Montreal, Jan. 19, 2011 – Montreal Alouettes’ Vice President and General Manager Jim Popp announced today that slotback S.J. Green has come to terms with the team.
Green (6’3’’, 220 lbs), who will start his fifth season with the Alouettes, signed a three year deal. In 2010, he made several spectacular catches, finishing the year in third place in the CFL with 10 receiving touchdowns, recording 875 yards on 58 catches. He was with Popp in Florida at the time of the signing, helping him and assistant general manager Marcel Desjardins scout the East-West Shrine Game. He is 25.
“Today, the future is bright for the Alouettes’ receiving core. S.J. Green has solidified himself as one of the up and coming stars for the future in the CFL. He has been one of the most patient and loyal players that the Alouettes have ever had to get playing time on the field. He has also been one of the most attractive players for the NFL over the last two years. SJ decided that the CFL is the best place for him and his family at this time and has made a commitment for the next three years to Montreal”, declared Popp.
“S.J. had a breakout year in 2010. He could have easily been voted the Grey Cup’s MOP, his circus catches have caught the attention of the nation, and he led the Alouettes in touchdowns scored. We feel that S.J. has a great package to offer. He is a team player and an outstanding perimeter blocker, has excellent hands and great body control. He also has no problem playing special teams when forced into duty. S.J.’s hard work and patience has paid off and we look forward to having him in an Alouettes’ uniform for a long time”, concluded Popp.
Lambert obtains release
The Alouettes also announced today that they have granted Canadian centre Paul Lambert his request to be released after eight seasons.
“I personally want to thank Paul for his services as an Alouette. Paul has been a tremendous teammate and a first class person on and off the field. He is a joy to be around and full of laughter. I wish Paul, Pam, and family happiness in their future endeavors.”
Lambert missed a part of the 2010 season, including the East Final and Grey Cup with an injury to the arm that required surgery and had an additional surgery to his knee in the offseason. He had been replaced by Luc Brodeur-Jourdain and Andrew Woodruff. The Alouettes also have four young non-import offensive linemen in the wings in Dylan Steenbergen, Kristian Matte, Ryan Bomben, and recently signed John Hashem. Montreal has import offensive lineman Chris Pino into the mix as well.
The Montreal Alouettes would like to thank Paul Lambert for all the years of service on the football field and in the community. He started his career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and eventually signed as a free agent with the Alouettes. He played in five Grey Cups with Montreal, winning two, and will forever be a part of the family.
Labinjo returns to Calgary
Also, the pending trade for Mike Labinjo has been voided and the Canadian defensive end’s rights will be returned to Calgary.
“The Alouettes were looking forward to giving Mike Labinjo a chance to return to the field. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way today”, said Popp. “We thank Mike and the Calgary Stampeders for their patience as we went through a thorough process to see if the trade would work out. Mike was nothing but first class through the process and we wish him the best in his quest to return to the field soon.”
-30-
