Hamilton Tiger Cats facing questions after semi-finals elimination

For the second year in a row the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are facing a long off-season full of questions after being eliminated in the eastern semi-finals this past weekend.

As the City of Hamilton gears up for the upcoming Grey Cup at Tim Hortons field, the Ti Cats were left cleaning out their lockers Monday wondering what could have been this season.

For the second consecutive season, the team was eliminated in the eastern semi-final in Montreal, finishing third in the division at eight wins and ten losses.

Head coach and president of football operations Orlando Steinauer says he understands the frustrations from fans that held high expectations, but maintains that he is proud of his team.

Steinauer also addressed post-game comments made by last year’s prized off-season acquisition Bo Levi Mitchell, who was relegated to back up duty until late in the fourth quarter in Saturday’s loss.

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“You know if you’re not playing your highest paid player on the team in a playoff game I don’t foresee myself being here… I love this team, I love this organization, I hope I can be here in some capacity cause I would love to be a part of it again but that’s obviously for other people to decide.” said Mitchell.

Though he was not made available to the media, Steinauer attempted to downplay the drama surrounding the future hall of famer.

“At the end of the day I don’t have any comments on Bo’s comments … but what we love about Bo is he speaks from the heart and he’s going to wear everything on his sleeve.” said the four year Tiger Cats head coach.

“You know … we didn’t sign Bo to a one-year deal right? Bo’s a Ti Cat and that is what it is right now.”

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Meanwhile, linebacker Simoni Lawrence, the longest serving active Tiger Cat, also touched on his future with the black and gold and the CFL after finishing up his 11th season in the league and tenth in Hamilton.

Lawrence, who was named the Ti Cats nominee for most outstanding defensive player, is set to be a free agent.

“Nah I haven’t thought about retirement unless something drastic happens,” said Lawrence.

“24 is on my radar you know for sure … just going through the process.”