QB Glenn gets his walking papers, takes parting shot

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This article was published 10/03/2009 (6314 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Breakups are rarely, if ever, amicable. And so it will come as no surprise the divorce which ended Kevin Glenn’s reign as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers starting quarterback for the past 4 1/2 years came with some parting shots and jabs.

First, the details of how Glenn’s exit unfolded in the weeks since new head coach Mike Kelly traded for Stefan Lefors from the Edmonton Eskimos and then promptly began shopping the man who started 79 games in Bomber colours…

Glenn was due a $50,000 bonus on March 15 and, sources tell the Winnipeg Free Press, a hefty six-figure payment at the opening of training camp. But the Bombers say that after failing to rework Glenn’s contract — ditto for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who were given permission to speak to him last month — they decided to push on and release him outright Monday afternoon.

In fact, Glenn cleared waivers a few weeks ago and was free to negotiate with any CFL team as of 3 p.m. Monday.

"We were trying, in good faith, to do things that would be positive but Kevin wasn’t particularly interested in doing that," said Kelly. "He still would have had his opportunity to make his money if he had earned the starting spot and if he didn’t we wouldn’t have an albatross of a salary hanging around our neck and standing on the sidelines.

"We really appreciate all the time and effort and memories he’s provided for the Blue Bomber fans, but now it’s time to move on."

Not so fast, said Glenn Monday night when reached in Detroit.

"He said I declined the renegotiation?," began Glenn. "Well, one day they offered me the renegotiation and then the next day they say, ‘we think it’s best if we part ways.’ Where in that is the renegotiation? That’s what I don’t get about this whole situation. You go through this and I keep my mouth shut… I don’t know Kelly and Kelly doesn’t know me. I’ve had one conversation with the guy. I can’t comment on Kelly but he does comment on me?

"It happens, it’s part of the game. But don’t make it sound like I wasn’t for the restructuring."

Glenn has already spoken with Ticats GM Bob O’Billovich about going to Hamilton to challenge rising star Quinton Porter and other teams may also call the eight-year CFL vet, who is still just 29.

"This allows me to weigh all my options and look at every situation and then make a decision," he said. "Everybody in the league was waiting to see if Winnipeg was going to cut me. No one was going to try and trade. They tried with Hamilton… but if I’m Hamilton, I’m not going to give up anything when I know this guy isn’t in their plans, I’m going to sit back and wait.

"I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. We might not know now what the reason is, but in due time I’ll find out."

The Bombers are now left with LeFors, Ryan Dinwiddie and Bryan Randall on their depth chart. That trio, combined, has less than 10 CFL starts. But while Kelly did hint that the QB pool available to him now with the disappearance of both NFL Europa and the Arena League is considerably deeper than in years past, it’s clear he has great confidence in LeFors. And part of eliminating Glenn from the picture, as risky as that decision may be, is to allow LeFors to grow into the No. 1 job without having to look over his shoulder at a veteran presence. Kelly is also impressed with Dinwiddie’s game and has already developed some offensive packages to take advantage of Randall’s mobility.

"We have brought in another quarterback in Stefan and… well, let’s just say I’m not a big fan of murky waters on that subject," said Kelly. "We don’t feel like we’re in any kind of situation where we don’t have a safety net — if, in fact, we need one.

"I’ve taught leadership classes and sometimes the hardest thing is making the decision that nobody else is willing to make. I was willing to make this decision."

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

The book on Glenn

 

Acquired from the Toronto Argonauts as part of a three-team trade, including Saskatchewan, on May 19, 2004, for two draft picks and future considerations.

Took over starting reins from Khari Jones on Sept. 5, 2004.

Started 79 games over 4 1/2 years as a Bomber, going 38-40-1.

East Division all-star QB, East Division Most Outstanding Player in 2007. Guided Bombers to Grey Cup berth, but broke his arm in East Final win over Toronto and did not dress in Grey Cup loss to Saskatchewan.

Lost starting job last summer, regained it and called his own plays. Threw a career-high 20 interceptions in ’08.

— Tait