Simpson, Blue Bombers at odds on his status

The Barrin Simpson saga isn't over just yet.

On Sunday night, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers placed the veteran middle linebacker — who has battled a turf toe injury this season — on the nine-game injured list. The move, which effectively ended Simpson's season, came after the 31-year-old requested to be traded upon learning the club wanted to reduce his playing time.

But on Monday, questions surfaced regarding Simpson's status with the Bombers. Three CFL GMs told The Canadian Press that protocol requires teams to tell players — or their agents — that they're going on the nine-game list and the player must sign a form acknowledging the move.

Simpson, who acts as his own agent, says while the Bombers told him he was going on the nine-game injured list, he never signed anything acknowledging it.

"Basically, I was called later and informed by them that it would happen," Simpson said. " I didn't sign anything and I didn't agree to anything."

Bombers president Lyle Bauer said Simpson was informed of the move but added the club didn't require his signature to make it official.

"The player does not have to agree," Bauer said. "The player has to be informed and acknowledge. There are no provisions.

"I guess that would be a ludicrous system, wouldn't it, for a player? Last time I looked, I don't know too many players who are doctors."

Bauer, it seems, has a point.

CBA doesn't require player's signature

The collective bargaining agreement between the CFL and CFLPA states a player or his representative must be served with written notice prior to the player being placed on the nine-game injured list. There is no mention of the player having to sign off on the deal.

CFLPA president Stu Laird didn't immediately return an email message.

The situation involving Simpson is just the latest episode in the Bombers' ongoing soap opera this season.

Winnipeg caught the football world by surprise earlier this month by agreeing to terms with former NFL bad boy Adam (Pacman) Jones, then abruptly announcing he wasn't joining the team. And in July, the Bombers released veteran receiver Derick Armstrong after he got into a spat with head coach Mike Kelly and refused to play in the club's season opener.

Simpson plans to take some time to consider all of his options before deciding what his next course of action will be. But he said reports his '09 campaign was over were premature.

Many of the officials contacted by The Canadian Press on Monday felt Simpson could file a grievance with the CFLPA and present his case before an arbitrator.

"Right now, I'm just focusing on getting healthy," he said. "We'll see what happens in the next couple of days."

Simpson was surprisingly chipper and upbeat Monday. Stating his top priority now is to regain his health, Simpson said he harbours no resentment towards the Bombers.

"I don't have any bitterness at all. None," he said. "If anything, I just don't understand the situation.

"But why be depressed about something that shouldn't be what it is? What's happening, I can't control that right now. Mentally, I'm good."

By placing Simpson on the nine-game injured list, the Bombers (3-7) effectively ended his season, because it's doubtful they'd use an option that allows a team to pull a player off the list once in each of the season's halves without penalty.

A nine-game layoff means Simpson wouldn't be eligible to resume playing until the opening round of the CFL playoffs in mid-November. It's unlikely Winnipeg will still be playing then.

The Bombers are currently tied with Toronto for third in the East Division.