Redblacks raise eyebrows by letting Levels go

New head coach Bob Dyce opts to start with younger talent at linebacker

The Ottawa Redblacks dropped a training camp bombshell early Tuesday morning.

Linebacker Patrick Levels is gone, released before Day 3 of camp at TD Place.

In an Instagram post after he was told the team was cutting him, Levels said: “I ripped my heart out (of ) my chest and gave it to y'all ... now they saying it wasn't good enough.”

“He was a bit surprised, he was disappointed,” said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce. “He said he really wanted to be here. Sometimes in this business, you have to make tough decisions and move forward.”

While Dyce had yelled at Levels in the middle of Sunday's practice, the coach said this was a football decision.

“I'll tell you this, if it was about everybody I let have it on the football field, we wouldn't have enough guys to field a team,” he said. “This business is natural evolution and there are going to be changes. We're going forward in another direction. I told Patrick I believe he can play in this league.

“We've identified some young guys that really look like they can take a jump up this year. Sometimes their development may be hindered by someone in front of them. I have so much respect for Patrick. If it wasn't going to be his spot, I wanted to give him an opportunity to catch on with another team.”

Among the possibilities to replace Levels at the SAM linebacker position (a hybrid between linebacker and defensive back) are Douglas Coleman, Damon Webb and Alonzo Addae.

Levels played two years with the Calgary Stampeders, then two with the Montreal Alouettes before joining the Redblacks before the 2022 season. The 28-year-old played 13 games a year ago, with 59 total tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble.

“It's a blow,” said Redblacks defensive back Abdul Kanneh. “Pat's a great player. But we'll bounce back. We have guys here who are hungry, thirsty and ready to play, eager to learn the game. So it's a minor setback for a major comeback. That's how I see it.”

SAFETY FIRST

The CFL announced Tuesday it has mandated use of the Guardian Cap by offensive and defensive linemen, running backs and linebackers during training camp, as well as all contact practices during the season. Players at other positions have an option to wear the Guardian Cap, a padded shell on the outside of the helmet. Research has shown when worn by one player, the Guardian Cap reduces the severity of impact by at least 10 per cent and by at least 20 per cent when worn by both players. It was also announced teams will have collapsible tents that will be used for medical assessments and/ or examinations during games.

THE END AROUND

One of the best plays during practice was a diving interception by Alonzo Addae. Newcomer Josh Valentine-turner went up high for an interception, then had another later in the morning. Also with picks were Brandin Dandridge, Hakeem Bailey, Justin Howell and Deandre Lamont . ... Wednesday's practice goes from 8:30 a.m.-noon. The weather forecast is sunny, but cool (5 C at 10 a.m.).