‘That thing looks so creepy’: Thousands sign petition for old Gainer

An online petition to bring back the old Gainer has more than 3,500 signatures and the creator hopes it can bring some change.

Maria Vicente, who lives in Edmonton and was originally an Eskimos fan, created the petition after seeing photos of the new Gainer.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders mascot has a slimmer physique, a wider smile, green eyes and running shoes. The new Gainer made his debut Monday during Saskatchewan’s home opener against the Toronto Argonauts.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, that thing looks so creepy,’ ” Vicente said Wednesday. “There’s no other way to describe it.”

Vicente converted to the Green and White after living in Regina for some time and attending home games. According to her, Gainer is an icon connected to Roughriders football.

“Gainer is just such an integral part of the football experience … He’s one of a kind among the mascots in the CFL,” said Vicente, who cheers on the Riders at their games in Edmonton.

“When the Riders play Edmonton, I’m in head-to-toe Rider stuff and I bring my stuffed Gainer with me,” she added with a laugh.

The presence of Gainer at Riders home games was part of the reason Vicente became a Rider fan and why she felt passionate enough to start up a petition.

After seeing similar reactions as hers to the new mascot, Vicente was motivated to do something.

“I thought, ‘OK, here’s a way that people from across the country can show their opinion about the original Gainer,’ and start a petition to have everyone unite,” she said.

More than 30,000 people have viewed the petition with 3,500 signatures. Vicente is appreciative of the high number and hopes more will take notice.

“That’s a really large number of people that have an opinion on this,” said Vicente. “As an organization, I would consider this and debate the potential of listening to their fans.”

Even if the Riders continue to use the new mascot, Vicente said there’s still some good news.

“I will always have an awesome football team; we have the best fans in the CFL,” Vicente said. “I mean, Rider fans are extremely passionate and going to Rider games is unlike anything anyone has ever seen.”

Change.org, which hosts the online petition, has now increased the signature goal to 5,000. Vicente is confident the goal can be met.

Riders’ Clark not upset over new-look Gainer

Roughriders centre Dan Clark grew up in Regina and went to many games that featured the furry mascot.

Clark said he’s glad to see Gainer is taking his health seriously in his 42nd year of existence.

“It’s 2019 and you’ve got to set standard,” Clark said after Wednesday’s practice. “As long as he’s getting in shape and in the mentality he wants to be, that’s all you can ask for.”

But not everyone was a fan of the upgraded Gainer.

“My daughter wasn’t a huge fan (and) maybe got a little scared, but she will get used to it,” Clark said.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Britton Gray