Elks Prepare for Regular Season Debut Amidst Injuries

The Edmonton Elks are preparing for their 2024 CFL regular season debut on Saturday, marking the culmination of their 75th anniversary celebrations. Led by new starting quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, the Elks aim to start the season strong against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. However, the team faces challenges with six players on the six-game injured list, including veteran receiver Kyran Moore, whose season may be over. Despite the injuries, head coach Chris Jones is confident in his depth and sees it as an opportunity for other players to step up.

Roughriders Prevail in Preseason Clash Against Elks

The Saskatchewan Roughriders secured a 28-27 preseason victory over the Edmonton Elks on Saturday. Brett Lauther’s decisive 23-yard field goal with just 23 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winning score. McLeod Bethel-Thompson made his debut for the Elks, passing for 190 yards before being replaced by Tre Ford in the second half. Mason Fine led the Roughriders’ offense, throwing a touchdown pass and completing 9 of 11 pass attempts. Both teams exhibited offensive prowess, but the Elks’ costly turnovers, including five fumbles, ultimately proved detrimental to their chances.

Roughriders Coach Corey Mace Embraces Warm Reception, Outlines Team Vision

Corey Mace, head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, received a warm welcome at SMF Field during Green & White Day. Addressing fans, he discussed his respect for CFL rivals, the importance of collective effort, and the team’s transformation through off-season signings. Despite recent challenges, Mace emphasized resilience and expressed confidence in the team’s preparation for the upcoming season.

CFL Enhances Player Safety with Guardian Caps, Mandatory Mouthguards, and GPS Tracking

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has implemented several health and safety initiatives for the upcoming season, including optional Guardian caps, mandatory mouthguards, and GPS tracking technology. Guardian caps, which provide additional head protection, will be available to all players, and mouthguards are now mandatory, making the CFL the first pro sports league in North America to implement this requirement. GPS tracking will aid in injury prevention and rehabilitation monitoring. The league will also provide additional camera angles and video technology for injury spotters.

Suspended Alouettes Defensive Lineman Shawn Lemon Returns to Practice After Appealing Ban

Defensive lineman Shawn Lemon has appealed his indefinite suspension for betting on CFL games and has returned to practice with the Montreal Alouettes. Lemon was initially suspended on April 24 after an investigation found that he bet on games in 2021 while with the Calgary Stampeders. The league concluded that there was no evidence to suggest his wagers impacted any games. Despite the ongoing suspension, Lemon is now eligible to practice and play after filing an appeal. The Alouettes and the CFL have not yet provided an explanation for Lemon’s reinstatement but have stated that an official announcement will be issued. Lemon, a three-time Grey Cup champion, retired two weeks before the suspension was announced, despite signing a one-year contract extension with Montreal during the off-season. The 35-year-old helped the Alouettes win the Grey Cup last year against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. After signing Lemon, the Alouettes had a successful season, finishing with a 12-4 record, including playoffs. Lemon contributed with 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 13 regular-season games and reached his 100th career CFL sack milestone during the season.

Shawn Lemon Indefinitely Suspended by CFL for Betting on League Games

Shawn Lemon, a veteran defensive lineman, has been indefinitely suspended by the Canadian Football League (CFL) for betting on league games, including one he played in. The league’s investigation found that Lemon wagered on games in 2021 while with the Calgary Stampeders. The CFL emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that games were influenced by Lemon’s betting activities.

CFL Suspends Shawn Lemon Indefinitely for Betting on League Games

Veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon has been indefinitely suspended by the CFL for betting on league games, including one in which he played. The three-time Grey Cup champion retired in April after a 13-season career in Canada. The CFL’s investigation showed that Lemon bet on CFL games in 2021 while with the Calgary Stampeders. There was no evidence to indicate that games were impacted by his wagering, and no Calgary coaches, teammates, or team personnel were aware of his actions.

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