There was tough talk coming from the top, after the Eskimos' 47-21 loss in Winnipeg Saturday.

Team president and CEO Rick LeLacheur didn't come out and say that changes are imminent, but he hinted things can't go on much longer as they are, after the Eskimos lost their fourth-straight game to start the season.

"The situation of the last four weeks is not good, and I think we all recognize that," said LeLacheur, an in impromptu state-of-the-team address Monday afternoon. "The game particularly on Saturday was a total embarrassment. It was an embarrassment to the players, to the coaches, to the management, and it's just not acceptable.

"We're just not going to accept an 0-4 record. It's a failing grade, and everybody knows that, and it's just not acceptable. Winning is the only thing."

The Eskimos have not started this poorly since 1965. There have been calls for changes with the coaching staff and management. The Eskimos haven't relieved a coach of his duties mid-way through a season since Jackie Parker took over from Pete Katella following a 4-4 start.

LeLacheur didn't pull any punches in the blame game. He spoke of how the coaching staff has a job to get the players ready to play, and how the players have to be ready at the time of kickoff.

"Let me put it to you this way," he said, "nobody in this organization is untouchable."

"On Saturday, we were not ready to play. That first quarter was a total embarrassment (down 16-0). It's just very clear. They (players) had no emotion. They were not ready to play."

 

The message was not lost on general manager Danny Maciocia.

 

"He's got every right to say what he said," said Maciocia, Tuesday. "I totally agree with everything that he stated. There's a lot of people who are unhappy, rightfully so.

 

"There's a lot that's been question about her toughness, both mentally and physically."

 

But, the GM was quick to defend the team that he's assembled.

 

"At times, we seem uninspired when we take the field, so that needs to be changed and it needs to be changed quickly," he said. "But, I think it can change, and there's no reason why we can't. I still believe in the people we have in that locker room, and that's with the players and the coaches, and there's a great opportunity to get that changed on Friday."

 

The B.C. Lions, 26-10 winners at Commonwealth in the season opener for both teams back on July 4th, return to Edmonton Friday (7 p.m., 630 CHED).

(bp)