Eskimos GM Eric Tillman discusses the highs and lows of the past year in an exclusive interview.
Edmonton Eskimos' general manager Eric Tillman has experienced a series of highs and lows in both his personal and professional life this year. It began with the high-profile sexual assault case in January, in which he pled guilty to a summary charge and was given an absolute discharge without any criminal record. The presiding judge called the incident involving a teenager, who worked as the Tillman family's babysitter, "an aberration fuelled by the consumption of pain medication."
The family of the girl stated in court that it had forgiven Tillman. They wanted him to remain as general manager of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a club he guided to a 2007 Grey Cup win. Instead, Tillman resigned within days of being granted the discharge, believing a fresh start was best for everyone.
In mid-September, the Edmonton Eskimos, reeling with a record of 2-9 and without a GM after the firing of Danny Maciocia in late July, hired Tillman. It prompted criticism from some Eskimos' fans who did not support the decision. Tillman addressed the controversy upon his introduction, and received strong support from Eskimos president Rick Lelacheur and board chairman Doug Goss, whose wife is a judge. The controversy seemed to pass quickly and the Eskimos have turned around their play significantly under Tillman, winning five of their last six games and now have a chance to make the playoffs this weekend. A loss by the B.C. Lions, who play in Hamilton on Saturday, or a win later in the day by the Eskimos in Regina, will qualify Edmonton for the West Division semi-final in Saskatchewan eight days later. The Lions and Eskimos are tied for third in the West with 7-10 records, but Edmonton has won the season series.
In advance of this Saturday's game, Tillman spoke to sportsnet.ca on a variety of issues, including the Eskimos' turnaround, the support he has received from the Edmonton organization, returning to Regina with a chance to make the playoffs, what has happened to his family this year and much more.
SPORTSNET.CA: Personally and professionally what are your thoughts now after all that has happened this year? You must feel like you have gone from hell to something short of heaven.
TILLMAN: The outside perspective of what life was like in Saskatchewan doesn't reflect our experiences at all. As an individual and as a family we were treated incredibly well - in the best of times and in the worst of times too. Many people in the CFL refer to working for the Roughriders like living in a fishbowl and that's a very true depiction. But there were, and are, so many positives too.
The friendliness and genuine goodness of Saskatchewan people make it a great place to live, and wow, their love of the Riders is absolutely amazing. In truth, because of several similarities, the transition to Edmonton has been very easy. Both are community-owned teams and both have strong, passionate fan bases. It's a blessing to work in communities where what you do matters so much.
SPORTSNET.CA: Both teams are community owned, but Rider fans are pretty unique aren't they?
TILLMAN: Winning the Grey Cup in 2007 was one of the best experiences of my life because it meant so much to Rider fans and I'm just so sorry that we didn't cap it off for them with two championships in three years. Obviously, it's impossible to come any closer to achieving that than what we did last year, losing on the final play of the game against Montreal after being flagged for too many men on the field. But now it's on to a new challenge and a new opportunity in Edmonton.
I have incredible gratitude to the Eskimos for extending me this opportunity and, of course, the best way to say thank you is to win. It's a blessing being back in the league and so energizing doing something I truly love. And I will never forget the support and encouragement from people like David Braley, Wally Buono, Kent Austin, Marcel Bellefeuille, Jim Barker and many others during those weeks and months when I was on the outside looking in. Toronto Maple Leaf general manager Brian Burke wrote a letter that I will always treasure, too. In times of adversity, you quickly find out who your true friends are.
SPORTSNET.CA: What do you pinpoint as the change in the team from the time you came aboard?
TILLMAN: We talked about the need to achieve offensive balance. Doing so was critical if we were going to improve significantly. We had protection issues and that was magnified by throwing down after down. Running the ball effectively can be a quarterback's best friend and it helps the offensive lineman because defenders can't just tee off and get up field every snap. So, give the credit for our turnaround to the coaches and players. Sure, I talked about needing to run the ball a lot more, but they've been successful doing it.
SPORTSNET.CA: What did you say when you spoke to the team for the first time?
TILLMAN: I spoke with the team about the parallels in life and football. Sometimes we fail, and in athletics or life, those failures can be very public, and they often bring criticism and ridicule. When that happens, we can either feel sorry for ourselves and continue to let those worst moments define us, or we can get up and go forward with a determination to be better. No doubt each of us, in different ways, would love to be able to alter the past, but life doesn't grant us that opportunity does it?
But, that said, life does present us with a blank canvas for the present and the future, and a chance to make a difference in many positive ways. Our team adapted that attitude after most people, frankly, had written us off. As a team we decided to get up and chase our goals, and I think that fighting spirit is reflected in our strong finish.
We certainly haven't achieved our ultimate objective, but making the playoffs would be a big first step after a 2-9 start. Now, with five wins in our last six games, it's a very exciting time to be an Eskimo and, as a team not as individuals, we are pumped up about the challenge of this weekend. Sure, we understand that we are playing a very talented club and we have tremendous respect for Saskatchewan, but after overcoming so much adversity we now control our own destiny. Six weeks ago lesser men might have given up. This group didn't, though, and we are proud of them.
SPORTSNET.CA: You're going back to Regina for the biggest game this season for Edmonton, how ironic is that?
TILLMAN: Obviously, much has been made of the irony of having potential back-to-back games in Regina. I understand the questions, but please let's focus on we, not me. The personal dynamic has no place in the critical stages of trying to win a championship. The best of friendships will last a lifetime, and I was blessed with many in Regina; but, this weekend, and hopefully next weekend, is strictly business. (Head coach) Richie Hall, who combined had been with the Roughriders 18 years as a player and later position coach, and I will always have great affection for Saskatchewan. But during the football season we are simply viewed as two guys who work for the Evil Empire, as they half-jokingly refer to us in Riderland.
SPORTSNET.CA: Will you watch the game from the sidelines or in a private box? If you are on the sidelines, how weird will that feel?
TILLMAN: It's hard to be invisible with hair like mine, but I'm sure going to try. All kidding aside, let's put the focus where it belongs - on the players and coaches. Riders' GM Brendan Taman and I won't make a single tackle or throw a single pass this weekend, so maybe we'll sit together.
SPORTSNET.CA: Your family still lives in Regina and your kids go to school there, so has there been a change in the way the naysayers have reacted to them? Moreover, do you look at it that some people will never forget or forgive, and there is nothing you can do to change that?
TILLMAN: The people who knew the most - the judge, the other family and my wife - all extended forgiveness. They know everything: the circumstances of the day, the fact that she had been our babysitter for almost two years without an incident, the medications I had taken late that afternoon before a board meeting, the multiple witnesses who spoke about my behaviour right before I was sent home from the office, the fact that this apparently happened right after I walked in the house with both kids in the same room and, of course, the sincerity of my remorse. But in terms of your question, regarding those who can't or won't forgive, well, I don't know anyone who wants to be defined by the worst 10 seconds of their life. That said, it's not my place to tell them how to feel. The fault lies with me, not with anyone else, and I've accepted full responsibility for doing something incredibly stupid while under the influence. It's a regret I will take to the grave, and, like I said I'm very grateful to have been granted forgiveness by those who matter most, and who know the most.
SPORTSNET.CA: Are you aware that some Rider fans are saying the team lacks the leadership that you provided and that's part of the reason the team is in its current state?
TILLMAN: Well, I poured my heart and soul into trying to build something special for the fans and it was an absolute labour of love. But, much too much is being made of my departure and the impact you are asking about. Success is always a collective effort. We won a Grey Cup, participated in two, and earned three successive home playoff games as an organization, not because of an individual or two.
SPORTSNET.CA: If the Eskimos win, the team plays back-to-back against the Riders and anything can happen. Even in the CFL, which some people say stands for the Crazy Football League, isn't this a bit bizarre?
TILLMAN: Yes, I'll admit it's about as improbable as a man bites dog story, but, more importantly I just hope you're right about the back-to-back games in Regina. It's been 16 years since a team has won the championship on it's home field and I had the good fortune to be GM of that 1994 Lions team. Winning it all in your own stadium is a thrill like no other. To host the Grey Cup this year, we will have to beat Saskatchewan twice, and then Calgary. That's quite a challenge, but hey, who thought we could come back from a 2-9 start and control our own playoff destiny? Only in the CFL, right?
