Next year’s auditions underway for Lions
Out of the CFL 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 Saturday when the 6-10 Lions travel to face the 11-5 Winnipeg Blue Bombers. For the Lions, the game represents nothing more than an opportunity to evaluate replacements on a roster that is in need of upgrades in several areas.
The play of quarterback Jonathon 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 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 talks with prospective buyers until it has been a determined if a lawsuit brought by former receiver Arland Bruce will be heard on appeal by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Buono has a contract to serve in his current dual capacity until Feb. 1 and as a consultant until August. Buono said he would like to know if he is needed, but hasn’t spoken to Braley about his future and has no plans to do so until the Lions have completed their schedule.