Decision to axe ‘City of Champions’ slogan hit Eskimos head coach ‘in the gut’

Edmonton Eskimos head coach Jason Maas is weighing in on the “City of Champions” discussion and he isn’t mincing words.

READ MORE: Edmonton city council votes against reinstating ‘City of Champions’ slogan 

Maas is a two-time Grey Cup champion with the CFL team.

He said Wednesday he was disappointed to see city council turf the slogan.

“I’m probably biased, having won Grey Cups here and feel part of an organization that’s very revered in the city, and I’m sure the Oilers will tell you the same.

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READ MORE: Oilers playoff run ‘purely coincidental’ when it comes to efforts to bring back ‘City of Champions’ moniker

“To take down that moniker was a little bit heart-wrenching I think,” Maas said.

“That’s the only reason you’d take that down, I believe, is that you don’t feel like you are the City of Champions anymore.”

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“I thought it was a great thing for our city as far as pride and all that’s concerned,” Maas said.

READ MORE: Billboard campaign launched to bring back ‘City of Champions’ slogan

The city plans to unveil a new campaign later this year. Maas said he looks forward to hearing what that is.

READ MORE: Edmonton city councillors debate with 630 CHED’s Ryan Jespersen about ‘City of Champions’ slogan