Running the Riders: Jim Hopson's book covers the highs and lows

Years at the helm of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, qualifies one to offer an opinion on the performance of the team and Jim Hopson is able to sum it up in one word.

"Horrible!"

Hopson was a guest on CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. He's out with a new book "Running the Riders: My Decade as CEO of Canada's Team."

You better have a good quarterback.- Jim Hopson

This was Hopson's first year away from his precious Riders, and although he has an on-going relationship with the team and a direct line to the front office, he's done his best to sit on his hands and stay away from offering advice to a team that has struggled greatly on the field this year.

"It's been hard," he said.  "It started badly with Darian (Durant) going down with an injury and it has just sort of snowballed."

Hopson's book covers the highs and lows of his tenure as the team's first full-time CEO from 2005 to 2015. The highs are many. The Riders appeared in four Grey Cups under his guidance, and were able to claim the top prize in the CFL twice. The proudest moment for Hopson, the big home win.

"That's really special, we had the good fortune to win in '07 and that was really special, but to win it at Mosaic Stadium in Saskatchewan was really something."

"The sheer elation across the province was something I will never forget."

Not all was well in Riderville when Hopson took over. A few of the players were involved in pretty high-profile and serious legal problems. Hopson did not shy away from those problems, and implemented a strict code of conduct covering player behaviour both on and off the field.  But he said, a code of conduct was just the beginning.  

"I think it's more about walking the talk and the entire organization being committed to being transparent and being seen as good citizens."

Despite all those challenges, and a terrible season now gratefully winding down, Hopson remains confident the Riders will be able to reclaim their spot among the CFL elite.

 "They will turn things around, but it will be a group effort. Although I must say, you better have a good quarterback."