The Lion is out of the bag regarding the status running back Andrew Harris.
BC Lions General Manager and Head Coach Wally Buono told the TEAM 1040 Tuesday afternoon that the Lions would not be making an offer to the 8-year Lion and pending free agent.
“At this point, I’m not saying we’re going to make him an offer. I don’t believe that we will. I think that at this point, it’s time for the club to look at doing things differently.” When you look at the eight years he’s had here – he’s had eight great years. There’s times that you say, ‘okay, we’re going to go in a new direction. We appreciate all an individual has done, and sometimes it’s just good to find a new place to go.” – Wally Buono on Andrew Harris.
It didn’t take long for the popular player to acknowledge that his time in BC was done as he took to Twitter to thank the fans, his teammates and like the classy person he is, he thanked Wally Buono and Neil McEvoy for giving him a chance.
Well I guess that's it BC Lions fans. Thanks for all the love and support throughout my journey here in BC! ???? https://t.co/v4fHd5Ttxc
— Andrew Harris (@andrewharris33) February 3, 2016
Gonna miss my @BCLions #teammates most of all.. You all know who you are.. When you shed blood, sweat and tears.. That's BROTHERHOOD! ??
— Andrew Harris (@andrewharris33) February 3, 2016
I wouldn't be where I am today if @GM_Brillo and Neil McEvoy never gave me a shot.. I appreciate and thank you for the opportunity!
— Andrew Harris (@andrewharris33) February 3, 2016
This is yet another in a long line of tough decisions the CFL’s all-time winningest head coach has made in his career. In his line of work, he can’t be concerned with the public opinion, which is largely in the camp of Harris based on early reactions from fans on social media.
Some have questioned based on Harris’ tweets whether he found out Buono’s plans through the media. If that’s the case, it’s unfortunate and it should not have been handled that way.
That said, both sides likely knew that this was the outcome they were headed for. Harris made no bones about doing what was best for himself at the end of last season, and has been visibly frustrated with the offence here on multiple occasions the past couple of seasons.
Buono publicly voiced his displeasure over some of the comments Harris made and gave early hints that the Lions could be looking at making the running back position more of an import position going forward and it seems as though they will look to do just that.
Buono became aware of Harris in 2008 and quickly made the young junior player a territorial protection of the club. It wasn’t until 2010 that Harris claimed a starting spot on the Lions roster, despite looking like the best running back in training camp in 2009.
He was named top Canadian of the 2011 Grey Cup, his only championship with the team.
Last off-season Harris moved to Vancouver full-time and started a local restaurant here, saying he wanted to lay down roots here for his post-football career. That career will now likely continue in Winnipeg if the Bombers are interested, as Harris’ young daughter lives there, and it is his hometown.
Harris’ time as a Lion ends with 4,259 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns across five seasons. He also added another 2,639 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air.
