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B.C. Lions' Mathieu Betts (90) tackles Edmonton Elks' Christian Saulsberry (25) during second half CFL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday October 21, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.

Edmonton Elks running back Christian Saulsberry dies after being shot near Memphis

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Edmonton Elks running back Christian Saulsberry was shot and killed near Memphis, Tenn., the team announced Saturday.

Saulsberry had turned 25 on Monday. According to a statement from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department, he was shot in the abdomen and leg while attending a party early Saturday morning in Walls, Miss., which is just southwest of Memphis.

"First and foremost, our hearts go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time," the Elks said in a statement. "Our condolences are also extended to his friends, including the many teammates and coaches both here in Edmonton and elsewhere, that he impacted throughout his football career."

The statement from DeSoto County Sheriff's Office said Saulsberry was pronounced dead on the way to hospital.

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Montreal Alouettes hire former CFL quarterback Jason Maas as head coach

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Montreal Alouettes hire former CFL quarterback Jason Maas as head coach

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

MONTREAL - The Montreal Alouettes have hired longtime CFL quarterback Jason Maas as head coach.

Alouettes GM Danny Maciocia had split duties as the team's interim head coach after Khari Jones was fired four games into the 2022 season.

"I'm very excited to join the Alouettes' big family," Maas said in a statement. "The team showed great things last season and I look forward to continuing and complementing the work Danny has done so we can be even more successful.

"I'm looking forward to getting to work and working hand in hand with the players and coaches to make us all better."

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Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Then-Edmonton Elks head coach Jason Maas speaks to media after being knocked out of the Eastern final on Sunday, in Edmonton, Alta., Monday Nov. 18, 2019. The Montreal Alouettes have hired Jason Maas as head coach. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.
Then-Edmonton Elks head coach Jason Maas speaks to media after being knocked out of the Eastern final on Sunday, in Edmonton, Alta., Monday Nov. 18, 2019. The Montreal Alouettes have hired Jason Maas as head coach. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.

CFL Moves: Blue Bombers re-sign linebacker Wilson, Redblacks ink receiver Behar

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

CFL Moves: Blue Bombers re-sign linebacker Wilson, Redblacks ink receiver Behar

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Two more veteran players re-signed with their teams as the CFL's free-agency period continued.

Canadian receiver Nate Behar agreed to a two-year deal with the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, a few hours after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed linebacker Kyrie Wilson to a one-year contract extension.

Behar, 28, has spent the last three seasons in Ottawa and 2022 was his most productive year.

The London, Ont., native hauled in 59 receptions for 727 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, to go with 254 yards after the catch.

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Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebackers Adam Bighill (4) and Kyrie Wilson (19) look at film during the first half of CFL action against the Edmonton Eskimos in Winnipeg Friday, May 31, 2019. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed Wilson to a one-year contract extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebackers Adam Bighill (4) and Kyrie Wilson (19) look at film during the first half of CFL action against the Edmonton Eskimos in Winnipeg Friday, May 31, 2019. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed Wilson to a one-year contract extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

B.C. Lions sign co-general managers Campbell, McEvoy to extensions

Curtis Withers, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

B.C. Lions sign co-general managers Campbell, McEvoy to extensions

Curtis Withers, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Splitting general manager duties might be an unusual practice among CFL clubs, but the B.C. Lions have found a way to make it work.

The Lions split GM duties between head coach Rick Campbell and director of football operations Neil McEvoy before the 2021 season after former GM Ed Hervey stepped down. The duo helped the Lions to a breakout season in 2022, culminating in the team's first trip to the West Division final since 2016.

Campbell and McEvoy were rewarded Wednesday with contract extensions through the 2024 season.

"I don't take any of this for granted, so anytime you have an opportunity to keep going I I definitely appreciate it," Campbell said from Vancouver in a video conference Wednesday.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

B.C. Lions head coach Rick Campbell watches from the sideline during the second half of a CFL football game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Vancouver on Saturday, October 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Lions head coach Rick Campbell watches from the sideline during the second half of a CFL football game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Vancouver on Saturday, October 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Blue Bombers sign defensive back Rose to one-year contract extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers sign defensive back Rose to one-year contract extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed cornerback Winston Rose to a one-year contract extension.

He had been scheduled to become a free agent in February.

Rose was third on the Bombers last season with 66 tackles while adding three interceptions, including one for a touchdown.

Rose added eight tackles and an interception in the Bombers' win over B.C. in the Western final and another five tackles in their loss to Toronto in the Grey Cup.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Winston Rose (30) gets the crowd going during the first half of CFL action against the Calgary Stampeders, in Winnipeg, Friday, July 15, 2022. The Blue Bombers have signed cornerback Rose to a one-year contract extension.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Winston Rose (30) gets the crowd going during the first half of CFL action against the Calgary Stampeders, in Winnipeg, Friday, July 15, 2022. The Blue Bombers have signed cornerback Rose to a one-year contract extension.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

CFL releases 2023 season schedule with new twist

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

CFL releases 2023 season schedule with new twist

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

The CFL has released its 2023 season schedule on Tuesday, with a bit of a twist.

For the first time since 2008, divisional playoff games are set to be played on Saturdays, with the semifinals taking place on Nov. 4 before the divisional finals go Nov. 11.

In addition, the league has reduced the number of times teams host games in consecutive weeks and halved the instances of teams playing back-to-backs against the same opponent.

The regular-season slate will begin June 8 with the B.C. Lions taking on the Stampeders in Calgary in a Thursday night matchup.

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Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

The CFL logo is seen on a jersey during the Redblacks training camp in Ottawa on Thursday, May 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
The CFL logo is seen on a jersey during the Redblacks training camp in Ottawa on Thursday, May 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Patriots rally for 27-13 win over Cardinals, Murray hurt

David Brandt, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Patriots rally for 27-13 win over Cardinals, Murray hurt

David Brandt, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Mac Jones threw for 235 yards, Raekwon McMillan had a crucial fumble return for a touchdown and the New England Patriots rallied for a 27-13 win on Monday night over the Arizona Cardinals, who lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray in the first quarter to a potentially serious knee injury.

New England trailed 13-10 at the break but tied the game at 13-all early in the third quarter after a short field goal. The Patriots got their game-changing play and a 20-13 lead later in the third when McMillan scooped up a fumble and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown.

Kyle Dugger forced the fumble by stripping Cardinals three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who had just caught a pass.

The Patriots pushed their advantage to 27-13 early in the fourth quarter on Pierre Strong Jr.'s 3-yard run, then leaned on their defense to complete the much-needed win.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after a teammate sacked New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after a teammate sacked New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Saskatchewan Roughriders name Kelly Jeffrey offensive coordinator

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Saskatchewan Roughriders name Kelly Jeffrey offensive coordinator

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

REGINA - Kelly Jeffrey was named the new offensive coordinator of the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Monday.

Jeffrey joined the Roughriders as the running backs coach before the 2022 season.

“Kelly Jeffrey is an outstanding coach and a man of high character and integrity,” said head coach Craig Dickenson. “We are thrilled that he has accepted the offensive coordinator job and look forward to an outstanding year with him leading the offence in 2023.”

Feature back Jamal Morrow rushed for 666 yards with Jeffrey as his coach, making Morrow the fourth highest rusher in the CFL, despite missing eight games with a broken wrist.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

A football helmet sits on the field before CFL football action with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats playing the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Kelly Jeffrey was named the new offensive coordinator of the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Monday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
A football helmet sits on the field before CFL football action with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats playing the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Kelly Jeffrey was named the new offensive coordinator of the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Monday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Former CFL head coach John Gregory dies at the age of 84

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

Former CFL head coach John Gregory dies at the age of 84

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

TORONTO - John Gregory, who guided the Saskatchewan Roughriders to their second Grey Cup title in 1989, has died. He was 84.

The cause of death wasn't immediately known. The Iowa Barnstormers, an Arena League team Gregory also coached, confirmed his passing Monday.

"We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of legendary Iowa Barnstormers head coach John Gregory," the team said. "John was a huge part of the Barnstormers organization, laying the foundation for Barnstormers football.

"Words cannot express how much he will be missed by the Barnstormers staff, fans and community. Our deepest condolences to the Gregory family during this very difficult time. We love you, John."

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

Saskatchewan Roughriders coaches Ted Heath, left to right, John Gregory and Ron Cherkus get into the winning spirit as they march across the field after defeating the Edmonton Eskimos for the Western Final in Edmonton on Sunday, November 19, 1989. Former CFL coach John Gregory, who guided the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a Grey Cup victory in 1989, has died. He was 84. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Buston
Saskatchewan Roughriders coaches Ted Heath, left to right, John Gregory and Ron Cherkus get into the winning spirit as they march across the field after defeating the Edmonton Eskimos for the Western Final in Edmonton on Sunday, November 19, 1989. Former CFL coach John Gregory, who guided the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a Grey Cup victory in 1989, has died. He was 84. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Buston

Stampeders’ head coach Dave Dickenson adds GM to his job, Hufnagel still president

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Stampeders’ head coach Dave Dickenson adds GM to his job, Hufnagel still president

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

CALGARY - The Calgary Stampeders' management succession plan continued with the CFL club adding general manager to head coach Dave Dickenson's duties.

John Hufnagel relinquished the GM's reins to his protégéafter 15 years on the job, but the 71-year-old will continue as both team president and a football operations consultant.

Dickenson took over as head coach for Hufnagel in 2016 after seven years of apprenticing under him on the coaching staff.

"I'm a big proponent of having one voice, one vision," Hufnagel said Monday at McMahon Stadium. "Dave and I have always had the same vision and that's why when he became the head coach, it was a very seamless transition and I expect this to be also.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

Calgary Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson stands on the sideline during the first half of a CFL football game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver, on Friday, November 12, 2021. Dickenson is taking over as general manager, while John Hufnagel will continue as team president. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Calgary Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson stands on the sideline during the first half of a CFL football game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver, on Friday, November 12, 2021. Dickenson is taking over as general manager, while John Hufnagel will continue as team president. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

‘I don’t think we’re done yet:’ Bombers coach O’Shea weighs in on new three-year deal

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘I don’t think we’re done yet:’ Bombers coach O’Shea weighs in on new three-year deal

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

WINNIPEG - Wade Miller knew he was talking to a winner when he first interviewed Mike O’Shea in 2013.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and chief executive officer told the story at a press conference Friday, where he and O’Shea talked about the three-year contract extension the head coach had recently signed through the 2025 season.

That first interview took place with Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters in the Toronto airport, a city where O’Shea had been the Argonauts’ special teams co-ordinator for four seasons.

“We opened the door for the interview and he said, ‘Should we put on some (football) face masks for this meeting?’” Miller said of O’Shea. “And then it started from there.

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Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea during Grey Cup team practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The Blue Bombers have signed head coach O’Shea to a three-year contract extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea during Grey Cup team practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The Blue Bombers have signed head coach O’Shea to a three-year contract extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Redblacks sign kicker Lewis Ward, fullback Marco Dubois to contracts

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Redblacks sign kicker Lewis Ward, fullback Marco Dubois to contracts

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Redblacks signed kicker Lewis Ward to a two-year contract and fullback Marco Dubois to a one-year deal on Friday.

The 30-year-old Ward has been with the Redblacks since signing with the CFL team before the 2018 season after going undrafted.

He was named the league's outstanding rookie in 2018, setting a CFL single-season record with a 98.1 made field goal percentage.

He set a professional football record with 69 consecutive field goals made in regular-season action, starting in Week 2 of the 2018 season and ending in Week 10 of the 2019 campaign.

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Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

Ottawa Redblacks' Lewis Ward, right, kicks a field goal during second half CFL football action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. The Ottawa Redblacks have signed Ward to a two-year contract. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Ottawa Redblacks' Lewis Ward, right, kicks a field goal during second half CFL football action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. The Ottawa Redblacks have signed Ward to a two-year contract. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Kicker Sean Whyte sticking with B.C. Lions through 2023 season

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Kicker Sean Whyte sticking with B.C. Lions through 2023 season

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

VANCOUVER - The B.C. Lions have signed placekicker Sean Whyte to a one-year extension.

The team announced the news Thursday, saying the deal will keep the 37-year-old native of White Rock, B.C., with his hometown team through the 2023 season.

It will be his 15th CFL campaign and his fifth with the Lions, who were ousted from the western final by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in November.

Whyte made 36-of-39 field goal attempts and 54-of-55 convert attempts over 18 regular-season contests last year.

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Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

B.C. Lions' Sean Whyte (10) kicks a field goal as Stefan Flintoft holds during the first half of CFL football game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Vancouver, on Thursday, July 21, 2022. The Lions have signed placekicker Whyte to a one-year extension.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Lions' Sean Whyte (10) kicks a field goal as Stefan Flintoft holds during the first half of CFL football game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Vancouver, on Thursday, July 21, 2022. The Lions have signed placekicker Whyte to a one-year extension.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Head coach Mike O’Shea signs three-year extension with Blue Bombers

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Head coach Mike O’Shea signs three-year extension with Blue Bombers

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed head coach Mike O’Shea to a three-year contract extension.

O’Shea won his second consecutive Annis Stukus Trophy as the CFL’s top coach this year after leading the Blue Bombers to a club-record 15 regular-season wins and a third straight trip to the Grey Cup.

The Blue Bombers are 82-58 under O’Shea with Grey Cup championships in 2019 and 2021.

Winnipeg has posted six consecutive seasons with double-digit wins, matching a franchise-best stretch first established from 1957-62.

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Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea during Grey Cup team practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The Blue Bombers have signed head coach O’Shea to a three-year contract extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea during Grey Cup team practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The Blue Bombers have signed head coach O’Shea to a three-year contract extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Family comes first for retired B.C. Lions receiver Bryan Burnham

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Family comes first for retired B.C. Lions receiver Bryan Burnham

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

VANCOUVER - Bryan Burnham says he's been fortunate to play eight years in the CFL, and even more so to spend his entire career with one team.

He is just not prepared to sacrifice family for football anymore.

Burnham announced Tuesday he was retiring after a stellar career as a receiver with the B.C Lions that saw earn four CFL all-star nods and crack the 1,000-yard mark in four consecutive seasons.

"It's just crazy to think that you know this all started back in 2014 and just how much times have changed, how much the locker room has changed," Burnham said in a video conference from his home in Tulsa, Okla.

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Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

B.C. Lions receiver Bryan Burnham, right, goes up for a pass as Calgary Stampeders defensive back Dionte Ruffin blocks him during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Burnham has announced his retirement, ending an eight-year career with the CFL franchise. Burnham, a four-time CFL all-star, had 476 receptions and 7,212 receiving yards wit the Lions. Both marks rank fourth in franchise history.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
B.C. Lions receiver Bryan Burnham, right, goes up for a pass as Calgary Stampeders defensive back Dionte Ruffin blocks him during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Burnham has announced his retirement, ending an eight-year career with the CFL franchise. Burnham, a four-time CFL all-star, had 476 receptions and 7,212 receiving yards wit the Lions. Both marks rank fourth in franchise history.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Former CFL player Jerome Messam gets 18-month suspended sentence in voyeurism case

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Former CFL player Jerome Messam gets 18-month suspended sentence in voyeurism case

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

CALGARY - A former running back with the Calgary Stampeders who filmed a sexual encounter with a woman without her permission won't be going to jail but will have a criminal record.

Jerome Messam, 37, received an 18-month suspended sentence Monday after pleading guilty earlier this year to a charge of voyeurism.

Court heard Messam and the woman followed each other on social media while he was a running back for the Canadian Football League team and, in November 2016, they had dinner together then consensual sex at his apartment.

Three months later, Messam sent the woman four 10-second video clips of their sexual encounter on the social media platform Snapchat, which deletes videos after they are played.

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Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

Jerome Messam is shown at practice for the 104th Grey Cup in Toronto on Nov. 25, 2016. The former running back with the Calgary Stampeders, who filmed a sexual encounter with a woman without her permission, will have a criminal record as a result of an 18-month suspended sentence.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Jerome Messam is shown at practice for the 104th Grey Cup in Toronto on Nov. 25, 2016. The former running back with the Calgary Stampeders, who filmed a sexual encounter with a woman without her permission, will have a criminal record as a result of an 18-month suspended sentence.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

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