Alexander hoping for a chance with Lions
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Frank Alexander doesn’t really want to talk about what brought him to the Canadian Football League.
The imposing defensive lineman knows people will be interested in how he found his way to B.C. Lions’ training camp after three suspensions for failed drug tests related to marijuana use while playing for the Carolina Panthers. But it’s clear he’s more interested in looking forward instead of back at his time in the National Football League.
“They’re going to do what they’re going to do,” Alexander said philosophically of the strict drug policy south of the border following a recent practice session. “It’s their business. They run it how they run it.”
How the NFL dealt with the 2012 fourth-round draft pick was to suspend him 14 games for his first two offences before slapping Alexander with a year-long ban while he was on injured reserve in November 2015 after tearing his Achilles in training camp.
The Panthers cut ties with Alexander, who lost a huge chunk of salary for his indiscretions, before the Lions eventually reached out to the six-foot-four, 270-pound native of Zachary, La., to see if he was willing to give three-down football a try.
B.C. head coach and general manager Wally Buono said the team did its usual due diligence, but also downplayed Alexander’s cannabis use, especially since the CFL doesn’t test for the substance and the federal government is scheduled to legalize the drug in Canada next year.
“Life has a way of maturing you,” said Lions defensive coordinator Mark Washington.
“He understands this opportunity he’s been given and is going to take full advantage,” Washington added.
Should he make the Lions, Alexander will join a defence that tied for the CFL lead with 52 sacks last season.