By Jack Bedell,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hammond, LA – Despite what recent news around the league might indicate, trades in the Canadian Football League aren’t all that commonplace. It’s rare for veteran players to be traded for their convenience or to rectify teams’ roster problems that could have been fixed in pre-season.
Under the current CFL Salary Management System and roster strictures, it can be difficult to move veteran players and their contracts, especially in an eight-team league in which the other seven teams would prefer to wait until the player is released outright and is free to negotiate a new contract to accommodate SMS concerns.
The Bombers break the trend
Last month, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers made two big deals, however, sending receivers Arjei Franklin and Romby Bryant and some draft considerations to Calgary for Titus Ryan, Jabari Arthur, and Odell Willis. They also cut a deal with the Alouettes to send non-import rush ends Riall Johnson and Shawn Mayne to Montreal for the rights to fourth-string pivot Ricky Santos.
No matter which direction the players were headed, though, you can bet the moves did some serious disruption to their personal and professional lives. Not to mention the change in post-season plans for many of them!
In the aftermath of one of the deals, newly-acquired Alouettes defensive end and native son Shawn Mayne was gracious enough to take a few minutes with me to describe how the trade went down on his end and to talk about some of the personal effects of being dealt.
South of 49: When did you first learn about the trade on your end?
Shawn Mayne: The first time I heard about the trade was on Monday at around 4 p.m. when I was at home getting ready to go back to Winnipeg.
SO49: Once the deal was complete, what did you have to do on a personal level to get ready for the move?
Mayne: As soon as I found out about the trade, the first thing I had to get used to was being back home along with getting used to my new teammates.
SO49: What was the check-in procedure like with the Alouettes?
Mayne: Actually, it was really easy. The fact that I was still in Montreal helped. All I had to do was go to the hospital for my physical and then go to the Big O to meet my new team and get my playbook.
SO49: How much of an adjustment will your new responsibilities and schemes be?
Mayne: As for understanding the playbook and what they are trying to do on defence, the system is somewhat the same as Winnipeg’s. It’s more just understanding the wording and terminology that’ll take some time.
SO49: Does playing at home ease the transition, or add some pressure?
Mayne: With how long I have been playing ball, the fact that I am playing at home will not affect me, but I am sure the first time I dress and step out on the field at Percival Molson Stadium, I will need some getting used to as I was used to Winnipeg and the fans there.
SO49: Have the Als given you any indication of how you’ll fit in on the roster?
Mayne: The Als have been hit hard with a lot of Canadians going down, so special teams is where I will be making my mark.
SO49: Now that everything’s sunk in, are you excited about the rest of the season?
Mayne: Now that everything’s over with, I am really excited about the second half of the season. I went from going home in November to the playoffs, and maybe more if we keep this up.
SO49: Any reason to circle the date of the next Winnipeg game on your calendar?
Mayne: I’m not too sure how I will be feeling the next time we play Winnipeg. I have a lot of good friends on the team, but I am sure once kickoff is over with, it will be all about the game.
