Extra motivation
Lions’ Lemon looking forward to facing ex-Argos teammates
Shawn Lemon will have a little extra juice Saturday afternoon at BMO Field.
The veteran defensive lineman will make his first appearance in Toronto since being dealt to B.C. on July 24 for a player on the Lions’ negotiation list. Lemon, 29, played 33 games over two-plus seasons with the Argonauts, helping them capture a Grey Cup title last year.
The six-foot-two, 251-pound Lemon said he was surprised to be dealt and that he’s very anxious to face his former team.
“This game means a little bit more to me just from being in the city, being teammates and winning a Grey Cup with them last year,” Lemon said. “Just having my family there and being so close for my parents to come up to the game and having the connection with the guys in the locker room I was a little disappointed (about trade).
“But I’m very thankful for the opportunity to come to the Lions. I’m definitely excited about what the future holds.”
Lemon was very outspoken on Twitter, saying the Argos offensive line couldn’t block him during practice and won’t be able to handle him Saturday. When asked if he still believed that, Lemon remained steadfast.
“Most definitely,” he said emphatically. “It is what it is.”
Lemon believes his prior experience with Toronto gives him a distinct advantage against his former team.
“I know their offence,” he said. “I know how they want to attack teams, I know how they want to attack me.”
McLeod Bethel-Thompson will make his second straight start after rallying Toronto to a stirring 42-41 win over Ottawa on Aug. 2. Bethel-Thompson threw for 302 yards and four TDs — including a 23-yard scoring strike to Armanti Edwards with nine seconds remaining — as the Argos overcame a 24point deficit to capture the victory.
Toronto (2-5) is third in the East Division, two points behind Hamilton (3-4). B.C. (3-4) is tied with Saskatchewan for fourth in the West Division, four points behind second-place Winnipeg and Edmonton (both 5-3).