By Brendan Pawliw

Roughriders cautious of political endorsements

Jul 27, 2011 | 7:05 AM

It seems both Saskatchewan political parties are guilty of exploiting Saskatchewan Roughrider fandom, something team President Jim Hopson cautions against.

Regina Saskatchewan Party candidate, Kevin Doherty, is sporting a Roughrider jersey in a current ad.

And on the front page of NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter's website, he too can be seen wearing a Saskatchewan Roughriders' jersey.

Hopson insists that the organization doesn’t support any political party.

“We would rather that any political party didn’t use our jerseys,” said Hopson.

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Hopson does say he appreciates the support for the team, but cautions how the Roughrider brand is portrayed.

Doherty defends

Meanwhile, Kevin Doherty is defending the ad that includes the unauthorized use of the Saskatchewan Roughriders logo.

The handbill was sent out to homes in Regina. It features Doherty in a rider jersey and lists the team's entire schedule for this season. It also reminds people that he's running in the fall election.

Doherty insists it isn't an attempt to exploit the team's popularity for political gain.

“That is my Ronny Lancaster jersey that I paid for out of my own pocket, as I do with my season tickets. All I was trying to do was help folks with the schedule this year,” said Doherty.

He says there are politicians from both sides of the Legislature who have taken photos wearing Rider gear and used them on web sites and other public forums.

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