Jim Barker Relieved of his Duties

[1971GreyCup]

There is a big fix needed here and needed fast. If the Argos were to write a big cheque to a football guru, I'd write it to "Pinball". The Argos are in ICU and need to be stabilized. Once stable, they need to rebuild local credibility. Its probably one of three likely scenarios.

[RB957]

So they fire Barker but keep Milanovich. Totally backwards IMO!

I totally agree. This really makes no sense to me. And if it is true that management lost faith in Barker last fall, why keep him around this long?

[RB957]

Don't worry, everything is fine. Nothing to see here...

The way things are going, it certainly looks like there will be nothing much to see on the field this season either.

[Reggiemac]

Hopefully not popp. Dont like his penchat for firing coaches mid season and promoting himself as gods gift to the cfl. Seen enough of his dog and pony show. I think they might try to bring in a young coach
From NCAA or CIS that can connect with todays players. Maybe an assistant GM from outside the argos as a new GM. An opportunity for another young person?

[timlb01]

Fire Copeland. He has done a brutal job. He is inexperienced at being a president of an organization and it shows. Stands are going to be half full next year as well.... sorry half empty.

[Neely2005]

The way things are going, it certainly looks like there will be nothing much to see on the field this season either.

You're obviously forgetting about the offensive tandem of Milanovich and Willy!

[Shipyard]

Fire Copeland. He has done a brutal job. He is inexperienced at being a president of an organization and it shows. Stands are going to be half full next year as well.... sorry half empty.

i'm sorry copeland is a joke

screwed up the launch at bmo
screwed up the grey cup
last place team
waited 3mos to fire GM

how does this guy stay employed

[argotom]

This is a team from top to bottom that simply can't shoot straight.
Even getting this firing wrong and like most have said should have occurred right after the season.

[argos1873]

Copeland will be on TSN 1050 at 11:30 according to Mike Hogan.

[Antwon]

Because of this horrible timing, I wonder if they dragged it out to make sure they had someone ready to come in. ???

[Neely2005]

Michael Copeland will be on TSN 1050 in a few minutes.

[gilthethrill]

I must admit I was waiting for news, but did not expect this. Like others, what took so darn long to make this move? I wish Jim all the best as he moves on.

[Shatto]

As a number of people have pointed out, this is more of an issue of timing rather than anything else. Instead of being 4 months ahead of the game they are now behind. The blame for this debacle has to be worn by Copeland. The biggest question, is how he has managed to keep his job.
The most surprise person must be Milanovich. It appeared to all and sundry, that that by the end of the season,he figured he was gone. Was money an issue here?

Assuming that Zimmerman is a capable scout of players and can be counted on the find good players, what is needed is a football knowledgeable, high profile individual who can motivate the organization, excite the fans and be able to develop excellent relationships with the media. Is there anyone who has those qualities?---yes--Pinball!! If this organization is smart they will move heaven and earth to get him to agree to become Vice President of Football Operations ( or some other appropriate title)

[timlb01]

That interview on 1050 with Copeland was pathetic. He is out to lunch. The best sports franchises hire the best people. Copeland is not even close to being average. Some review he must have done that I could figure out from my couch. Brutal and disappointing! The organization fired the wrong guy....

[1971GreyCup]

I hope during his meetings with the best football leaders on both sides of the border, Michael Copeland spent plenty of time with the RedBlacks. Absolutely best transition for new ownership team ever. Missed all the errors we experienced here in TO since last January.

[gilthethrill]

I hope during his meetings with the best football leaders on both sides of the border, Michael Copeland spent plenty of time with the RedBlacks. Absolutely best transition for new ownership team ever. Missed all the errors we experienced here in TO since last January.

I hope Copeland did not go to Cleveland!

[timlb01]

I hope Copeland did not go to Cleveland!

That was his benchmark he stated!

[AngeloV]

Not a fan of this move. Like others, I say if it had to be done, should have been done 6 weeks ago.

Maybe it's time for me to give up my season tickets because the team didn't do what I personally wanted. (obvious sarcasm).

[gilthethrill]

Not a fan of this move. Like others, I say if it had to be done, should have been done 6 weeks ago.

Maybe it's time for me to give up my season tickets because the team didn't do what I personally wanted. (obvious sarcasm).

Agreed. If they were going to cut Barker adrift, do it in November. I feel they would have been wise to keep him this late in the off season.

[Mightygoose]

Can someone recap what Copeland said in the interview for those who were not in a position to listen (like myself)
Thanks!