Courtesy Vancouver Province:

Josh Boden’s ongoing trial as an up-and-coming receiver with the B.C. Lions has been replaced by one of a decidedly more serious nature.

A lawyer for the 21-year-old was granted an adjournment in Vancouver provincial court Thursday after a hearing on charges of assault, theft and mischief under $5,000 stemming from an April 12 incident in Burnaby.

It was the second court date in a week regarding an alleged domestic dispute involving the second-year CFL player, who was released on $3,000 bail last Friday.

Criminal defence lawyer Eric Warren, who appeared on Boden’s behalf, declined comment on the case, and the player could not be reached for comment.

But his actions have not escaped the attention of the Lions, whose commitment to maintaining a community image will more than likely mean he will not be on the roster upon clearing waivers by the start of next week.

The North Vancouver product had been under a careful watch, as a result of an uneven upbringing, ever since joining the team in 2005 as a 19-year-old territorial protection.

A standout junior with the South Fraser Rams, Boden had been taken under the wing of several members of the organization, starting with former defensive back Mark Washington and continuing under the Lions’ club chaplain, coach Wally Buono and fellow receiving teammate Paris Jackson.

Boden left Carson Graham prior to his Grade 11 year to concentrate on a football career, and as recently as last winter was encouraged by Buono to pursue his high school diploma, even arranging for a tutor.

According to friends, Boden still had one eye on moving to the NFL, even as recently as the 2007 season when he tried to get out of his Lions contract on a technicality, but was but told he would be unable to do so without graduating.

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