LaPolice 'disappointed' with timing of his firing

Paul LaPolice has released a statement saying he's disappointed the Blue Bombers fired him as head coach.

In his statement, which was released Monday afternoon — two days after he was fired on Saturday — LaPolice said he disagrees with the timing of the decision, but he has to accept it and move on.

He said he was informed of the decision after reviewing footage of Friday night's match against the B.C. Lions with the team.

LaPolice said he won't defend himself publicly in any interviews because it won't change anything, but he added that there are two sides to every story.

He also thanked the Bombers, the fans and repeated what he had said on Twitter earlier, that he loved every day as a Head coach.

Paul LaPolice statement:

I was informed Saturday after reviewing the B.C. game film with the players and coaches that I was being relieved of my duties as Head Coach.

I was disappointed because I believe that we were playing our best football to date and our roster was returning to full strength after our early season challenges. I would have liked the opportunity to have been able to be evaluated on our performance over 18 games.

Although I disagree with the timing of this decision, I have to accept it and move on. There are always two sides to every story but I do not believe that defending myself publicly will change anything, so I will not answer questions about the situation at this time.

I want to thank the Bomber organization for giving me my first Head Coaching opportunity. The people in the organization have been great to work with and they all have my thanks. I loved every day that I was the Head Coach of the Blue Bombers.

I especially wanted to thank the coaches and the players that I was able to work with. They helped us bring an East Division Championship and a Grey Cup appearance to Winnipeg. These are great memories that I will cherish. I thank them for all the kind words they have sent in the past two days.

I also want to thank the fans, who have been tremendous to me and my family over the past three years. I feel great pride that we were able to bring back weekly sell-outs to Canad Inns Stadium.

I will spend time with family and friends as we take our time to decide what is next for me and until then, will offer no further comment.

Thank you.

Paul LaPolice