Bray grateful for another chance
His legal and immigration problems behind him, receiver Quan Bray practised for the first time Monday with the Alouettes — thankful for second chances, both on the field and in life.
“Everybody looks at things differently,” Bray said during a video conference. “I can't hold myself against whatever anyone thinks about me. I know the type of person I am — and the organization knows. They gave me another chance. That's all that really matters.”
In February 2020, Bray was one of three men arrested with 157 pounds of cannabis after their vehicle was pulled over at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Texas. Bray, 28, faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted, but escaped with a relative slap on the wrist. One charge was dropped, while he plead guilty to a second offence and paid a fine.
“I learned a valuable lesson, a life lesson,” he said. “Live and learn. That's behind me. I'm here in Montreal, back on the field with my teammates. I'm excited and ready to make plays and get to the ultimate goal (Grey Cup). That's the only thing on my mind.”
The Als re-signed Bray last March for one year, but he was placed on the suspended list this month because of an immigration issue. Once he was allowed to cross the border, Bray had to quarantine for a week.
While he might be behind his teammates physically, Bray is familiar with the offensive terminology, head coach Khari Jones and quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. It shouldn't take him long to catch up and Bray should benefit from the Als having a bye week to begin the regular season.
Bray is held in such high esteem that he was already practising with the starting offence on Monday. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder caught 58 passes for 818 yards, while scoring six touchdowns, in 16 games in 2019. He also returned punts and kickoffs.
“The biggest thing 's just getting him back into shape, getting moving,” Jones said. “The other guys have had a week to get the rust off, get their legs under them. It's going to take him a little bit.”
Since general manager Danny Maciocia had no history with Bray in 2019, it was up to Jones to endorse his return last winter, once his legal issues had been quashed. Jones said he had no reservations, arguing Bray's worth ethic and athletic ability are exemplary.
That aside, the Als' organization, dating back to the days of GM Jim Popp, have frequently given second chances to players.
“I look at (Bray) the same,” Jones said. “He is who he is. Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody goes through difficulties. It's not for me to judge him. We're here for him. He's part of this team and we're going to move forward with him.”
Nonetheless, it might be more challenging for Bray this season. The Als are deep at receiver. Not only has veteran B.J. Cunningham returned from a 2019 fractured wrist, newcomers include Naaman Roosevelt, formerly with Saskatchewan; former Pittsburgh Steeler Eli Rogers, and Rashad Ross, who played for the Washington Football Team.
“I have to focus on me making plays,” said Bray, who spent three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. “I don't worry about whether I'll make the team or not. I'll just let my play speak for itself. They'll determine what they need as an organization.”