As we get prepped for mini-camp opening next Wednesday, here's Our Man Tait with his annual "Positional Preview" series, starting with "The Specialists": 

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/05/05/positional-preview-specialists-5/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Read the story... If she's telling the truth, it's a pretty brutal damnation of Saunders. 

It's interesting that she went to the FreeP before she went to the cops. 

4 minutes ago, Noeller said:

It's interesting that she went to the FreeP before she went to the cops. 

Thats not how I understood it.

"Police spokesman Jay Murray confirmed there’s an active complaint matching the incident-report number provided to the Free Press by the woman, and that it involves allegations of sexual assault."

So if she had an incident report number to provide the Freep she must have been in contact with the police beforehand. Unless the Freep told her to call back with an official complaint filed? Its unclear when exactly she spoke with either the Freep or the police but it is clear the club was informed on Tuesday

4 minutes ago, MOBomberFan said:

Thats not how I understood it.

"Police spokesman Jay Murray confirmed there’s an active complaint matching the incident-report number provided to the Free Press by the woman, and that it involves allegations of sexual assault."

So if she had an incident report number to provide the Freep she must have been in contact with the police beforehand. Unless the Freep told her to call back with an official complaint filed? Its unclear when exactly she spoke with either the Freep or the police but it is clear the club was informed on Tuesday

You're right... I misinterpreted on first read. Re read it and you're right. No reason not to believe her story. 

https://3downnation.com/2022/05/26/bombers-released-jalen-saunders-due-to-sexual-assault-allegations-report/?fbclid=IwAR2wzvUI71x8j8AZQ_eHIckbiNOqnna4F-_jK7cOe6vvPlM2phXljow2EEk

 

47 minutes ago, MOBomberFan said:

Thats not how I understood it.

"Police spokesman Jay Murray confirmed there’s an active complaint matching the incident-report number provided to the Free Press by the woman, and that it involves allegations of sexual assault."

So if she had an incident report number to provide the Freep she must have been in contact with the police beforehand. Unless the Freep told her to call back with an official complaint filed? Its unclear when exactly she spoke with either the Freep or the police but it is clear the club was informed on Tuesday

 

42 minutes ago, Noeller said:

You're right... I misinterpreted on first read. Re read it and you're right. No reason not to believe her story. 

The article also says the club advised her to go to the cops so it does read as though the police were not initially involved.  

Wow the possible feel good comeback story ends terribly 

 

"On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the (team) was made aware, via social media, of an alleged sexual assault involving one of our players, Jalen Saunders. Immediately, our club advised the individual who came forward to notify the Winnipeg police. At the same time, we began our internal review of the off-field incident, following the CFL policy of violence against women.

After our internal review, this player was immediately released from the roster by our organization. The Winnipeg Football Club takes violence against women and sexual assault seriously, and thanks the individuals for coming forward on this matter.”

 

And thanks the individuals... individuals with an S? Wow 

Edited May 27, 20223 yr by Goalie

13 minutes ago, Goalie said:

And thanks the individuals... individuals with an S? Wow 

I think they mean the woman and the person who brought it to the club's attention.

"Someone close to the woman had informed the Bombers of the alleged assault"

23 minutes ago, bigg jay said:

I think they mean the woman and the person who brought it to the club's attention.

"Someone close to the woman had informed the Bombers of the alleged assault"

Ok. Still awful. What a dumbass Saunders 

Good riddance,  so how long until he signs in Edmonton?

How about innocent until proven guilty, folks?  Or even innocent until he’s at least charged? I’m all for listening to and protecting complainants, but to have your name splashed across the papers and labelled before charges are even brought is irresponsible journalism to me, seeing as how quickly some have already made up their mind. 

1 hour ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

How about innocent until proven guilty, folks?  Or even innocent until he’s at least charged? I’m all for listening to and protecting complainants, but to have your name splashed across the papers and labelled before charges are even brought is irresponsible journalism to me, seeing as how quickly some have already made up their mind. 

He wouldn't have been released after the Bombers did their own due diligence if he wasn't guilty. Don't kid yourself. 

6 hours ago, Brandon said:

Good riddance,  so how long until he signs in Edmonton?

I had that thought last night but he doesn’t play the right position. Too much spent on receivers in camp there already, too small for the OL.

 

 

7 hours ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

How about innocent until proven guilty, folks?  Or even innocent until he’s at least charged? I’m all for listening to and protecting complainants, but to have your name splashed across the papers and labelled before charges are even brought is irresponsible journalism to me, seeing as how quickly some have already made up their mind. 

I believe you have the CFL mixed up with the Justice system. The CFL is under no obligation to prove anything.

Also **** Saunders. Hope a couple hours (yes this went on for hours) was worth the jail time.

6 hours ago, Goalie said:

He wouldn't have been released after the Bombers did their own due diligence if he wasn't guilty. Don't kid yourself. 

I'm guessing teams won't touch him and that he will likely be banned from signing a contract

8 hours ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

How about innocent until proven guilty, folks?  Or even innocent until he’s at least charged? I’m all for listening to and protecting complainants, but to have your name splashed across the papers and labelled before charges are even brought is irresponsible journalism to me, seeing as how quickly some have already made up their mind. 

Maybe he's not guilty of a criminal offense... but there's a pretty good chance something happened... and it gives a bad look to the Bombers and the CFL... Bombers management won't stand for that... they released him and moved on... nothing more to see here, in my opinion

8 hours ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

How about innocent until proven guilty, folks?  Or even innocent until he’s at least charged? I’m all for listening to and protecting complainants, but to have your name splashed across the papers and labelled before charges are even brought is irresponsible journalism to me, seeing as how quickly some have already made up their mind. 

How does a guy who was given one last chance at continuing his pro career get himself into this situation within a week of arriving in town.   You would think he would be focused on winning a job rather then picking up young women at a bar.  

8 hours ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

How about innocent until proven guilty, folks?  Or even innocent until he’s at least charged? I’m all for listening to and protecting complainants, but to have your name splashed across the papers and labelled before charges are even brought is irresponsible journalism to me, seeing as how quickly some have already made up their mind. 

He’s not locked up.  He’s in the United States.  Who is judging guilt?  There’s no issue with terminology it’s an accusation.  But not going to help in a competitive battle for a roster spot.  The Bombers owe him nothing.

Glad the Bombers acted swiftly here. Hope the days of teams covering for abusers is over (at least in the CFL, I don't have much hope for the NHL, NFL etc.)  

8 hours ago, TrueBlue4ever said:

How about innocent until proven guilty, folks?  Or even innocent until he’s at least charged? I’m all for listening to and protecting complainants, but to have your name splashed across the papers and labelled before charges are even brought is irresponsible journalism to me, seeing as how quickly some have already made up their mind. 

FIFO

yup...Bombers did what they had to do...and what was correct....case closed now and not part of our concern.....and agreed...FIFO....there's a reason guys stick around here, and want to be here....solid all around

Sexual predators rarely have more than one incident. I suspect that police in Hamilton and surrounding areas as well as the place Saunders was living are going to look at unsolved incidents to see if he fits any of them. These things are like pulling on a thread on a sweater- you don't know where you are going to wind up.

2 hours ago, blue85gold said:

Glad the Bombers acted swiftly here. Hope the days of teams covering for abusers is over (at least in the CFL, I don't have much hope for the NHL, NFL etc.)  

Truth. They did their own private investigation and found cause to dump him. That’s more than enough said. 

but of course the village contrarian is doing what he always does. 

Meanwhile, he's back in the States and won't face justice unless he's extradited or makes the mistake of coming back to Canada if he's charged.  I hope the victim gets justice somehow.

15 hours ago, rebusrankin said:

Just an FYI, Winnipeg Free Press sub can be had for $1.50 for 22 weeks due to Manitoba's 150.

Apparently incident happened during the long weekend, club found out Tuesday and he was cut the same day.

omg, thank you.

Just signed up.

1 minute ago, Wideleft said:

Meanwhile, he's back in the States and won't face justice unless he's extradited or makes the mistake of coming back to Canada if he's charged.  I hope the victim gets justice somehow.

Well, at the very least, it keeps him out of our city and likely out of professional sports.

I wonder how Walters and co. feel about bringing this into the city. 

Just now, Jesse said:

omg, thank you.

Just signed up.

That's a great deal.  I'm already a long-time subscriber and I don't think Manitobans properly appreciate how lucky they are to have a paper of such high quality.

5 hours ago, JuranBoldenRules said:

He’s not locked up.  He’s in the United States.  Who is judging guilt?  There’s no issue with terminology it’s an accusation.  But not going to help in a competitive battle for a roster spot.  The Bombers owe him nothing.

Don’t mistake my comments for a condemnation of the club’s action. They can cut him for whatever reason, and they would certainly like to distance themselves from the allegations. But you ask who is judging guilt? The fans who commented “dumbass”, “good riddance”, “club cut him so he must be guilty”, “police must be checking their database in Hamilton to tie him to other crimes”, etc. 

I have no insight into the club’s internal investigation other than to know they got the complaint from a third party Tuesday evening and cut him a few hours later according to the paper. If they got solid proof that something criminal happened I trust they would go to the police and give their evidence. No idea if any of that happened. But it is plausible that they just didn’t want the negative press from being assocIated to it (like True North when they kept Chevy even though he was formally cleared - the public opinion was less forgiving) and he was an easy cut given training camp and three years away from the game. And anyone can speculate anything positive or negative, it is just disappointing to see comments painting him as guilty before a charge has even been laid or a statement to the police even given. And all because the media has seen fit to keep the complainant anonymous (as they frankly should given the sensitive nature of the charge) but get a quote from her but not offer the same consideration to the target of that complaint who has already had his reputation affected and been pre-judged more than a few on the board with no evidence yet given to the police and no charge even laid yet. If he is found guilty he deserves every bit of condemnation available, but if he is not guilty how does he get back his reputation? I just wish that the press would show some restraint and keep things anonymous since it so clearly has led to some to pre-judge based on an as of yet unproven (or even fully documented to the point of criminal charge) complaint. These are serious complaints and should be taken seriously for the sake of all parties, and not be the subject of the newspaper rumour mill before it has played out. As for the club, again they can cut him for whatever reason so no issue with their actions, but let’s not jump to the conclusion that the ONLY possible explanation for it is that he absolutely did it and it had nothing to do with avoiding bad PR and seeing the path of least resistance rather than suspending with pay pending the completion of the proceedings.