B.C. Lions’ quarterback Nathan Rourke defended his decision to bail on a halftime interview with TSN during Saturday’s 38-12 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks, expressing his distaste for personal media attention.
The Canadian quarterback stepped away from a conversation with his great-grandmother to address reporters post-game and provide insight on the now-viral clip.
“I don’t normally like doing halftime stuff because the job’s not done, it’s never done. I don’t mind talking to you guys after, even when you pull me away from my family,” Rourke grinned.
“I don’t mind talking when the job’s done. When the job’s not finished, I don’t want to. I’d rather just stay with my teammates and not make it an individual thing more than you guys [the media] already make it. I just try to do my job and stay focused.”
The Lions had built a commanding halftime lead on the back of sensational quarterback play when Rourke was called over to speak to TSN reporter Farhan Lalji. The 26-year-old didn’t stick around long as Lalji rattled off his statline, cutting him off and patting him on the shoulder before heading to the locker room.
“We’re up 31-6, that’s all I really care about. Thanks, Farhan.”
Nathan Rourke doesn’t waste anyone’s time.#CFL pic.twitter.com/0Rh9vWxw4z
— CFL Fan (@CFLFan13) September 1, 2024
The clip quickly gained traction on social media, with fans divided on the star signal caller’s response. Some found the response amusing, while others felt that Rourke was demonstrating an ego and big-timing the broadcast.
Lalji dismissed those criticisms in a video response posted to X after the game, revealing that he’s had previous discussions with Rourke about his dislike of halftime interviews dating back to 2022 and has actively avoided requesting him this year. Producer Chris Edwards overruled that strategy in Victoria, as the quarterback’s play was the undisputed storyline of Touchdown Pacific.
“Chris was right. This is what we do. This is part of television,” Lalji said.
“Nathan and I talked after the game. We are good. If you know me, you know I’m as big an advocate in the media as Nathan Rourke has and he deserves that. He’s a great kid and I have all the time in the world for Nathan. I continue to have all the time in the world for Nathan. We laughed about it afterwards. I know it went viral, I know everybody’s got a reaction, but if you think there is going to be a grudge, there isn’t.”
Rourke finished the first half 16-of-20 passing for 246 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score. His play took a step back after the viral moment as he was picked off on the Lions’ second offensive play of the third quarter, but he still ended the game 21-of-30 for 325 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
The Victoria-born QB said he only agreed to do the interview after his head coach, Rick Campbell, made him a promise.
“I did it for Coach Campbell and he said that I wouldn’t have to do one for the rest of my career,” Rourke said. “I want to hold him to that.”
That promise is unlikely to pass muster with the CFL’s official broadcaster and they will expect the league’s most marketable name to occasionally answer questions in-game, as all eight other starting quarterbacks do. While Rourke’s distaste for personal media attention may be genuine, anonymity is no longer an option after he returned from the NFL and signed a three-year deal worth upwards of $800,000 by 2026.
“I’ll say this to Nathan because I want the best for him and I want people to view him appropriately because he’s a good guy and he works his ass off. This is not a $75,000 rookie anymore, playing on his rookie deal and setting the world on fire, on pace to break all of Doug Flutie’s records. He’s now the highest-paid player in the Canadian Football League for next year,” Lalji remarked.
“I don’t want him to be criticized for that moment and he’s got to learn that there are more expectations when you are now the face of the league. Halftime interviews are a part of that.”
The Lions (6-6) will return to action on Friday, September 6 when they visit the Montreal Alouettes (10-1) at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
