future Fund limits available funds for other projects.

* New stadium to be used predominately by a private sports team after the Games.

* Bid is billed as the Toronto Games, Hamilton could miss spotlight.

* Experts warn economic spin-offs of any large-scale games are generally overstated.

New stadium: Council takes buy now, pay later approach

City council's $60-million decision today will only pay for half the stadium Hamilton needs to replace the aging Ivor Wynne. Can the city afford the $50 million more required to build the stadium it really needs?

See Andrew Dreschel: A11

Hydro legacy wasn't meant for projects like Pan Am

Paying for a stadium now will mean dipping deeply into the city's Future Fund, a Hamilton Hydro legacy account.

But the principal of the $100- million fund was never meant to be used -- and digging this deeply into the kitty will practically drain it, despite optimistic reports that it will eventually rejuvenate itself through interest as early as 2015. A5

Change of seasons ; Time will tell if Kelly's Bombers an improvement The Winnipeg Sun Mon 23 Feb 2009 Page: S5 Section: Sports Byline: BY KIRK PENTON

There are still 104 days until training camp begins, but where's the fun in waiting that long to offer up some analysis?

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have undergone major changes this off-season, with a good chunk of them happening since the start of free agency seven days ago. Nine of the 24 players who started the bulk of last year's games at their respective positions are gone, and the supporting cast has been altered significantly.

Head coach Mike Kelly could, of course, cut the entire team tomorrow and sign every member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the players here now will likely end up being the core of the 2009 squad.

The only area that hasn't undergone a major facelift is at running back, where Fred Reid and Joe Smith are both expected to return and even be on the field at the same time.

Every other position, however, has been a relative gong show. We know your head is spinning, so here's a recap, along with our thoughts:

QUARTERBACKS

Kelly is excited about recently acquired Stefan LeFors, who was with him in Edmonton last season, but the lefty's record as a CFL starter is 0-5.

Last year's No. 1, Kevin Glenn, remains in limbo, perched on the trading block with no takers. That is likely to change when the Bombers either pay him his $50,000 bonus on March 1 and try to trade him or release him before that.

Regardless, it appears the Bombers will be going to go into the season without an experienced pivot.

OUTLOOK: Unless something changes, there will be growing pains.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This is the area that has undergone the most change, with three starters from last season vamoosing via free agency.

The Bombers can claim that losing Alex Gauthier (Hamilton), Dominic Picard (Toronto) and Kyle Koch (Edmonton) isn't a big deal, and they may be right, but on paper it looks like they've taken a step backwards.

Glenn January, it should be noted, started 30 games over the past two seasons, but Luke Fritz and Steve Morley saw hardly any action last year. The key is getting those two -- Morley especially -- back to their previous forms.

And while it may be tempting, the Bombers can't afford to trade tackle Dan Goodspeed. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats want him badly, but he and left guard Brendon LaBatte, the only returning starters, will be needed to anchor the O-line.

OUTLOOK: Even if the newcomers can get the job done, the whole line is going to need time to come together.

RECEIVERS

Gone is one of the greatest receivers of all time, but that sounds a lot worse than it actually is.

Milt Stegall, who retired last week after 14 seasons, had a part-time role in 2008 thanks to pre-season knee surgery, so the team got a glimpse of the future A.M. -- After Milt -- and it looks pretty good.

They had three 1,000-yard receivers last year in Romby Bryant, Terrence Edwards and Derick Armstrong, and they improved their Canadian content by adding Brock Ralph for backup safety Jason Nugent.

Ralph and LeFors have great chemistry, so look for Ralph to rebound after a dismal, injury-plagued 2008 campaign.

Toss Canadian Arjei Franklin into the mix, or maybe even another import if the ratio allows it, and they might not need an experienced quarterback.

OUTLOOK: It looks better now than it did when last season ended. That's saying something.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Tom Canada, Kai Ellis and Jerome Haywood have been released, traded and not re-signed, respectively.

The newcomers are experienced tackle Tyrone Williams, formerly of the B.C. Lions, and end Riall Johnson, a former Argonaut who will be given the freedom to destroy quarterbacks however he sees fit. That's what Johnson says he was allowed to do in 2007, when he had 10 sacks in 14 games.

OUTLOOK: Combine Johnson and Williams with Doug Brown and Gavin Walls, and the Bomber D-line should be just as good as it was in '08.

LINEBACKERS

The Bombers decided they could survive without the CFL's top tackler from the past two seasons, Zeke Moreno, which was a bold move.

Then again, there wasn't significant backlash from fans when he was dealt to the Argos last week for Riall Johnson.

Barrin Simpson and Joe Lobendahn will battle it out for the starting middle spot, and both will likely be used in 3-4 defensive sets.

We haven't heard anyone say anything bad about outside linebacker Siddeeq Shabazz, who came over from Edmonton in the Kai Ellis deal, and most agree that Ike Charlton is a superb linebacker when healthy.

OUTLOOK: Pretty darn good, even with the loss of Moreno.

SECONDARY

Anthony Malbrough and Stanford Samuels were released, although both could be brought back at the right price or, in Samuels' case, if he's healthy enough.

The 2007 Grey Cup MVP, James Johnson, was brought in from Saskatchewan, while the Bombers have signed former Eskimo Keyou Craver but haven't announced it yet.

The brass is rumoured to be a big fan of Canadian safety Ian Logan, but the ratio might allow them to move Shabazz there if they so choose.

OUTLOOK: Returnees Kelly Malveaux, Jovon Johnson and Willie Amos are solid anchors, but we're not sold on this group just yet.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bombers are desperately trying to sign Canadian punter Burke Dales, and they probably eventually will once he gives up on his NFL aspirations.

Kelly said placekicker Alexis Serna will be invited to training camp, but he will have competition.

If they don't get Dales, they might as well find an American who can do both the punting and placekicking.

The teams took a hit when Graeme Bell signed in Edmonton and they released Greg Bearman, but the signing of Shawn Gallant will help fill those gaps.

OUTLOOK: Still no better than it was the last two years.

OVERALL

There are some out there who feel 2009 in Winnipeg will be a Jim Daley Special.

That's a little extreme, although not having an experienced quarterback can be used as an argument by those who consider the Blue and Gold to be in rebuilding mode.

Their overall Canadian talent has improved, and they have added several solid players -- but no game changers. It is therefore too difficult, at this point in time, to say the Bombers are better now than they were in 2008.

In 104 days, we'll start finding out if that's the case.

State of the Stadium: Renovate, rebuild or relocate? thestarphoenix.com Fri 20 Feb 2009 Section: Online Byline: Ian Hamilton Source: Leader-Post

REGINA -- There's a move afoot to move a football team.

There's a debate going on in Regina over the need for a new stadium, the primary tenant of which would be the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Some suggest the club's current home, Mosaic Stadium, simply needs upgrades to bring it into the 21st century. But proponents of a new facility believe the cost of those renovations would be so high that it would serve the City of Regina better to spend more and build new in another location.

"Taylor Field-slash-Mosaic Stadium has served us well, but I think to pour a bunch of money in just for patchups is money that's maybe not as wisely spent as a new stadium . . .," says Roughriders veteran Gene Makowsky. "Those projects aren't free, but the people in this province deserve a first-class facility."

Mayor Pat Fiacco agrees.

He's in favour of a new facility which would be more than just a football stadium. He wants to see a venue built that could play host to everything from sporting events to concerts to trade shows.

"(Building new) provides more opportunities for citizens," Fiacco says. "When I talk to kids in elementary schools and high schools and to university students about the future of this community, I realize we're not going to do this for us. It's about the future.

"This is about the community. It's not about the Saskatchewan Roughriders alone. It's bigger than that. This is about building community."

Doing that costs a pretty penny.

The city, which owns Mosaic Stadium, initially identified $6 million in renovations that are needed immediately to the 63-year-old facility's infrastructure. But those alterations wouldn't change the fact the stadium is what Fiacco calls "an old, tired building."

A feasibility study is being conducted by the provincial government - with which the city hopes to partner to pay for any kind of improvements - to see what options there are.

Fiacco hopes to see that study by the end of February; after that, the city could know what route it will be taking.

"If the feasibility study comes back and says, Y'know what, guys? I know you're thinking big, but it's just not doable,' we have to live with that," Fiacco says. "We have to do what's doable - but think it through first. Just don't dismiss it without doing the work. Why say no automatically? Let's have a look and see what our options are. What we're doing right now is reviewing our options."

Those options include renovating Mosaic Stadium for about $120 million or building a new stadium. The mayor says early estimates for that facility - whether it's outdoors or domed - are between $300 million and $350 million.

"It's about investing in your community," says Fiacco, who stresses Regina taxpayers won't be asked to pay the whole shot. "I'm expecting the private sector to step up to the plate. If we expect our community to continue to grow and be attractive, it is about having these types of facilities.

"I hear the arguments about, What about homelessness and all of these other things?' We're not ignoring any of that. This is a multi-pronged approach to developing a community. We're not doing something at the expense of another. We've never done that in this city and we will never do that in this city."

* * *

Whether the city renovates or builds new, it will need assistance from other levels of government - and that's where cracks appear in the plan's foundation.

"(Getting involved) is not a priority for the government of Saskatchewan," says Christine Tell, the province's minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport who echoes a sentiment previously stated by Premier Brad Wall.

"We talk about the economic downturn and we want to sustain the momentum the province is currently experiencing and keep us in good stead."

That's fine by David Seymour, the director of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy's Saskatchewan office. He notes government has two roles - and neither involves funding a stadium.

"One is to produce things that are difficult to collect payment for and therefore can only be funded through taxes, and two is to redistribute income so that lower-income Canadians can enjoy high living standards," he says. "The stadium fails those.

"Personally, I think it would be fantastic for Regina to have a stadium. From the point of view of the role of government, it just doesn't quite square up."

But those who favour a new facility say Regina could generate big revenue by staging events similar to The Rolling Stones' visit to Mosaic Stadium in 2006. Proponents say a stadium with more seats and more amenities would result in more spectators and more dollars.

"There is a possibility for more shows to come and if you have the right facility, then that's one big hurdle you've taken," says Neil Donnelly who, as the vice-president of marketing and events for Evraz Place, helped put the Stones in Mosaic Stadium.

"The cost to do a show in a big stadium versus an arena is the hugest barrier. If you can design it so that it has the infrastructure in place . . . then a lot of those barriers are removed and it becomes more of a viable option for those big tours. If it's basically just a new version of what we've got, I don't see it being as attractive as some may want to see."

* * *

All a lot of people want to see is a new home for the Roughriders.

Fiacco says there are a number of possible locations for a new stadium, but he'd like to see it in the downtown - and the soon-to-be-vacated CP railyards is one possibility.

Mosaic Stadium, meanwhile, would be demolished and replaced by a new neighbourhood with much of the necessary infrastructure already in place. Other areas also would benefit.

"I know it's difficult for a lot of people to think bigger than just a stadium," Fiacco says, "but it's bigger than just a stadium!"

Those who want a new facility certainly have been thinking big.

"Whether a new stadium is outdoor or domed is a debate we need to have as a province and a city and a football team because of the implications for cost and use," says Roughriders president and CEO Jim Hopson. "But the fact that we're thinking about it is pretty good.

"I've been around a long time, but even five years ago, if you talked about a new stadium - let alone a domed stadium - people would have said, You're crazy. What are you thinking?' "

Whatever happens, the Roughriders simply want to see something done.

Hopson says a change, whether renovating or building new, would let the team attract and retain good players. That would translate into a competitive team and spinning turnstiles.

"Long term, it will hurt us if we don't at least do some improvements," says Hopson, who favours renewal. "We think (renovating) is affordable and doable and we'd like to see it sooner than later. But if it's going to be new, we need to get a shovel in the ground.

"This," he adds, "is the time."

City, Roughriders prefer option of new stadium The Leader-Post (Regina) Mon 23 Feb 2009 Page: C1 / FRONT Section: Sports Byline: Ian Hamilton Source: Leader-Post

In our five-part series that started Saturday, Leader-Post sports writer Ian Hamilton examines the debate over the future of Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field.

TODAY: An examination of the three options -- renovating Mosaic Stadium, building a new outdoor stadium, and building a dome -- and the pros and cons of each.

TUESDAY: A look at one of the key questions surrounding the issue: Who's going to foot the bill? Levels of government, the Roughriders, the private sector and others could be involved.

WEDNESDAY: A chat with current and former members of the Roughriders to find out what they think about the team's possible move out of Mosaic Stadium.

THURSDAY: A look at what the people of Regina think about the issue, based on the results of a poll conducted for the Leader-Post by Sigma Analytics.

---

To build or not to build? That is the question.

With apologies to William Shakespeare, the owner of Mosaic Stadium faces a serious dilemma. In fact, in football parlance, the City of Regina is running the option.

The issue began with the suggestion of renovations to Mosaic Stadium, the home of the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders, Canada West's University of Regina Rams, the PFC's Regina Thunder and other sports teams.

Since then, the discussion has grown to include the notions of building a new outdoor stadium or a dome.

"There's times when you have to look at it and say, 'OK, well, (renovating) is one way of doing things. But what if ...?' " says Mayor Pat Fiacco, who favours building new -- but nothing like a 60,000-seat dome.

"What if we looked at a stadium that could be used all year round, that the Roughriders would be one of many user groups like we already have at Mosaic Stadium, but that would be home to more than just sports? What would that look like? What would the cost be? Is it feasible? Is it a real thing to do?"

A feasibility study is being done by the provincial government, which will then suggest the most viable course of action to the city. As government officials go through the process, the Roughriders watch and wait.

"I've seen people take old bungalows and raise them up and put a second floor on and when they're done, it's spectacular -- but they've spent the same as on a new house," says Roughriders president and CEO Jim Hopson.

"So that's the question: Are you going to spend as much to get it up to what today's fan wants or are you going to start from scratch?"

Staying Put

There obviously are advantages to renovating Mosaic Stadium -- not the least of which is cost.

The city identified nearly $6 million in necessary renovations to the building, primarily to its infrastructure. There also was talk of putting a giant bubble over the facility for about $1 million.

Bringing the stadium up to snuff -- with new seating, lighting, washrooms and other fan-friendly features -- would cost significantly more. Fiacco says the estimated cost of renovations which would increase the stadium's capacity to 35,000 is $120 million.

Even with that price tag, renovations are cheaper than a new stadium.

The current stadium is also located in a good spot, close to downtown and the strip of bars on Dewdney Avenue. Hopson says parking is relatively good in the area of the stadium, there's good access to and egress from the stadium, and the Roughriders also wouldn't have to uproot their base of operations to move.

As well, as Hopson says, there's "a certain charm to the place."

One of the disadvantages to renovating is the effect of ongoing construction on the team's fan base, along with its players and coaches.

Hopson says engineers have toured Mosaic Stadium and have given it a clean bill of health in regards to the structural integrity of its grandstands and ramps.

However, he notes the stadium doesn't have enough good sideline seats, the seats it does have are wooden or metal benches, it doesn't have escalators or elevators, and it's tough to service its concessions.

And even if improvements are made, there's one undeniable truth.

"(If alterations are made), then yes, it's upgraded and the lighting's better and the washrooms are nicer and there's more seating and so on," Hopson says, "but it's still a renovated stadium."

A Fresh Start

Fiacco admits he'd be "very disappointed" if the city wound up with a renovated stadium.

He believes the provincial and federal governments, the private sector and the Roughriders all could help the city with the cost of a new building -- estimates for either an outdoor stadium or a dome are between $300 million and $350 million -- and that investment could help the city in the long run.

That said, the cost of a new stadium is problematic. Fiacco admits the initial sticker shock would be severe for taxpayers.

"But I don't know of a facility today in this community that has been built that people are standing back and saying, 'I wish we wouldn't have built that,' " he notes. "I can (only) think of the Brandt Centre and the question of whether we should have put more seats in there.

"With the deepening of Wascana Lake, did we have our critics? Absolutely. But once it got started, boy, did it capture the imagination of not only Reginans but people from all over."

The construction of a new facility, and the subsequent destruction of Mosaic Stadium, also would force the Roughriders to move their ticket office, locker room, trainer's room and store. A dome would involve other costs as well.

"Right out of the gate, you've got to say, 'OK, where would we practise?' " Hopson says. "If you're in a domed stadium, they're just too expensive to operate to leave them sit empty. So teams practise in them -- and they're too expensive to operate for practice. Then you've got to have a new practice facility ...

"The other great thing about our current arrangement is that we've got a good lease agreement with the city. We pay rent on a yearly basis, but we're able to benefit from revenue streams such as parking and concessions and beer. If we were going to a dome, that would likely change."

The benefits of a new stadium, whether indoors or outdoors, include more seats and creature comforts for spectators. A dome also would take Saskatchewan's sometimes-harsh elements out of the mix, adding to patrons' enjoyment.

On a larger scale, Fiacco believes a new stadium would invigorate the area in which it's built, just as the demolition of Mosaic Stadium would spark development at its location.

An indoor stadium also would be available for other sporting events, concerts or business events. Restaurants, a hotel or a convention centre also are possibilities.

"The talk of a dome is kind of exciting because it says we're not limiting ourselves," Hopson says. "I've been around long enough to remember a time we would have just pooh-poohed that and said, 'That's never going to happen. Don't even talk about it.'

"But (with talk of a dome) there's a sense of, 'All things are possible.' If an economic case can be made for it, that this thing could pay for itself and break even, then in this climate, you should at least have the conversation."

Tillman case going to court leaderpost.com Mon 23 Feb 2009 Section: Online Byline: Jana G. Pruden Source: Leader-Post

REGINA -- Saskatchewan Roughriders' general manager Eric Tillman is slated to make his first appearance on a high-profile sexual assault allegation Tuesday morning at Regina Provincial Court.

Senior Crown attorney Bill Burge - who prosecuted the aggravated sexual assault trial of former Riders linebacker Trevis Smith two years ago - has been assigned to the Tillman file.

It's not known whether Tillman will be present in person for the court appearance or will have his lawyer, Aaron Fox, appear in court on his behalf.

Burge is away this week, and another Crown prosecutor will likely speak to the matter in his absence.

A popular figure within the CFL and the Rider Nation, Tillman made headlines around the country when he was charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

The assault is alleged to have taken place on Aug. 6, and was reported to police in Regina three days later. Tillman was charged on Jan. 27, and the allegation became public knowledge several days after that.

Authorities have not released any details about the allegation.

Speaking at a press conference on Feb. 3, Fox said he expected there could be "a lot of developments" before Tillman's first court date, but that does not appear to have been the case so far.

Instead, prosecutor Lane Wiegers recently told the Leader-Post the case is currently proceeding in the usual fashion - starting with Tuesday's court appearance.

Sexual assault is a broad charge that can refer to any unconsensual action of a sexual nature, ranging from touching to intercourse. The Crown has not yet confirmed whether it will proceed summarily, the less serious way of treating a charge, or by indictment, which is more serious.

Tillman is currently on paid administrative leave from his position with the Riders organization.

At the Feb. 3 press conference, Tillman told the media he'd been co- operative and truthful with authorities, and has faith in the process.

"You might imagine, this is not fun," Tillman said at the time. "There are a lot of other things that I would like to say but out of respect for the individuals who are involved, many of whom I have profound respect for, I can simply say I told the truth. The process will unfold and I ask you to judge it as it goes forward and as the facts and truth are told."

The 51-year-old Tillman came to Regina to work with the Riders in August 2006, after general manager Roy Shivers was dismissed. Tillman's popularity skyrocketed in 2007, when he hired Kent Austin as the team's head coach, a decision that ultimately helped the Riders win the Grey Cup.

Canadian Football League Stories from February 23, 2009

• CFL News for Monday, February 23, 2009 - CFL
• Stamps Sign Alain Kashama - Calgary Stampeders
• Argonauts Pile Up On Defence - Toronto Argonauts
• Korey Banks agrees to terms on extension with Leos - B.C. Lions
• Champs In The Community - Calgary Stampeders
• 2009 Outriders Audition Date Set - Calgary Stampeders

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.