Grieving got infinitely tougher because the Roughriders are also being judged publicly as news tidbits began filtering in following Jayden Dalke's vehicle accident.
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Jayden Dalke during the 2023 Labour Day Classic CFL football game at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. The Roughriders are a community-owned franchise in a football-mad province whose players, coaches and office staff are publicly grieving the death of 30-year-old linebacker"It's a unique lifestyle we've chosen," Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said solemnly Monday after his team resumed practising following a bye week and the heartbreaking loss of one of its most popular players.
"Today and yesterday aside, we always have to answer questions about what we do in our job. Something like this happens, most people need some time. And we don't really get that luxury.
" It got infinitely tougher Monday because the Roughriders are also being judged publicly as news tidbits began filtering in following Dalke's vehicle accident on Saturday night.was returning to Regina from his family's home in Leduc, Alta. , and had called a few of them during the eight-hour drive.
After avoiding media inquiries for a day-and-a-half, Saskatchewan RCMP finally reported that Dalke was inexplicably driving a silver SUV northbound in a southbound lane of divided Highway 11 between Lumsden and Regina. Dalke collided with a black SUV, according to the report, also killing 22-year-old Bhishma Rajyaguru of Regina.
"Officers located alcohol and cannabis in the silver SUV," read an RCMP statement. "Autopsies and toxicology will be conducted as part of the ongoing presentation. " RCMP also said officers had been responding to a complaint from a Lumsden gas station about someone in a silver SUV driving away without paying. The spokesperson would not confirm if the vehicle was Dalke's.
'It doesn't change anything," said Roughriders CEO/president Craig Reynolds. "We lost a member of our organization, a beloved teammate, somebody that meant a lot to us here in our organization. "It's been a tough, tough 24 hours for our team and no, this doesn't change anything. It's just a really unfortunate tragedy involving, now we know, two people.
" The Roughriders made three players available to the media after their practice at Mosaic Stadium — linebackers Jameer Thurman and Nick Wiebe and quarterback Trever Harris. The players stoically described their feelings since finding out about their teammate, but weren't aware of the RCMP's findings surrounding Dalke's accident. Reynolds said he wasn't aware of Dalke having any previous legal issues regarding drugs or alcohol.
"First, my condolences to Jayden's family and obviously the other victim's family," said Reynolds. "It's a terrible tragedy. "Obviously we didn't have a lot of information. We still don't have a lot of information.
That's new information that we just received, when you received it as well. So it's just an unfortunate tragedy and we're really sorry for both families.
" During a media gathering earlier inside the team's offices, with a group of reporters double the size of the regular daily contingent, Roughriders general manager Jeremy O'Day said he was informed of Dalke's death early Sunday. He began contacting other members of the organization before the players were scheduled to gather for a practice.
"It's horrible," said O'Day. "I think everyone is gonna handle it however they grieve. It kinda goes in stages, to be honest with you.
"I'm just very proud of our head coach for having to give the message to our team. The courage that he showed in letting the team know was obviously very difficult. It was a tough, tough day for the players and the staff and it's obviously nice that they're all together, that they're around and able to support each other.
" O'Day began his media gathering by describing what Dalke meant to the team, reflecting a toughness and popularity that was later repeated by his teammates. "He was tough and reliable, accountable," said O'Day. "He never wanted to let anyone down. He was someone that always wanted to do good for his teammates.
"You could see when things didn't go his way, how much he wore it on his sleeve and how much it meant for him to do a good job for himself, his teammates more importantly, and the coaching staff. " There's no doubt the Roughriders loved Dalke. That's not always an easy group to appease, but it's easier than winning over the public when they hear police reporting about wrong lanes, drugs and alcohol.
Grieving got infinitely tougher because the Roughriders are also being judged publicly as news tidbits began filtering in following Jayden Dalke's vehicle accident. Saskatchewan Roughriders veteran Jayden Dalke dies in vehicle accidentInked: Trio of Roughriders share tattoo inspiration
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Britney Spears' Son Jayden Federline Slams 'Ridiculous' Conspiracy Theories About MotherJayden Federline, son of Britney Spears, directly addresses and debunks wild conspiracy theories, including claims that his mother has been cloned, following her recent DUI arrest and dangerous car stunt. He criticizes fans for believing unverified social media posts and urges more critical thinking.
Read more »
Saskatchewan Roughriders veteran Jayden Dalke dies in vehicle accidentJayden Dalke, a five-year veteran with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, died Saturday in a vehicle accident, the team announced.
Read more »
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Gives Back Before Training CampOn one of his final weekends to himself before getting back to NFL life, Jayden Daniels spent his time giving back to children in San Bernardino, California. T
Read more »
Roughriders mourn death of Jayden DalkeAfter returning to the practice field, members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders react to Dalke's passing.
Read more »