Star receiver Lawler suspended by Bombers

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/05/2023 (327 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are dealing with a massive hit to their roster just a week before the CFL season begins.

The team has transferred star receiver Kenny Lawler to the suspended list, “… pending resolution of matters related to his 2021 off-field incident,” the Bombers said in a statement. An update on Lawler’s status will be provided once the situation resolves, with the expectation that it will take between three or four weeks to achieve that goal, the two-sentence statement read.

There was no further information provided by the Bombers.

However, league sources confirmed to the Free Press the off-field incident in question is related to Lawler’s charge for impaired driving after a single-vehicle accident in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 4, 2021.

As a result of the arrest, the Bombers suspended Lawler for one game. He would go on to lead the CFL in receiving that season with 1,014 yards, while reeling in six touchdowns as Winnipeg won the second of back-to-back Grey Cups.

Lawler was not hurt in the incident, and he was formally charged with impaired driving a few days later. He then signed with the Edmonton Elks for the 2022 season before returning to the Bombers this year, inking a three-year deal that keeps him in Winnipeg through the 2025 campaign.

“This was a mistake. It was a selfish decision. I knew better not to step in that car,” Lawler told reporters at the time. “I told the team, I’m sorry I let you all down.”

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

Business Weekly

Monday mornings

The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week.

Sign up for Business Weekly

Sign Up

I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Lawler will not be permitted to play while on the suspended list. It’s unclear if the 28-year-old receiver will be allowed to practice with the team or whether he can remain with the club while the undisclosed issue works itself to conclusion.

Expect the Bombers to look to Carlton Agudosi to fill Lawler’s spot as an American starting receiver.

The Bombers have one final pre-season game left as they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday night. Winnipeg begins the regular season at home against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 9.

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jeffkhamilton

Jeff Hamilton
Multimedia producer

After a slew of injuries playing hockey that included breaks to the wrist, arm, and collar bone; a tear of the medial collateral ligament in both knees; as well as a collapsed lung, Jeff figured it was a good idea to take his interest in sports off the ice and in to the classroom.

   Read full biography