Argos' GM Jim Barker fined for positioning

[Will]

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cf...234515375.html

Toronto Argonauts General Manager Jim Barker has been fined $2,500 for violating the league's sideline policy by positioning himself on the goal line directly behind an official, and attempting to communicate with that official, during play #130 of last Saturday's game between the Argos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Barker has also been informed that he will not be permitted on the sidelines during play for the remainder the Argos' 2014 regular season and post season.

Fair enough. Barker was where he wasn't supposed to be. He might not be a member of the coaching staff, but it is my understanding he is still required to be in that rectangle near the bench. His presence on or not on the sideline does not affect the Argos in anyway either.

[gilthethrill]

That is a substantial fine by CFL standards. I must agree that it looked bad on the league with Barker being where he was during such a pivotal play of the game.

[ArgoGabe22]

Statement from #Argos GM Jim Barker: "I made a mistake and I accept the fine and the subsequent sanction as determined by the #CFL office. It was not my intention to be outside of the player box as per the CFL sideline policy. In fact, I was making my way to the designated area and I was waiting for the series end"

I believe this is true since Barker likes to come down from the press box and does so every game. I doubt he stood there on purpose, trying to "influence" the referee.

[gilthethrill]

Pinball was also spotted outside the designated area signing autographs in the stands.

[doubleblue]

Does this go for all GM's. The Hamilton and Calgary GM's are always on the sidelines. Jim Popp as well. Where do they draw the line as there always seems to be "guests" hanging around the bench areas of not only the Argos but visiting teams. Sounds like an appeasement thing for Hamilton's cry babies.
Some Head Coaches are probably quietly cheering. Who wants their boss looking over their shoulder.

[ArgoGabe22]

If Barker was walking, stopped to watch and carried on, then I don't think this is an issue. But because he yelled "That was offside" to the official then it warrants a fine/suspension.

[Neely2005]

Does this go for all GM's. The Hamilton and Calgary GM's are always on the sidelines. Jim Popp as well. Where do they draw the line as there always seems to be "guests" hanging around the bench areas of not only the Argos but visiting teams. Sounds like an appeasement thing for Hamilton's cry babies.
Some Head Coaches are probably quietly cheering. Who wants their boss looking over their shoulder.

The cheerleaders too.

[AngeloV]

If he actually was responsible for the official throwing the flag, then the league has a bigger problem than who is standing where on the sidelines.

[Neely2005]

If he actually was responsible for the official throwing the flag, then the league has a bigger problem than who is standing where on the sidelines.

I think that we all already know that the league has a problem with the officiating.

[Will]

Does this go for all GM's. The Hamilton and Calgary GM's are always on the sidelines. Jim Popp as well. Where do they draw the line as there always seems to be "guests" hanging around the bench areas of not only the Argos but visiting teams. Sounds like an appeasement thing for Hamilton's cry babies.
Some Head Coaches are probably quietly cheering. Who wants their boss looking over their shoulder.

General Managers are allowed on the sidelines, but again they cannot be standing where Barker is standing. I agree there are probably those who fall into a "grey area" such as Jason for instance. You can call it an appeasement thing for Hamilton cry babies, but what did they gain from it? They still lost the game.

If he actually was responsible for the official throwing the flag, then the league has a bigger problem than who is standing where on the sidelines.

Definitely.

[ArgoRavi]

I am not sure that this is appeasing Ticats fans much as their owner was fined four times what Barker was for comments made on their message board that were critical of CFL officiating.