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

[jerrym]

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.

I agree. GM's and coaches, for that matter, who do not generate trust rarely survive long.

[ArgoRavi]

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.

Wilder has to realize that he has no leverage here. Does he want to have a football career or not? If he wants one, he either has to play out this year and try the NFL, renegotiate his contract for a larger amount for 2018 and 2019 - he could probably get six figures for each season - and then try the NFL, or sit out this season and find out if the NFL is interested in a 27 year-old running back who has played one of the previous three seasons.

I also find it strange that Wilder, as recently as a few weeks ago, was talking about having a 1000 yard receiving season in addition to a 1000 yard rushing season and I don't think he was talking about the NFL. Every indication when the season ended was that he was looking forward to returning to Toronto in 2018. Wasn't he even talking about moving his family up here back in November or December?

[ArgoGabe22]

Wilder has to realize that he has no leverage here. Does he want to have a football career or not? If he wants one, he either has to play out this year and try the NFL, renegotiate his contract for a larger amount for 2018 and 2019 - he could probably get six figures for each season - and then try the NFL, or sit out this season and find out if the NFL is interested in a 27 year-old running back who has played one of the previous three seasons.

I also find it strange that Wilder, as recently as a few weeks ago, was talking about having a 1000 yard receiving season in addition to a 1000 yard rushing season and I don't think he was talking about the NFL. Every indication when the season ended was that he was looking forward to returning to Toronto in 2018. Wasn't he even talking about moving his family up here back in November or December?

There are probably two sides to Wilder. The player himself who wants to come back and whoever is influencing him (agent?) to take the “negotiating” public, probably telling him to get out of his contract.

[gilthethrill]

There are probably two sides to Wilder. The player himself who wants to come back and whoever is influencing him (agent?) to take the “negotiating” public, probably telling him to get out of his contract.

I can't help but wonder if his dad has been influencing his son? In the end I believe Wilder will be a big part of the Argos offence this season.

[Wobbler]

I also find it strange that Wilder, as recently as a few weeks ago, was talking about having a 1000 yard receiving season in addition to a 1000 yard rushing season and I don't think he was talking about the NFL. Every indication when the season ended was that he was looking forward to returning to Toronto in 2018. Wasn't he even talking about moving his family up here back in November or December?

I think he was talking himself up, hoping to increase his bargaining power. Unfortunately for him, this isn't the sort of market where one can mobilize angry fans to call head office and demand that the ROY be brought back.

[Argo57]

I can't help but wonder if his dad has been influencing his son? In the end I believe Wilder will be a big part of the Argos offence this season.

Bingo!

[Will]

I can't help but wonder if his dad has been influencing his son?

The thought had crossed my mind too though I have no evidence to back that up.

[ArgoZ]

Wilder posted a video yesterday of himself and Butler working out in Florida. I'm sure he's being influenced by others.

Interestingly, if you post about Butler on Twitter, your almost gauranteed to get a reply by Butler's brother in-law, defending Vic and questioning your every statement.

Wilder constantly posts on former teammates social media accounts and obviously still wants to follow the CFL.

I often wonder, why don't they show up at camp and half ass it? Don't miss practice and get suspended, just underperform and get your release. Still plenty of time to sign on with an NFL team, especially if their in on the plan. I know it would take effort, but who would be the wiser? Much better than publicly tarnishing your employer and being forced to sit, out of possible spite.

[ArgoGabe22]

Interestingly, if you post about Butler on Twitter, your almost gauranteed to get a reply by Butler's brother in-law, defending Vic and questioning your every statement.

Doesn't help defend but instead really makes you not want Butler back even more.

[Argo57]

Wilder posted a video yesterday of himself and Butler working out in Florida. I'm sure he's being influenced by others.

Interestingly, if you post about Butler on Twitter, your almost gauranteed to get a reply by Butler's brother in-law, defending Vic and questioning your every statement.

Wilder constantly posts on former teammates social media accounts and obviously still wants to follow the CFL.

I often wonder, why don't they show up at camp and half ass it? Don't miss practice and get suspended, just underperform and get your release. Still plenty of time to sign on with an NFL team, especially if their in on the plan. I know it would take effort, but who would be the wiser? Much better than publicly tarnishing your employer and being forced to sit, out of possible spite.

Good luck to them in 2019!

[R.J]

Interesting how Wilder is still seen as a saint, and Butler as the devil.

[ArgoGabe22]

Interesting how Wilder is still seen as a saint, and Butler as the devil.

Didn't burn all the bridges. Yet. Wilder says one thing and then says how he's not angry and still loves the fans, team, etc. Butler just went all out and then lets his annoying "brother" speak for him. I think that softens up some people's perception of the Wilder situation.

[Argo57]

Interesting how Wilder is still seen as a saint, and Butler as the devil.

Not really surprising considering the way the situations were handled, as Gabe said one player at least tried to soften his stance while the other (Butler) made himself sound stupid and left no option to come back.

[R.J]

Wilder also appears to be lying though, as he stated that he approached the team about a new deal, which according to Popp and some media reports is false. Not a fan of someone who talk out of there ass and lies, but I guess I'm different. I do wonder though, is Wilder going to be the next Argo legend, like Chad Kackert seems to be around here ?

[Scooter McCray]

Wilder also appears to be lying though, as he stated that he approached the team about a new deal, which according to Popp and some media reports is false. Not a fan of someone who talk out of there ass and lies, but I guess I'm different. I do wonder though, is Wilder going to be the next Argo legend, like Chad Kackert seems to be around here ?

I'm not saying Kackerts number should be retired but in his short body of work he had an impact few players have. His injuries piled up as a result of how intensely he practiced and played the game. And his attempt at coming back from those injuries was no less than heroic. And he chose to stay here rather than chase the NFL. He did nothing but acquit himself well in the double blue and while he may not be a legend he deserves nothing less than respect for how he played the game.

[Argo57]

I'm not saying Kackerts number should be retired but in his short body of work he had an impact few players have. His injuries piled up as a result of how intensely he practiced and played the game. And his attempt at coming back from those injuries was no less than heroic. And he chose to stay here rather than chase the NFL. He did nothing but acquit himself well in the double blue and while he may not be a legend he deserves nothing less than respect for how he played the game.

Kackert quietly went about his business and seemed genuinely humble.
Wilder has damaged his credibility with many Argo supporters since season’s end.

[Argo57]

Wilder also appears to be lying though, as he stated that he approached the team about a new deal, which according to Popp and some media reports is false. Not a fan of someone who talk out of there ass and lies, but I guess I'm different. I do wonder though, is Wilder going to be the next Argo legend, like Chad Kackert seems to be around here ?

You’re no different, I feel somewhat duped by Wilder since the season ended.

[ArgoZ]

Interesting how Wilder is still seen as a saint, and Butler as the devil.

Same situation, similar contracts, same desires, and as I mentioned, they even hang out together in Florida. I get your point, however, the one big difference is Wilder has yet to pen an article slandering the Argonauts. An article that didn't accomplish anything positive (likely hurt Butler more) and only pissed people off. I don't see Wilder as a saint. It's easy to get behind Butler being the devil though. He sounded like an ungrateful whiner, who is having a tantrum by not getting his way.

[Stevoman]

For me, Kackert will always be a legend due to the fact that when he was in he made instant impact (despite the early fumble problems)and fought back from many injuries and stuck around on the practice roster for 2 straight seasons (I know he didn't have 4 kids to support but how'd he live on that?) without ever publicly complaining.

[AngeloV]

For me, Kackert will always be a legend due to the fact that when he was in he made instant impact (despite the early fumble problems)and fought back from many injuries and stuck around on the practice roster for 2 straight seasons (I know he didn't have 4 kids to support but how'd he live on that?) without ever publicly complaining.

Not fair to make that type of comparison, as it's doubtful that Kackert had any NFL inquiries. Again, I hold no ill towards Wilder. If I was making 52k Canadian and someone told me there was a chance to make 450k US, I think I too would want to be released for that opportunity. So easy for anybody to hate on him without ever being in that position. As far as the contract misunderstanding goes, that's on his agent for either not bothering to learn the legalities of the CFL contract or simply misinforming his client.