Joe Mack is worried about losing Brendon LaBatte and he should be. It's a loss that could haunt the Bombers.

The Bombers GM tipped his hand on Tuesday when he commented on the faltering negotiations between the club and the offensive lineman and subtly began to shift the blame to the player -- a sure sign he's feeling heat from his superiors, his coaching staff or his inner self for being unable to sign the pending free agent.

"We've had a substantial offer (on the table) for a while. I'm a little bit surprised that we haven't got that completed and it's kind of gotten to the point where (LaBatte) and his representative have taken a step back," said Mack, who has been unable to close a deal with his talented lineman with CFL free agency officially opening at 11 a.m. today. "It makes me think, just by trying to interpret that, that they may want to see what's out there."

The word disloyal wasn't thrown on the table, but a message was insinuated -- one that will make its way through the locker-room and the league.

"I wouldn't say 'strung along.' I'd like to think that I have a good relationship with Brendon, I have for a long period of time. I've tried to extend Brendon for a year-and-a-half (now). So I would hope the relationship I have with him, (that) he felt he could have been forthright as soon as possible," said Mack. "But of course there's a business aspect to it. I'm not totally unaware that if there are some decisions that maybe come from someplace else, that we (Bombers) would be used as leverage."

"Forthright" and "used." I'd like to give Mack the benefit of the doubt and say his choice of words was simply careless.

Stung

But no doubt they stung LaBatte like a headslap from the most vicious defensive lineman.

He doesn't deserve it.

It's OK for Bombers management to do what's best for the organization but not for a player to look after his own interests? Not getting LaBatte to re-sign was a mistake but the suggestion LaBatte is in any way wrong for wanting to explore his options and potentially moving on, doubles the error. We're not talking about an offer of generational money from the Bombers that would make LaBatte secure for the rest of his life.

They've paid him barely into six figures to play professional football. That's the going rate and LaBatte has been fine with it, but the opportunity to maximize his benefits should be respected. The team and the community of Winnipeg should wish LaBatte well whatever he decides. He's earned that.

LaBatte has been a soldier above reproach, playing hurt, switching positions whenever asked and always playing with dedication and professionalism. There shouldn't be a hint of dissatisfaction where his time with the Bombers is concerned.

As for negotiations, that's business and Mack knows a thing or two about dealing out a tough hand. Just ask Ike Charlton or Jon Oosterhuis, veterans clipped in-season or just prior to camp and left with very limited options. Now that he's on the receiving end he should fully understand one man's wish to do what serves him best.

It's what Mack does on a daily basis as GM of a football club.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @garylawless

Labatte longs for Banjo twang C4

Gary Lawless, Winnipeg Free Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 15, 2012 C1