Ticats release Cobourne
Veteran running back Avon Cobourne was released by the Hamilton Tiger-cats on Wednesday, two days after the Ticats signed running back Martell Mallett.
Cobourne, 32, led the Ticats with 961 rushing yards in 2011, his only season with the team, but was deemed redundant after the signing of Mallett, the CFL’S outstanding rookie in 2009.
Cobourne spent five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, gaining more than 900 yards three times, including 1,214 yards in 2009. He finished in the top four in yards from scrimmage from 2008-11.
The Ticats also released defensive lineman Luc Mullinder and offensive lineman Simeon Rottier.
Saskatoon team ‘on the radar’
SASKATOON / Officials who operate Saskatoon’s Credit Union Centre continue to explore bringing a Canadian Football League franchise to the city.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders play out of Regina, but have a strong fan base in the northern half of the province. Saskatoon is growing faster than any other major city in Canada and is expected to surpass 250,000 people and 300,000 in the census metropolitan area between 2014 and 2016.
Ray wants a No. 1 receiver
Toronto / Ricky Ray has spoken casually to a few of his new teammates, and only in general terms about the offence with head coach Scott Milanovich, but the Toronto Argonauts’ new quarterback knows specifically what the team needs for 2012 to be a great season: a No. 1 receiver.
“I’ve had that guy I can really rely on,” Ray said Wednesday night at a charity event in Toronto. “That is going to be the challenge, coming here to a new football team, trying to find that guy again that you just click with.”
Ray’s passing records in Edmonton were written by the hands of 1,000yard receivers like Terry Vaughn, Jason Tucker and Fred Stamps. The Toronto Argonauts have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Arland Bruce made 92 catches for 1,210 and nine touchdowns in 2008.
And …
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed import quarterback Joey Elliott. The 25-year-old backup was scheduled to become a free agent on Feb. 16.
The B.C. Lions have released quar- terback Jarious Jackson. Jackson was a free-agent signing of the Lions in 2005 and dressed for 108 CFL games over seven years, starting 22 times.
New B.C. Lions head coach Mike Benevides unveiled the CFL team’s coaching staff Wednesday.
Offensive co-ordinator Jacques Chapdelaine welcomed back longtime offensive line coach Dan Dorazio and receivers coach Travis Moore. Kelly Bates will be in charge of running backs and will also serve as CFL draft co-ordinator as he enters his second year on the coaching staff.