Courtesy Winnipeg Sun:

The soap opera surrounding a Blue Bombers icon ended abruptly yesterday.

The local CFL club has cut ties with veteran kicker Troy Westwood, Winnipeg’s leading scorer of all time.

Although head coach Doug Berry said the decision was based on Westwood’s inconsistencies in both placekicking and punting over the last two years, Westwood blamed it on the mind games involved.

The 41-year-old was benched after a poor outing last season and was scrutinized at every practice. He earned his way back on the roster and finished the season as punter and placekicker.

“I can’t say I’m surprised at what happened,” Westwood said during an emotional press conference held at the Sun Centre. “I felt like I was punting the ball really well. I don’t feel like I was beat out for a spot. But after some of the events of last year, nothing really surprises me.”

Although Westwood maintains he is still the best punter in camp, he readily admitted that his placekicking was poor.

“But having said that, in regards to what I was able to overcome in the environment and mental warfare of last year, the way I was able to reply in the last three games — two playoff games and the Grey Cup, to able to step up to the plate and make a positive contribution to the team, I think that should speak volumes for what I’m capable of,” Westwood said.

“As of Day 2 at training camp, when Doug made the statement that he felt that I lost my leg and I wasn’t where I was, kicking-wise, as I was in the Grey Cup … it was made very clear that we were back to Square 1. He just changed the feeling, the environment for me.”

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