Former Riders' president Jim Hopson opens up about new book

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be the CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders? Now is your chance to get the inside scoop.

Jim Hopson’s new book titled “Running the Riders: My decade as CEO of Canada’s team” is hitting shelves on Monday.

“In the end I felt that I was true to my commitment to be honest and straight forward,” Hopson explained in an interview on The Green Zone this week. “I also made a commitment that this wasn’t going to be about throwing a bunch of dirt on people or getting even with people I felt that did me wrong.”

Hopson was the CEO of the Green and White from 2005 to 2015 before handing over the reins to Craig Reynolds. In that time, the Riders attained success never seen before by the organization including six winning seasons, nine playoff appearances, four Grey Cup appearances and two Grey Cup championships (2007, 2013).

Hopson also opens up about his relationship with former Riders General Manager Roy Shivers.

“I liked Roy Shivers. He was a bright, interesting man … funny,” said Hopson. “But I talk about the fact that he was very strong-minded that he had a blind spot when it came to Danny Barrett.”

Hopson’s book is being released just as one of the worst seasons in Rider history comes to an end. The former GM does not have much to say when observing a dreadful 2015 season.

“My opinion is that I don’t know how I would’ve handled it because I wasn’t in the chair. It’s easy for me to make comments now because I’m not accountable.”

Hopson uses the word “horrendous” when describing the Riders season but still thinks Craig Reynolds was a great hire.

“Would I have done things differently? Without a doubt because I’m a different person than Craig but that doesn’t mean they would’ve been better decisions.”