BC Lions release Dave Dickenson

[JDoub]

I always had respect for Dave, whatever uniform he wore. Hope he can still play the great game of football somewhere.


LIONS RELEASE DAVE DICKENSON
JOHN SOKOLOWSKI/CFL

Monday, November 26, 2007

By Ron Sudlow,
Canadian Press

VANCOUVER -- Quarterback Dave Dickenson, who has spent much of his five years with the B.C. Lions recovering from injuries, was released Monday by the CFL club.

The move came on the first day of the new year under the CFL's salary management system.

Dickenson, a 10-year veteran, earned about $400,000 a season, a big chunk of the club's $4.05-million salary cap.

"We both hoped that Dave would get through the season without any major injuries, get through the season where he was a big factor in all that we have done," Lions head coach and GM Wally Buono said at a news conference.

Instead, Dickenson suffered his third concussion in less than two years. In 2005 he was out with ankle sprains in addition to a concussion. In 2004 he missed 10 games with a knee injury.

"With the salary pressures that imposes on myself and the club, we've had to release Dave of his obligation," Buono said.

Buono would not speculate when asked whether Dickenson could return to the Lions under a restructured contract.

"Today is a day that I knew probably would have to be dealt with. I was hoping it wasn't going to have to be dealt with but our business doesn't ever give you a break," Buono said. "It's unfortunate for the club, unfortunate for Dave but long-term we have to do what's best for all of us."

Buono said the decision was discussed with Dickenson last week after he came in late in the first half of a 26-17 loss to eventual Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Final.

"When I spoke with Dave, I don't think in his own mind he's exactly sure what's in store for him," Buono said.

"He's had a tremendous career in the CFL, he's been a big part of a lot of championship teams.

"Dave understands with the big contract comes big responsibilities. Dave also understands with the big contract also comes big liabilities. Unfortunately for me, the liabilities caught up."

The five-foot-11, 195-pound Dickenson signed with B.C. as a free agent in 2003 after four seasons in Calgary, where he makes his off-season home. The 34-year-old took the Lions to a Grey Cup title in 2006, earning outstanding player honours in the victory. He also won a Grey Cup ring with the Calgary Stampeders.

Dickenson is expected to speak to the media about his situation on Tuesday.

"Right now, Dave's free and he can look at his best options," Buono said. "We might not be his best option. There might be another place that gives him more of what he wants because there's a greater need."

The Lions are currently negotiating a new contract with Jarious Jackson, the former Notre Dame star who took most of the offensive snaps for the Lions this season.

Buck Pierce, a third-year pivot out of New Mexico State who also battled injuries this season, is signed through 2009.

Gino Guduli, who set school passing records at the University of Cincinnati and played arena football for the Green Bay Blizzard, was also on the B.C. roster at the end of the season.

Dickenson's concussion problems returned July 13 in Regina when he was involved in a helmet-to-helmet collision with defensive lineman Fred Perry.

He started only three games and dressed for eight others but spent much of his time on the sidelines wearing dark glasses because of the injury.

During the regular season Dickenson led the Lions' four quarterbacks in completion percentage at 64.4 but threw only 87 passes while completing 56 for 740 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

In the West Final, he took over from Jackson and completed 14 of 19 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown to Geroy Simon but said he didn't provide enough spark for his club.

"Maybe I just didn't see enough football this year to be smart, mostly throwing the ball away and keep us in a manageable second or third down," he said after the game.

In 2006, he led the CFL in passing efficiency with a 111.2 rating and was second to Pierce in completion percentage at 70.4 per cent.