Argos James Wilder Jr issues statement that he won't be playing in 2018

[Will]

Wilder seems all over the map. He tweeted support for Butler, Knox and Awe on the one hand, but on the other hand tried to distance himself from some of Butler's more extreme​ comments.

[Joe Barnes]

Wilder seems all over the map. He tweeted support for Butler, Knox and Awe on the one hand, but on the other hand tried to distance himself from some of Butler's more extreme​ comments.

Just conjecture, but maybe Wilder was only hoping to get a raise, be it NFL or Argos, when he originally posted and didn't expect it to snowball as it has. Probably didn't know Butler was going to come out as negatively he did...now Wilder is scrambling to not look like a bad guy.

[ArgoZ]

Just conjecture, but maybe Wilder was only hoping to get a raise, be it NFL or Argos, when he originally posted and didn't expect it to snowball as it has. Probably didn't know Butler was going to come out as negatively he did...now Wilder is scrambling to not look like a bad guy.

If Wilder wants to sit out, he's entitled and I must respect that, even though I think a year off is the wrong decision to advance his football career. He's been respectful, almost apologetic at times, and still speaks highly about the fans and Argonauts. He did not trash the team like Butler, using terms like hostage and crime of humanity, while publicly exposing all the faults of the franchise. I still wouldn't be surprised to see him in camp, should a raise be offered, with an "ah shucks" explanation. He's a good dude.

[1971GreyCup]

If Wilder wants to sit out, he's entitled and I must respect that, even though I think a year off is the wrong decision to advance his football career. He did not trash the team like Butler however, using terms like hostage and crime of humanity, while publicly exposing all the faults of the franchise. I still wouldn't be surprised to see him in camp, should a raise be offered, with an "ah shucks" explanation. He's a good dude.

Definitely a good teammate. Played his way from ST to starting RB. With no NFL regular season experience, it would be a big mistake to sit out 2018. Doubtful he could earn up to $77,000 in six months. His best option is to play, and prove he merits a shot at the NFL. If he chooses to sit, he runs the risk of being considered a marginal, malcontent, or worse just forgotten. I am sure he'll be at training camp just as motivated as he was in 2017.

[doubleblue]

IMO Popp should have gave Wilder some bonus money for his great performance last year. GM's keep a couple thousand or more from what I have heard to pay for signing bonuses to resign free agents. I know Wilder isn't a free agent but it would have been the right thing to do as he was a difference maker last year. IMO he was really important in taking the heat off Ricky Ray, whether it was his blocking, threat carrying the ball or good receiving for those short passes and yac yards when Ray was pressured. Sometimes one has to look at the big picture. Sure RB's are a dime a dozen but not the kind that took the heat off Ricky Ray like he did.

[matchuk]

don't know if anyone follows him on twitter, but is it just me or will wilder not shut up about this whole fiasco? seeing his responses to other cfl'ers and constant justification for his decision shows me that he knows what he is doing is wrong and in bad faith...

just make a decision and roll with it...period....we can win without you bud

[Neely2005]

The CFL ruled on Thursday that the Lions’ release of Awe was engineered to dodge the NFL negotiation ban, and announced it would fine the Lions for the move.

[1971GreyCup]

don't know if anyone follows him on twitter, but is it just me or will wilder not shut up about this whole fiasco? seeing his responses to other cfl'ers and constant justification for his decision shows me that he knows what he is doing is wrong and in bad faith...

just make a decision and roll with it...period....we can win without you bud

Just means James Wilder chose to negotiate through the press. Not a good long term move on his part. I have faith that Jim Popp will do the right thing with him after he reviews the FAs and their costs. Jim has no urgency on his part. N fact the longer he waits, the better deal he'll strike.

This shows how little James Wilder Jr. understands about the business of the CFL.

[AngeloV]

don't know if anyone follows him on twitter, but is it just me or will wilder not shut up about this whole fiasco? seeing his responses to other cfl'ers and constant justification for his decision shows me that he knows what he is doing is wrong and in bad faith...

just make a decision and roll with it...period....we can win without you bud

I don't fault him for that. It's what people do today with social media being what it is. I wish it wouldn't go that way, but IMO, it's not a big issue. Fans are taking these things way too personally IMO.

[argos1873]

I think Wilder was wrong to expect to be released, and went about it the wrong way, but a) if he decides to sit out, that's his choice, although I don't think it will do him any good, and b) if he decided he made a mistake, before training camp or VERY early in the season, I would welcome him back.

Butler, on the other hand...here's a pile of sand. Go pound it.

[Skilz]

https://www.tsn.ca/barker-says-wilde...-exit-1.993499

Barker denies any "handshake" deal.....how the world turns.

[Scooter McCray]

Okay. Wilder can have more money but it is for two more years now. Butler can go away because of the hatchet job he did to the team and league. They must have thought Barker left town.

[gilthethrill]

I am glad Barker took the time to tell his side of the story, despite not having to. I wish JB all the best.

[R.J]

Unsure if Barker is believable or not, but at this point who cares, good riddance to both Wilder and Butler IMO.

[Will]

AFAIK, Wilder wasn't insinuating that there was a "handshake" deal in his case.
It is my recollection that Wilder signed after Popp was hired, and even if negotiations began prior to Popp's hiring that Zimmerman would've mentioned it (if it were accurate).

[R.J]

AFAIK, Wilder wasn't insinuating that there was a "handshake" deal in his case.
It is my recollection that Wilder signed after Popp was hired, and even if negotiations began prior to Popp's hiring that Zimmerman would've mentioned it (if it were accurate).

Wilder was signed by Popp. Wilder just like Butler wants out plain and simple, but Wilder also seems to be talking out of both sides of his mouth.

[Will]

Wilder was signed by Popp. Wilder just like Butler wants out plain and simple, but Wilder also seems to be talking out of both sides of his mouth.

Yeah, I've noted that myself.

[mchesher03]

My take is that wilder has bluffed and essentially had his bluff called.

Argos management has said basically said “alright, sit out if you want but you’re still under contract” while JWJ had expected his request to just be granted and over with.

Now he finds himself in a bit of a bind having obviously great incentive NOT to sit out the year as most here have mentioned and I too, wouldn’t be shocked to see him back in the fold next year. However if not, I wish him well – he’s just trying to do what’s best for him and his family and just may not have gone about it in the best way.Such is life.I have no dog in the fight as far as wilder is considered, would love to have him back but if not, good luck young man.

Like someone else already mentioned, butler on the other hand…. “see ya”

[AngeloV]

My take is that wilder has bluffed and essentially had his bluff called.

Argos management has said basically said “alright, sit out if you want but you’re still under contract” while JWJ had expected his request to just be granted and over with.

Now he finds himself in a bit of a bind having obviously great incentive NOT to sit out the year as most here have mentioned and I too, wouldn’t be shocked to see him back in the fold next year. However if not, I wish him well – he’s just trying to do what’s best for him and his family and just may not have gone about it in the best way.Such is life.I have no dog in the fight as far as wilder is considered, would love to have him back but if not, good luck young man.

Like someone else already mentioned, butler on the other hand…. “see ya”

My feelings exactly.

[Argo57]

Unsure if Barker is believable or not, but at this point who cares, good riddance to both Wilder and Butler IMO.

I believe Barker and Popp.
A GM’s career wouldn’t last long if he became known as a person that couldn’t be trusted and wasn’t true to his word and both of these guys have been very successful in football for a very long time.