Pinball's future

[paulwoods13]

This is from a story by Dan Ralph of CP:

Clemons has been Toronto's GM since Oct. 8, 2019, when he replaced Jim Popp. The affable 60-year-old Florida native has served as an Argos player, head coach and executive since 1989 and said he took on the general manager’s role for a second time nearly seven years ago with the understanding it would last until the club was back on solid footing.

Toronto won Grey Cups in 2022 and '24 but comes off a less-than-stellar 2025 season. However, it's unclear how much longer Clemons will remain as Argos GM.

"I love the team, I love the game and all of that, but I also love my family and the (Pinball) Foundation and those things," Clemons said. "At some point, I've requested sort of a concept of a transition, and (MLSE president Keith Pelley) has promised me a look at what that would be.

"But we'll stay in this seat, I guess, as long as, you know, well, it's indefinite, let's say that. Being with the organization in a broader sense is what the idea is, so that doesn't mean I won't be with the team, it would probably mean that my time would be reduced with the team."

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/the- ... 6-11729382

I take this to mean the org needs to find a new GM in the near future. Sooner rather than later would be my choice, but timing is tricky given the hiring cycles on both sides of the border. I sure hope the org would at least ask Vince Magri if he wants to be a candidate.

[gilthethrill]

No Paul, the Argos MUST hire Riders Assistant GM Kyle Carson if Pinball moves on. From everything I read he is absolutely, positively going to be the best GM the sport has ever seen when he decides to be a GM.

[RichK]

Pinball is in charge of the football team like the governor-general is in charge of Canada. He’s largely ceremonial, and was effectively rendered redundant when Barker and Huff came on board. This news is not exactly unexpected.

[shatto]

Yes, Pinball is the face of the Argos but I beg to disagree that his is just a ceremonial one. Having the opportunity to converse with him on several occasions it is obvious that he is acting in very much in the role of a CEO. He sets and outlines the overall vision for the team's future. He enables, motivates and encourages others to realize that vision and assists in creating strategies. Granted he is not a hands on GM like most but what he contributes to the team should not be undervalued.

[paulwoods13]

The issue, which I have blathered on on about multiple times, is that as GM, his (not inconsiderable, presumably) salary is charged against the ops cap. Scott Mitchell's salary in Hamilton is not charged against the ops cap. That's a serious disadvantage for the Argos -- having to account for their "CEO" in that way. Hopefully when he transitions to whatever his new role will be, the Argos will be able to spend the full amount of the football ops cap on stuff specifically related to the football operation.

[RichK]

The issue, which I have blathered on on about multiple times, is that as GM, his (not inconsiderable, presumably) salary is charged against the ops cap. Scott Mitchell's salary in Hamilton is not charged against the ops cap. That's a serious disadvantage for the Argos -- having to account for their "CEO" in that way. Hopefully when he transitions to whatever his new role will be, the Argos will be able to spend the full amount of the football ops cap on stuff specifically related to the football operation.

I gotta think it would take big money — maybe even approaching Pinball-level money — to lure Magri away from his NFL dream into a long-term contract as Argos GM. That’s not likely to happen as long as Barker and Huff are both onboard.

[paulwoods13]

Pinball has shed more (or should that be less) light on the situation:

https://3downnation.com/2026/01/17/mike ... departure/

[ARGO57]

Pinball has shed more (or should that be less) light on the situation:

https://3downnation.com/2026/01/17/mike ... departure/

Sometimes less said is better.

[ArgoRavi]

Pinball has shed more (or should that be less) light on the situation:

https://3downnation.com/2026/01/17/mike ... departure/

Sometimes less said is better.

Arash Madani really laid into Pinball on Twitter:

https://x.com/i/status/2012585601376129316

[paulwoods13]

In the 3DN piece, he appears to suggest either that any alleged tampering occurred at the presidential level, or perhaps that whatever sanctions were imposed happened above his pay grade. Either way, perhaps not a wise thing to say publicly. Pinball clearly wants a reduced role. I don't know if I'd be negotiating in public if I were in his shoes.