LaPolice on Ticats signing TJ: ‘Not something we would do’

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This article was published 18/11/2011 (5406 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice said he never anticipated receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris would sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats — Winnipeg’s opponent in Sunday’s CFL East Division final — when the team decided to release the receiver Thursday morning for violating team rules.

And the reason LaPolice gave for not anticipating such an eventuality was a bit of a slap at the Ticats organization.

“I will say this,” LaPolice told a crush of national and local media Friday afternoon, “it didn’t cross my mind because I don’t think we would do it as an organization.”

Veteran Bombers defensive tackle Doug Brown also had some strong words for the Ticats decision to sign Jeffers-Harris to their practice roster today even though he is ineligible to play for them on Sunday or in the Grey Cup, should Hamilton advance.

“He’s obviously not going to play this week,” said Brown, “so he’s there for no other reason than espionage. It’s kind of sad that’s the case right now. It’s not my decision to make, but if that’s what they want to resort to, so be it…

“When it’s that obvious and blatant, it makes you roll your eyes a little bit.”

Bombers cornerback Jovon Johnson said he is unconcerned by Jeffers-Harris joining the Ticats, noting the same reasons Jeffers-Harris is no longer with the Bombers is precisely why he poses no threat now that he’s with the Ticats.

“I guess they think TJ can come over and give them our game plan and what-not. But if they think that’s going to happen, they’re completely wrong. I don’t think TJ even knew the game plan to begin with,” said Johnson.

“If TJ had been paying attention, he’d still be here.”

Jeffers-Harris was cut by the Bombers Thursday morning for repeated violations of team rules but almost immediately hooked up with the Ticats and was already in Hamilton by Thursday night.

The Ticats confirmed Friday morning that they had signed Jeffers-Harris to a practice roster agreement and the 23-year-old import receiver out of Vanderbilt practiced in Hamilton with the Tabbies this morning.

While Jeffers-Harris is ineligible to play for the Ticats in the East Division final at Canad Inns Stadium, he has knowledge of the Bombers playbook generally — and at least a rudimentary understanding of their game plan for this week specifically — that could be helpful to Hamilton.

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Hamilton Tiger-Cats spokesman Scott McNaughton said the Ticats will not be making Jeffers-Harris available to the media for interviews on Friday – in Hamilton to reporters there or by phone to reporters in Winnipeg.

“He’s got a new playbook and will be very busy today. He won’t be available,” McNaughton said.

Ticats coach Marcel Bellefeuille told reporters in Hamilton on Friday that the Ticats signed Jeffers-Harris hoping he can contribute to their club next season and aren’t expecting him to reveal much insight on the Bombers game plan for Sunday. “What can a player tell you? We have 18 games of film,” Bellefeuille was quoted as saying. “I don’t think there’s any major secrets.”

Bellefeuille also said he didn’t ask Jeffers-Harris about the Bombers’ game plan. But when pressed if his coaches asked Jeffers-Harris about the Bombers plan, Bellefeuille answered cryptically: “No, I didn’t.”

The Ticats are flying to Winnipeg Friday evening, but McNaughton said Jeffers-Harris will not be travelling with the team and will remain behind in Hamilton this weekend.