Roughriders GM Tillman resigns
Regina, Saskatchewan (Sports Network) - Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager and vice president Eric Tillman has resigned, the team announced Friday.
Toronto's The Globe and Mail reported Friday that Tillman's resignation comes after he pleaded guilty Monday to sexual assault of his family's babysitter in August 2008. The paper stated the judge granted Tillman absolute discharge, meaning he won't have a criminal record despite the guilty plea.
"We would like to thank Eric for his contribution to this team over the last three and a half years," said Riders president and CEO Jim Hopson. "He played an instrumental role turning the Riders into one of the top teams in the CFL.
"With that said, we agreed with Eric's assessment that it would be very difficult for him to remain in his current role with the club and accepted his resignation."
Tillman had been the club's GM since 2006, and during his tenure the Roughriders reached two Grey Cup contests, winning in 2007. He had been given a contract extension through the 2010 season in July 2008 but was charged with the sexual assult in February 2009. After being charged, Tillman was put on administrative leave.
