Edmonton Eskimos defensive end Odell Willis would appear to have taken a healthy shot at former teammate Nate Coehoorn on Twitter.
Coehoorn, a Canadian receiver, announced his retirement via social media on Sunday after six seasons in he league. But Willis, who played with Coehoorn the last four years, questioned the timing and motivation for the decision.
U take ur (30k)bonus and retire then LIE talking bout ur head and ur health. Boy✋🏾, u just mad u took a pay cut! Plus u soft #YeahIsaidit
— Odell Willis (@KuntryKane205) April 11, 2017
The outspoken Willis gets a lot done in 140 characters. In addition to questioning Coehoorn’s reasons for retiring, his toughness and honesty – not to mention the timing of the decision – Willis also seems to acknowledge taking a pay cut to stay with the club. That salary reduction would have been orchestrated by former general manager Ed Hervey, who was fired last week.
Things sure seem to be going well in Edmonton right now.
UPDATE: Coehoorn has responded via Twitter.
@KuntryKane205 Hey bro. Sorry you feel that way. But its not like that at all. I actually had a bonus coming on May 1st but decided to retire before that
— Nathan Coehoorn (@NateCoehoorn) April 12, 2017
@KuntryKane205 It was great being your teammate and winning a Grey Cup with you.Thanks for the memories. Go win another one! GO ESKS GO!
— Nathan Coehoorn (@NateCoehoorn) April 12, 2017
Also I would never retire off of how much money I was getting paid. There is a lot more to life to me than just money.
— Nathan Coehoorn (@NateCoehoorn) April 12, 2017
@KuntryKane205 Health is a huge priority to me. When I didn’t even know where I was after I dove for that ball against sask week 2 that was not fun.
— Nathan Coehoorn (@NateCoehoorn) April 12, 2017
Willis kept going on Twitter Tuesday and got chirped by fans pretty good for calling out a former teammate (he also acknowledged the validity of a point raised by Calgary receiver Marquay McDaniel, that teams cut players just before bonuses are due all the time.)
He made one final statement before departing for the night.
@JetsFanJeff @Jungle_Bob Ima let that sit right there 4 guys. I'm pretty sure u guys will never get one of these but enjoy ur night #jokesonme #keepemcoming😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3t9pDqx7DR
— Odell Willis (@KuntryKane205) April 12, 2017