One-Time Star RB Joe Smith Cut Loose by Blue Bombers
Posted by admin on July 1st, 2009
Two years ago, running back Joe Smith was about to start a season where he’d win the CFL rushing title.
Now the three-year veteran is unemployed after he was one of 12 players released Thursday by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Bomber head coach Mike Kelly suggested his decision was two-fold: Smith didn’t give everything he could have during training camp and young running backs Lavarus Giles and Yvenson Bernard made a lasting impression.
Click here to read the full article – By Canadian Press
July 1st, 2009 at 11:46 am
Personally, I can see this as a move for Mike Kelly to put his own mark on this team, as he’s always valued hard workers, and Smith, albeit a real good guy, was often looked at as someone who didn’t give 100%. He was outworked last season by Fred Reid, and obviously didn’t have a great future here. I am sure he’ll land with another team looking for a RB. But in hindsight, the Smith for Roberts deal has turned out to be one where both teams were losers, and it’s a shame, both Smith and Roberts were great backs, but neither made the adjustment to a new team.