Non-import safety yet to make up his mind on where he will play in 2006
By Herb Zurkowsky,
Montreal Gazette
An exasperated Jim Popp said the Alouettes have done everything in their power – short of getting into a bidding war – to retain Canadian free-agent safety Richard Karikari.
“I don't know what else I can do,” the Als' general manager told The Gazette last night from Las Vegas. “They gave me a round number and I met it. I met their line in the sand. They gave me 48 hours to meet it, and I did it in 24 hours. They told me if I met their number, the deal was done.”
Twenty-four hours after announcing he'd agreed in principle to a three-year contract with Winnipeg, Karikari still hadn't faxed a signed deal to the Blue Bombers' office. The delay has led to some concern from Winnipeg GM Brendan Taman, who received a call last night from Ken Vierra, Karikari's agent.
“Vierra said there was a problem,” Taman said. “He's not ready to sign what we proposed. The longer this goes on, the worse it gets. Montreal's still in the mix, and I'm no further ahead than I was two weeks ago.
“It feels like we're on a roller coaster,” he said. “I was told I was in the mix, but now I'm led to believe we may not have him.”
Popp placed a call to Karikari earlier yesterday, advising the three-year veteran to make sure he knew what he was getting into. Coincidentally or not, that conversation might be the result of Karikari's waffling.
The Als have reached the Grey Cup three of the last four years, including 2005, when they lost in double overtime to Edmonton. The Bombers, conversely, lost 13 of 18 games last season and their defence allowed a whopping 558 points. Winnipeg will be coached in the coming season by Doug Berry, Montreal's former offensive co-ordinator, who has never been a head coach at any level.
“Right now, I'm just looking over the information. Nothing has changed,” Karikari said late last night. “I'm not going to rush a decision that'll affect me for three years. I want everyone's full numbers before I decide.
“I'm not leaning one way or another. Don't write that I'm second-guessing my decision. I'm looking over the paperwork.”
Although Karikari didn't become a starter until last season, the Bombers are poised to make the 26-year-old a rich man. Winnipeg is believed to be offering a contract that could pay close to $150,000 annually. Montreal's offer, meanwhile, is believed to be at least $130,000.
“I hope Richard chooses a team for the right reason, and not just for the money,” Popp said. “I want him to stay because he wants to play for the Alouettes. But I can't match Winnipeg's offer. If this is over money, I can't match it. But we're doing what we can to try and keep him.”
Karikari intercepted a team-leading nine passes last season, returning one for a touchdown, and was named to the CFL all-star team. Should he leave Montreal, a possible replacement would be Matthieu Proulx, the Als' first-round draft choice last April who received considerable playing time as a rookie.
“Matt may be the guy,” Popp said. “When called upon, he did a nice job. He was outstanding down the stretch, when Richard was hurt. He grew a lot as the season went on.”
