Riders’ Jovon Johnson on former DC Noel Thorpe: “egotistical maniac”

Defensive back Jovon Johnson was released by Montreal during roster cutdowns before the 2017 regular season and the Riders signed him two days later.

And the veteran believes it was because of then-Alouettes defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe.

“For whatever reason, Thorpe didn’t want me. That’s what it all boiled down to,” Johnson, who has two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — along with two fumble returns and 36 defensive tackles, told Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette.

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While Johnson called Thorpe a “hell of a coach,” he was one of several players who had issues with the departed assistant head coach.

“Quite frankly, hes a guy who’s a control freak. He’s an egotistical maniac.”

Johnson has started 17 games for Saskatchewan in the Riders secondary. Clearly, Chris Jones likes the 33-year-old cover man.