Riley the Raider, mascot for the Prince Albert Raiders. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Ronald Quaroni

Maligned Mascot

Raiders reflect on mascot alterations in the wake of Gainer backlash

Jul 3, 2019 | 12:36 PM

Reaction to the latest version of the Saskatchewan Roughriders mascot, Gainer the Gopher, have been less than stellar.

Fans have been in a fury since the Roughriders debuted Gainer’s latest makeover during the July 1, game against the Toronto Argonauts.

New Gainer’s trimmed down physique and eye change sent social media abuzz. Fans even signed petitions asking for the reinstatement of the old gopher.

The Prince Albert Raiders have gone through a few mascot changes and alterations over the seasons. Raider’s Business Manager Mike Scissons said while he’s been with the club, even the addition of a helmet to Riley the Raider caused backlash.

“Mascots are beloved supporters, creatures of any sports team. Anytime a change is made to the mascot, whether it be subtle or drastic, there’s always reactions that I guess you could say aren’t 100 per cent positive,” Scissons explained. “Every team makes changes for the better, sometimes that’s not what is perceived by the fans who are used to seeing that lovable, cuddly mascot in a different light.”

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Despite all the negative reaction to the updated Gainer, Scissons believes with time, people will come around.

“It’s going to take a couple more weeks, but at the end of the day, Gainer is still the lovable creature that’s going to support the Saskatchewan Roughriders,” Scissons told paNOW. “I think people will get used to him, even myself, who had a bit of an averse reaction to him the first time I saw him.”

“Change is hard, you get feedback in both directions,” Scissons said. “You just hope the best for the Riders, and that people realize what Gainer is there for, to be the number one fan of the Riders.”

Rider fans will potentially have another chance to catch a glance of ‘New Gainer,” when the Roughriders host the Calgary Stampeders this Saturday at Mosaic Stadium.

One statistic that might bode well for the new mascot, so far the Green and White are a perfect 1-0 record when he has been on the sidelines cheering.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni