Dec
Lions release Clermont
Courtesy TSN.ca:
In a surprising move, the B.C. Lions have released non-import slotback Jason Clermont, who leaves as the sixth leading receiver in team history.
This season, Clermont caught 50 passes for 640 yards before missing the last three games of the regular season with a strained MCL. He returned to the lineup for the West Division Semi-Final victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
”This was a very difficult decision and an equally difficult day for the BC Lions Football Club,” said Lions’ GM and head coach Wally Buono. ”We are grateful for the Jason’s hard work and dedication to excellence over the past seven seasons and we wish him the very best in the future.”
The Regina native was drafted fourth overall by the Lions in 2002 and earned Most Outstanding Rookie honours in his first year.
In 2004, Clermont was named the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian during the regular season and then captured the same honour in the Lions’ Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts.
“I would like to thank the fans for their incredible support over the last seven years,” said Clermont. ”I leave the Lions with a Grey Cup ring, three league awards and countless memories and friendships – all of which were made possible by the fans.”
In 2006, he helped the Lions defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup. The following season, he earned the Most Outstanding Canadian award for a second time.
Over his seven-year tenure with the Lions, he caught 428 passes for 5,917 yards and while his career with the Lions is over, Clermont vows to resume his career with another CFL team.
