Pringle Released!

[MC Habber]

www.tsn.ca/cfl/news_story.asp?id=36879

Pringle granted release from Als


Canadian Press



4/8/2003

MONTREAL (CP) - Running back Mike Pringle has asked the Montreal Alouettes for his release so he can pursue his football career elsewhere.



Pringle, a two-time league MVP, became the only player in the CFL to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season in 1998 when he picked up 2,065 yards.



But 2002 was a tough season for Pringle. A knee injury midway through the season ended a controversy over coach Don Matthews decision to play former NFL running back Lawrence Phillips over the popular Pringle.



"With the change in philosophy in the Alouettes' offence in 2002, Mike Pringle deserves to have the right to play for a team where he will be used as the featured back," said Matthews. "We wish him the best of luck."


Phillips and Eric Lapointe will be the top backs for the Als in 2003. Several rookies including former Baltimore Raven Jason Brookins are also expected at training camp next month.



"We are sad to see Mike Pringle leave the Alouettes," said Ellis (Skip) Prince, president and CEO of the Als. "We had counted on him coming to training camp rested and healthy after his reconstructive knee surgery and looked forward to him in the backfield this year.



"However, with all his accomplishments and with everything he has done for the organization on and off the field, we feel we should respect and accept his decision."

[Disgruntled70sHab]

A future hall of famer for sure, MC.

I can't say for sure, but I wonder if the Renegades would be willing to give him a tryout? Then again, their front-five aren't as strong as it is in Montreal.

Still, it couldn't hurt the Renegades at all. He's also a marketable player as well.

Cheers.

[MPLABBE]

oh god another year of lawrence P

[MC Habber]

If I had to guess I'd say he'll go to Ottawa.

[GMan77]

Disgruntled70sHab said:

A future hall of famer for sure, MC.

I can't say for sure, but I wonder if the Renegades would be willing to give him a tryout? Then again, their front-five aren't as strong as it is in Montreal.

Still, it couldn't hurt the Renegades at all. He's also a marketable player as well.

Cheers.

Word is he'll likely end up in Edmonton, with his good friend Dany Maciocia who's offensive coordinator with the Eskimos... don't forget Edmonton lost Sean Avery to the NFL and had released Ronald Williams last year.

The absolutely funniest thing would be that Haskins left Montreal to sign with Edmonton a few weeks ago to finally get out from under Pringle's & Phillips' shadow... only to see Pringle follow him there... lol

I'd also see the Lions grabbing him, Wally was use to having Anderson in Calgary and Bennefield, wasn't there talk of him possibly retiring? I don't remember.

It would be shame to watch Pringle waste his time Ottawa to finish out his career, and didn't Ottawa have a very successful RB last year?.. one of the 2 brother RBs I forget their names.

As for the Als.. no worries.

A healthy Phillips would be great (even if we have to live with the headcase), but beyond that we have a few new RBs that Popp brought in.. one used to play for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.
Popp always finds quality replacements (except at QB)... so I'm not worried.
We need an RB that can catch the ball coming out of the backfield & Pringle absolutely sucked at it. Plus he wants to be used very often whereas our new offensive plan is more pass oriented (thank god, finally)... so I'm glad the Pringle era is behind us.

And with the ridiculous salary he was making (incentives & all) we couldn't afford him anymore now that we're overpaying a bunch for Calvillo.
As was the case last year our defense will be the key to winning the Cup, we still have a free pass to the Finals being in the East with TO, HAM, OTT.