Boden’s legal woes put future in doubt
Receiver Josh Boden’s legal problems have only reinforced the Lions’ thinking as to how the CFL club will deploy its receiving corps this year.
Coach Wally Buono has confirmed the Lions are leaning towards playing with one fewer import player on defence and utilizing another American to augment their primary receiving weapons when going with multiple formations this season.
Boden was in court last week to face an assault charge and two other charges stemming from an April 12 incident in Burnaby. An RCMP spokesperson said the police report indicated authorities were called by a female complainant about an alleged assault. Boden’s next date in Vancouver provincial court is Thursday.
The club has discussed all winter ways to improve the passing game, which ranked only sixth last season. Boden was gradually being worked into the offensive rotation last year, but Buono’s disappointment was palpable when he spoke about his alternatives and ways to upgrade the offence.
Beyond Geroy Simon, Jason Clermont and Paris Jackson as primary weapons, the Lions have not had quality fourth and fifth receivers for some time.
“I need to be able to rely on people and not be concerned about situations that explode in my face,” Buono said.
Thinking the club would be interested in bolstering its Canadian receiving depth as a result of the charges against Boden, the club heard from the agent for former B.C. draft pick Mike Lindstrom. The UBC product was cut by Edmonton after spending time with ex-Eskimos offensive co-ordinator Jacques Chapdelaine, who is now with the Lions.
Boden was also the subject of brief trade talks with the Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders. However, the Lions are thinking of rookie free agent import solutions and aren’t interested in veterans on the market.
The club said five players are expected be offered contracts from a tryout camp held Friday in Atlanta, including one receiver, Eric Taylor of Concordia (Ala.) College. Another tryout camp will be held today in Las Vegas.
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