Darrell Davis: Riders receive a loud message

Duron Carter’s release sends an irrefutable message to the rest of the Saskatchewan Roughriders:

Nobody is more important than the team.

An all-star receiver with big talents and a big personality, Carter had become the face of the franchise. Fans debated his short-term position switch, deciding he was more valuable on offence than as a defensive back. His popularity and contributions became highly regarded.

Yet Carter was also prone to speaking his mind in interviews and on social media, leaving no doubt that appeasing his ego was more important than team success. That immaturity also manifested itself on-field when Carter would take undisciplined penalties.

Riders boss Chris Jones, after holding his player’s hand through daily meetings during their first season together, had evidently seen enough of Carter’s disruptive antics. Mired in a two-game losing streak that dropped the Riders into the West basement, a message needed to be sent. Maybe Carter didn’t hear it, but his former teammates undoubtedly did.