Former Rider Jonathan Newsome speaks out about surprise cut

Johnathan Newsome is telling his side of the story about why he was released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“It ain’t no mystery when somebody just doesn’t like you,” Newsome tweeted after announcing he’d signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.

It turns out, it wasn’t for liking a tweet.

Newsome was cut by the Riders on July 4 after the team had announced previous transactions. Linebacker Henoc Muamba said Newsome had been in team meetings earlier in the morning.

“I was released after meeting with Coach Jones and company about something thing he “heard” I said about how he does things and that it was “messed up around here,” Newsome’s tweet said in part.

“I explained to him this wasn’t true and I don’t take part in ‘he say, she say’ games.”

According to Newsome, even after denying he said those things, Jones trusted his source: assistant coach Ed Philion.

When questioned on Tuesday, Jones said Newsome was let go over differing views.

“Unfortunately, we had a few views that we viewed a little differently, so it was in the best interest of both parties that we part ways,” he said.

Referring to the Roughriders, Newsome also said “it was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful organization” and was thankful for another opportunity to play football.

It didn’t take long for Newsome to find a new place to land. It was announced Friday morning he signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.