Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Is Lyle leaving to join Stampeders?
Sources say Bombers CEO Bauer might be taking VP job in Calgary
Lyle Bauer (PHIL HOSSACK / FREE PRESS ARCHIVES)
There may be smoke, but Lyle Bauer insists there's no fire to one of the hottest rumours circulating through the CFL -- that he is leaving the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after a decade of service.
The Bombers president and CEO denied Friday the growing speculation that has come with two variations: 1. He was leaving the club for a job in the business world and 2. He was leaving to join the Calgary Stampeders organization.
Said Bauer, who chose to respond via an email to The Free Press rather than discuss the matter in an interview:
"There really isn't anything to talk about. I am currently in the process of reviewing our season and in the preparation of a report for our board of directors with the objectives of improving our club as well as a potential transition to a new facility and ownership change. And, besides, I am under contract to the Bombers.
"Anything other than that might make for an interesting rumour but those are the facts. Must be a slow day for news. And unfortunately rumours cause people problems and at this time rumours aren't good for anyone or this organization."
The 11-member Bomber board of directors met Thursday night and have asked Bauer to put together a full review of the club's operations -- as is normal procedure at year end -- but to also present a go-forward plan that outlines improvements for 2010, particularly on the football side of the business.
As well, Bauer will need to soothe concern on the board about a 7-11 record and whether head coach Mike Kelly's sometimes caustic relationship with fans and media can be addressed before next season.
In the meantime, Bauer will be heading to Calgary to take in the festivities, including the annual Touchdown Manitoba social next Friday.
Three CFL sources told The Free Press this week they have also heard whispers of the Bauer-to-the-Calgary rumour and the possibility of him replacing Stan Schwartz, the Stamps executive vice-president/consultant to the executive committee -- if the longtime employee retires. Stamps' president Scott Ackles has also had his name linked to the B.C. Lions and to Vancouver's 2011 Grey Cup which could also leave a void in their executive.
Despite Bauer's denial, part of the speculation may also be fuelled by the cryptic answer he gave to the Free Press last week when asked about his future with the team:
"Everybody takes some time, at this stage of the year, to reflect about what has gone on and where things are going," he said.
"And at some point -- and I haven't been that good at it -- there has to be personal and family considerations... Everybody has their own reviews and I'm sure I'll have my own discussions with (Bombers chairman) Ken Hildahl over the next few months. But I'll also have discussions with my own VPs and CEOs in my own family."
Bauer played for the Bombers from 1982-91 and was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1998. He served as the team's assistant general manager after his retirement in 1992 before leaving the club in 1995 for an opportunity in the grain industry.
He returned as president in February of 2000 and was instrumental in helping the club erase a massive $5.4-million debt that threatened the franchise's existence.
The team is now financially healthy, although in desperate need of a new facility, and under Bauer's watch the team has appeared in two Grey Cup games but has also had just one winning season since 2004. The 51-year-old has also battled throat cancer and helped establish the Never Alone Foundation which helps support a number of organizations, including CancerCare Manitoba.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 21, 2009 D3
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