Saskatchewan Roughriders analyst Luc Mullinder has let his feelings be known regarding the decision by 630 CHED radio in Edmonton to fire Eddie Steele for pointed comments directed towards Elks general manager Brock Sunderland.
Steele tweeted the news of him being ‘let go’ on Wednesday morning. Mullinder, who joined CKRM 620 in Regina as the Riders radio colour commentator in 2017, shared his take on Twitter.
This is BS. Everyone at 630 CHED should be ashamed of themselves, including guys like Dave Campbell who probably sat there knowing that every word of what Eddie Steele said was true but was too scared to say it himself. We can’t sit here and act like this is okay folks.
Eddie Steele voiced his authentic opinion on what is wrong with the Elks. Whether they like it or not shouldn’t matter, it’s his opinion as an analyst. 630 CHED knew what they were getting with Eddie. It’s why 620 CKRM and 980 CJME hires former CFLers like myself.
PLAYERS COME WITH CONTACTS, TRUST, AND KNOWLEDGE; that’s hard to create as a regular member of the media. 630 CHED wanted ALL OF THAT LEVERAGE cause it equals programming $$$ and because the team got moist, they turned their back on a guy that was trying to make them better.
Now I’m not sure what 630 CHED ’s business model is, but to be this cowardly because the Elks didn’t like what Eddie Steele said sets a DANGEROUS precedence. It’s censorship at its worst. I don’t actually blame the Elks. Someone at 630 CHED should’ve had a backbone.
And don’t give me: ‘Well they have a coaching show and relationship that’s deeper with the team.’ SO WHAT. I always get asked what the Riders think about some of the things I’ve said and my response is immediate: ‘They shouldn’t care.’ THIS IS THE BUSINESS THAT WE’VE CHOSE.
I’m gutted for Eddie Steele. I know how excited he was to help educate a great Elks fan base. There’s nothing wrong with what he said, and everyone over there needs to look in the mirror and ask themselves: ‘What type of person do I want to be?’ Eddie knows the answer. He’s authentic.
The 33-year-old Steele played eight seasons in the three-down league, four with Edmonton, winning a Grey Cup with Chris Jones in green and gold in 2015.
He suited up in 123 games while making 145 tackles, 18 sacks, three special teams tackles, one interception and forced one fumble. The six-foot-two, 280-pound defensive lineman was selected in the third round, 22nd overall during the 2010 CFL Draft.
Steele officially joined 630 CHED radio in Edmonton in July for game broadcasts to start the 2021 season, but only lasted seven weeks due to speaking his mind. The Elks are currently 2-5, last place in the West Division.
