Forgive the reverend his trespasses
Simpson gets chance to atone for misdeeds
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/11/2009 (5803 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Barrin SIMPSON stood off to the side and watched his reputation get trashed as people tossed labels such as ‘selfish’ and ‘arrogant’ at him like missiles.
This weekend, after some pride swallowing, some common sense and the over-riding desire of both the player and his coach to win, the reverend will get a chance at redemption.
The Bombers host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday and for Winnipeg it’s a win-and-you’re-in playoff scenario. Simpson, who went from team leader to narcissist in the eyes of many, will slip into his No. 5 and take the field hoping to play gladiator before Winnipeg fans one more time.
Certainly a big performance by Simpson, who despite missing five games this season leads the club in tackles with 76, could earn back some of the credit he’s burned up with the legions that live and die with their Bombers.
"I’ve been frustrated and at times confused," said Simpson, who turned in one of his best games of the season in last week’s loss to the Montreal Alouettes with 10 tackles and two sacks. "The whole situation earlier in the season was frustrating and so was the losing. For everything to make a full circle is a blessing. To be able to come back and have a chance to play is a blessing. This game is really important for the front office, the players and the coaches."
Simpson, known across the Canadian Football League as the minister of defence for his role as both a football player and spiritual man, will attempt to put a season filled with injury, strife and frustration behind him with a win and a berth in the post-season.
"Sure, this is a chance at redemption for the season. To get this W and to have a chance at the playoffs," said Simpson, 32. "The whole ups and downs of the season. Considering all the things that happened in this season — that we were 3-8 and now we have an opportunity to make the playoffs. We still have a chance."
Simpson broke out of the gate this season as one of the best defenders in the CFL and led the league in tackles when Bombers coach Mike Kelly and defensive co-ordinator Mark Nelson determined that a turf toe injury had taken its toll on their middle linebacker.
Simpson’s numbers had slipped, while fellow linebacker Joe Lobendahn’s health had improved. Kelly wanted to rotate the two. Simpson, who had been taking two pain-killing shots during some games, balked at the suggestion and asked for a trade.
Before long, Simpson was told to come to the team’s facilities only during off-hours and to not take part in team activities.
It appeared Simpson had played his last game with the Blue Bombers and that he would spend the rest of the season inactive when an injury to Lobendahn changed things.
Kelly and Simpson came to an understanding and the player addressed his teammates, telling them he wanted to come back and that he’d put his personal agenda to the side.
The early returns were so-so at best, but in Winnipeg’s last two games Simpson has collected 17 tackles.
"It took some weeks to get back into that rhythm. I was out five weeks. I’m back in the groove. I feel really good," said Simpson. "The toe feels good. It doesn’t hurt at all. I don’t have to take the shot anymore. It all worked out for the good. Everything happens for a reason."
Kelly took a few shots at Simpson through the media during their estrangement but the pursuit of wins acted as a salve to the wounds of both men.
"Common sense, logic and maturity on both sides solved this," said Kelly. "Maybe Barrin would see it differently but for me it was, ‘What are we doing? Let’s go back to being us.’ He likes playing for me and I like having him play for me."
gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca
