The Toronto Sun is reporting that the BC Lions have signed import receiver Derick Armstrong.
BIG COUNTRY IS BACK: Derick Armstrong will attempt to get back into the CFL with B.C. after agreeing to terms with the Lions.
“Oh man, it’s something I’ve been waiting for for a long time,” the 30-year-old said Wednesday from Dallas. “When I got the call, I was ecstatic.”
The Bombers released the three-time 1,000-yard receiver last July after he had a falling out with then head coach Mike Kelly. Armstrong dressed but refused to play in the season-opener after being told just prior to kickoff that he wasn’t going to start.
Armstrong and Kelly made up the day after the game, but it deteriorated because the receiver continued to express his disgust with the situation through the media.
The two almost came to blows in Kelly’s office, and Armstrong was released a few days later.
Armstrong’s connection with the Lions is their player personnel director, Roy Shivers, who brought the former NFLer to Saskatchewan in 2001. Armstrong said the Lions just want him to play, and he’ll do just that.
If Kelly and the Bomber coaching staff had been up front with him, he said, he might still be in Blue and Gold.
“I can accept a role,” Armstrong said. “I don’t mind being the third, fourth or whatever receiver. Because I knew my situation. I knew I was hurting. It wasn’t a big factor in that regard.
“But the way they did me there, that was a feeling I don’t never want to feel no more. I’m happy that I’m moving forward, though.”
This could be a great signing for the team. Armstrong is a quality receiver and a big target. The 30-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Blue Bombers, tallying almost 2,500 yards and 14 touchdowns. He started his CFL career with Saskatchewan in 2001 and 2002 before joining the NFL’s Houston Texans for three seasons.
Thanks to @theriders on Twitter for the heads up on this development, and to @Stargazer_Girl for alerting us to it!
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