Courtesy Vancouver Province:

There are drawbacks to being named the CFL’s top rookie and defensive player last year, one of which for Cam Wake is becoming the lightning rod for a potential contract challenge.

But make no mistake, Wake’s agent said Thursday, the second-year defensive end wants to remain with the Lions this season, and is making no attempts to uncover a contract loophole in order to seek immediate work in an NFL training camp.

Cincinnati-based agent Brian Redden e-mailed a statement to selected media outlets suggesting his client became an unwitting focal point by virtue of his success last year as a result of an investigation by the CFL Players Association.

CKNW reported the CFLPA has been trying to determine whether the Lions and other clubs were in contravention of a clause in the collective bargaining agreement, which states players can sign multi-year deals but also must be offered a one-year contract.

As a rule, the Lions agree to terms only on minimum two-year deals with rookie import free agents such as Wake, leading to radio speculation he could leave by winning an arbitration.

“It’s not a train that Cam is driving,” said Redden, who wouldn’t disclose whether Wake was made the required one-year offer.

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