The BC Lions off-season has been an eventful one so far and Thursday night the biggest surprise so far came with the news that tackle Jovan Olafioye would be returning to the team after a “medical issue” was listed as the cause of his release from the St.Louis Rams. The nature of the medical issue was not reported. The NFL window in his contracted closes next Wednesday, but Olafioye’s agent announced he would be returning to BC.
The 24 year-old Olafioye worked out for 15 NFL teams this off-season before signing with St. Louis. In a statement Thursday Olafioye indicated the news was “unexpected” but that he was happy to be returning to BC.
The big right tackle didn’t allow a sack in 2011 and it was a forgone conclusion he would be lost to the NFL in 2012 given his age and potential. His return scratches a huge need of the Lions list heading into training camp, depending of course on the nature of the reported medical issue.
The media release from BCLions.com:
The BC Lions Football Club was informed Thursday evening that offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye has been released by the St. Louis Rams.
Olafioye’s representative Dan Vertlieb issued the following statement: “The St. Louis Rams have notified Jovan Olafioye that they have released him from his contract due to their concerns about a medical issue. Given the closing window to explore opportunities in the NFL in Jovan’s current CFL contract, he will return to the BC Lions for another season after thoroughly addressing his status.”
Lions VP of football operations and GM Wally Buonohas issued the following statement: “We are pleased to welcome Jovan back and we will work with him closely in coming months to ensure any issues that may have arisen are addressed.”
Anchoring a Lions offensive line that gave up the fewest sacks in the CFL for the first time since 1995, Olafioye was dominant throughout the year and earned the nod as the West Division’s Most Outstanding Lineman.
Jovan Olafioye has issued the following statement: “While this news was unexpected, I am very happy to be returning to my family at the BC Lions.”
Related stories:
About turn: Olafioye back with Lions – Lowell Ullrich, The Province.
