Feature article about Chad Owens being traded by Montreal to Toronto before the season began

MG = Montreal Gazette


About how he was set to return kicks for Montreal until he was suddenly traded to Toronto right before the season began, Chad Owens said:
"I don't want to get into a lot of what happened. It's between myself and the organization. There are no hard feelings and I won't burn bridges. I understand this is a business - and they do, too. Things happen in this profession that you can't control. You hope things will work out, but they don't always. I'm just happy to still be playing." (MG)


MG Note: "Bruno Burnoski, Owens's Florida-based agent, told a Toronto reporter via email the Als wanted to cut his client's salary to $42,000 from $70,000. Another source told The Gazette the Als wanted to suspend Owens, meaning they would retain his rights. Predictably, he balked at both potential scenarios."


Asked to comment on the rumors of how Montreal wanted to reduce his salary, Owens said:
"That's (the Als') version." (MG)


MG Note: "We're certain of this much: The relationship between Owens and his new employers has been pure bliss. In Toronto's opening two games alone, he returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown along with a field goal 117 yards for a score. He's averaging 19.4 yards on kickoff returns and 12 yards on punts. And Owens also is getting the opportunity to play receiver; he has caught seven passes for 81 yards. He leads the Canadian Football League in combined yards, with 749."


About how they gave up a valuable draft pick to get Owens but it was worth it, Toronto head coach Jim Barker said:
"Giving up a fourth-round pick is a step for a guy who has never played and done nothing. Fourth rounders have a chance to play, and they're Canadian. The good teams get better by stockpiling their picks. But Chad's made for this league. He brings a warrior's attitude and wants to play. He's not afraid and is fearless. He has brought that mentality every time he touches the ball. Offensively, he gives us something we didn't have. He's quick and catches the ball. We're slowly evolving him into our offence." (MG)


About facing Montreal, the team that traded him, Owens said:
"I'm focused on playing the game. I've moved on and am happy to be in this situation ... still doing what I love. There's always incentive. You want to break one every week - no matter if you have history (with a team) or not." (MG)

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Owens+hard+feelings+toward+Alouettes/3334511/story.html