Anton Bennett/Ticats.ca
Nic Grigsby wants to set the record straight and move on.
It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for the Canadian Football League rookie. After starting the first 14 games of the season with Winnipeg, Grigsby was a healthy scratch in Week 15. And then once Grigsby found out he was going to be out of the lineup for a second straight week, he asked for his release. The Bombers granted his request.
“They wanted to go ahead and scratch me, but it had nothing to do with that. I was totally fine with it. I actually got out that week and busted my butt and helped out the scout team guys, which I didn’t have to do, but I wanted our defence to be prepared,” Grigsby explained.
“It had nothing to do with playing time at all. People make assumptions because I didn’t play, but there is way more to the story.”
At no time before had Grigsby’s character as a teammate been called into question.
“There was never an accusation and as soon as I asked for my release I was a bad locker room guy. All the players over their laugh that they’re trying to put it all on me,” Grigsby said.
“It made it look like it was all on the player, but I’m just a player – the players don’t run anything in our league, people should know that.”
Up until the 25-year-old rusher was made inactive, Grigsby had been the only starting running back in the CFL to have perfect attendance at practice and suit up in all of his team’s games.
| Dunk: Grigsby can help red zone efficiency |
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The Ticats have made 39 trips into the red zone so far this season and come away with just 16 touchdowns – a league-low 41 percent TD rate. And it seems Grigsby has a nose for getting over the goal line, he’s currently tied for the CFL lead with nine touchdowns. |
“I don’t like spectating that’s why I always stayed on the field, played hurt and fight through injuries,” Grigsby said. “I never was a guy that took days off from practice.”
Many have called Grigsby a “quitter”, but that doesn’t bother him at all.
“A lot of people can say what they want, everybody has their own opinions. There are a lot of people who don’t now what goes on in locker rooms or organizations,” Grigsby said.
“If a player goes and asked to be released, why is it that all of a sudden that he’s a bad guy?” Mossis Madu, who spent time with Grigsby in Tampa Bay in 2011, said.
“Nic’s far from a quitter. There are a lot of things that people don’t know behind the scenes that people don’t need to know. He’s taking one on the chin from everybody and going about his business.”
From the moment Grigsby hit the open market there was interest. And quickly it became clear that two teams were front-runners for Grigsby’s services.
“The team’s that came in with the highest interest and wanted to win right now were Toronto and Hamilton,” Grigsby said.
During the decision process Grigbsy spoke directly to Ticats head coach and general manager Kent Austin. Hamilton’s bench boss was straightforward with Grigsby, saying there was a great opportunity for him with what the team does with their running backs. Austin also told Grigsby he thought he was one of the better backs in the league and that he just needed to get the football. And added that there was a strong chance for the Ticats to earn first place in the East.
“He talked to me like a man. He said there are two sides to every story and then we got down to business,” Grigsby said. “He understands and he knew that I’ve never been a bad player in the locker room.”
Grigsby clearly liked what he heard from Austin, agreeing to sign with the Ticats on Tuesday, October 21. And the man who will wear No. 15 in Ticats black and gold has already been taking first team reps in practice. He appears on track to make his Hamilton debut on Saturday against the Argos. 
“It’s a blessing to be able to get an opportunity in the situation that this team is in right now to finish something good,” Grigsby said.
If there is one area in particular Grigsby can be provide the Ticats a major boost, it’s improving their percentage in the red zone. Hamilton ranks dead last in the CFL in converting opportunities inside the 20-yard line into majors.
The Ticats have made 39 trips into the red zone so far this season and come away with just 16 touchdowns – a league-low 41 percent TD rate. And it seems Grigsby has a nose for getting over the goal line, he’s currently tied for the CFL lead with nine touchdowns.
“For me to run the ball, make an extra guy miss and not be one dimensional in the red zone area – I’m going to do whatever coach is going to ask me to do,” Grigsby said.
All of Grigsby’s new teammates have welcomed him with open arms. He has put the Winnipeg chapter behind him and is ready for a fresh one. And as Grigsby gets set for his initiation into the Battle of Ontario, he knows for certain that it won’t be a “cake walk” over the rivals from Toronto as both teams chase first place in the East.
