Questions on gridiron and in boardroom loom as Lions close out season

VANCOUVER Out of the playoffs for the first time in 21 years, the B.C. Lions are trying make something out of two meaningless games to salvage a remarkably disappointing season.

That’s the stated goal of coach/GM Wally Buono, but with ownership and coaching issues hovering over the Lions, delivering results could prove exceedingly difficult.

At least five players will likely be activated off the practice roster and make their league debuts when the 610 Lions travel to face the 11-5 Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday. For the Lions, the game represents nothing more than an opportunity to evaluate replacements on a roster which is in need of upgrades in several areas.

The play of quarterback Jon Jennings, who has the lowest passer rating among starters, tops the list. B.C. is also last in sacks and pressures made and allowed on both sides of the line of scrimmage, and tied for last in the turnover ratio. Making matters worse, however, is the uncertainty surrounding the future of Buono, the league’s career coaching victories leader, and whether the team owned by David Braley since 1996 will remain in the hands of the 76-year-old Hamilton businessman.

Braley told reporters last week he was unlikely to engage in sale talks with prospective buyers until it has been a determined if a concussionrelated lawsuit brought by former receiver Arland Bruce will be heard on appeal by the Supreme Court off Canada.