Als offence struggles in exhibition game loss

Woods refuses to lash out at Als after surprise release

Bear Woods arrived in Montreal early this season. He played the guitar at the wedding of Kyries Hebert, May 20, then headed to Bishop’s University to watch Alouettes rookies practise.

To say he wasn’t anticipating his release from the Als, especially on the second day of training camp, would be a gross understatement. But Woods, whose signing by the Toronto Argonauts was announced Wednesday night, stopped short of criticizing his former organization for its perceived lack of class.

“I was there early. They could have let me go. But in the business world, everyone has their own opinion, whether it’s right or wrong,” Woods said Thursday, before the exhibition game between the Argos and Als at BMO Field.

It was the first time Woods spoke publicly — despite repeated attempts by the Montreal Gazette — in the more than two weeks since he was released. Predictably, he wasn’t dressed for the game.

Although Woods clearly wasn’t pleased with the timing of the decision, he refused to criticize the Als, saying there was no bitterness on his part. “When is the timing ever good?” he asked.

Woods said the only thing he was told by new general manager Kavis Reed was the team wanted to get younger. But Woods still is relatively young, at 30. He set a franchise record last season, producing 126 defensive tackles. He also had five quarterback sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and forced three fumbles.

For the second time in three seasons, he was the East Division’s nominee as outstanding defensive player. And, for the second time, he lost to British Columbia linebacker Solomon Elimimian.

“I thought I was still relatively young,” he said. “I guess I was surprised but, at age 30 and knowing about pro ball, you have to expect the unexpected.

“As for my ability, in November I was setting franchise records.”

The Als have been singing the praises of Anthony Sauro, a 24-year-old rookie out of the University of Southern California, for weeks, although he lacks experience. It’s a decision, ultimately, that could come back to haunt the team.

“I guess we’ll find out this season,” Woods said. “It’s all about consistency, and I proved that last season. But I’m just a number on the roster. If there’s been one thing I’ve learned, you go to training camp just wanting to make the team.”

That Woods resurfaced with the Argos was hardly a surprise. That it took two weeks, however, was startling, given Woods’ resumé. But he said the timing wasn’t good, with rosters full and money having been allocated.

Nonetheless, signing with Toronto reunites Woods with former Als GM Jim Popp, who brought him into the Canadian Football League in 2011. Marc Trestman, Woods’s first head coach as a rookie in 2011, is in his first season with the Argos.