WitP: Chad Owens doesn't hold a grudge

Chad Owens faces his old team when the Toronto Argonauts visit the Montreal Alouettes today. Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette talks to Chad, who says he has nothing against Montreal.

Bruno Burnoski, Owens's Florida-based agent, told a Toronto reporter via email the Als wanted to cut his client's salary to $42,000 from $70,000. Another source told The Gazette the Als wanted to suspend Owens, meaning they would retain his rights. Predictably, he balked at both potential scenarios.

Owens refused comment on the potential reduced salary. "That's (the Als') version."

We're certain of this much: The relationship between Owens and his new employers has been pure bliss. In Toronto's opening two games alone, he returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown along with a field goal 117 yards for a score. He's averaging 19.4 yards on kickoff returns and 12 yards on punts.

And Owens also is getting the opportunity to play receiver; he has caught seven passes for 81 yards. He leads the Canadian Football League in combined yards, with 749.

Predictably, he said facing the Als is just another game. "I'm focused on playing the game," he said. "I've moved on and am happy to be in this situation ... still doing what I love.

"There's always incentive," Owens added. "You want to break one every week - no matter if you have history (with a team) or not."

I'm sure he secretly hopes that he lights them up! Would be awesome if he could score a TD or two against them.

UPDATE: Doh. Chad Owens had 1 catch for minus eight yards, 1 fumble and 4 kick returns for 74 yards.