While a Grey Cup rematch always holds a special allure, this Thursday’s season-opening Alouettes game in Winnipeg has taken on additional significance for Shawn Lemon.
Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea, a former CFL linebacker and Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee, recently stirred controversy by stating in the Winnipeg Sun that he doesn’t believe Lemon should be playing after gambling on league games in 2021, including one he participated in. Lemon, who placed a bet of 70 euros (approximately $100 Canadian), was indefinitely suspended by the CFL in April. However, he filed an appeal through the league’s players’ association and can continue practicing and playing until the appeal is heard, although no timetable has been set.
Lemon, 35, initially expressed private displeasure in May upon hearing O’Shea’s remarks but chose to take the high road after Monday’s practice at Stade Hébert in St-Léonard.
“We’re all entitled to our own opinion,” Lemon said. “I play the game the right way. My peers, teammates, and players across the league all know that. Coaches who have worked with me know that. I’ve never had the pleasure of working with (O’Shea). He doesn’t know who Shawn Lemon, the person or the player, is. Everyone else that has actually worked with me understands who I am as a person and player.”
“I can’t control someone else’s opinion of me. I can control being the best version of myself every day, being the best teammate, and the best defensive end,” Lemon said.
Lemon mentioned he has no intention of seeking out O’Shea during pre-game warm-ups, stating, “He’s not playing. He’s not on the menu.” He also doesn’t expect O’Shea to confront him. O’Shea had previously told the Winnipeg Sun, “I don’t see any place in this league for people who bet on our games, bet on their own football games. I take a lot of pride in this league and the integrity this league has had.”
Lemon, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 242 pounds, made a significant impact last season after joining Montreal in late July. In 13 regular-season games, he recorded 26 tackles, nine quarterback sacks, two interceptions, forced a fumble, and recovered one for his first career touchdown. Entering his 13th season, Lemon has been a part of every organization except Hamilton and has accumulated 101 career sacks.
Lemon said he feels good physically, had a productive training camp, and his legs are well-rested after not playing last Friday in Ottawa. Now in his second season under defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe, Lemon believes he can continue to be productive. In 2023, he might have been the only player under Thorpe allowed to ad lib on the field, choosing his best position to reach the quarterback.
While Lemon doesn’t boast about his achievements, he brings leadership and experience to the Alouettes. His teammates think highly of him, as evidenced by his recent election as one of the team’s two players’ association reps, alongside veteran guard Kristian Matte, according to a CFLPA source.
Lemon doesn’t start a season with a specific sack goal, knowing that playing fast and aggressively will naturally lead to production.
“Anybody can go in and speak words,” Lemon said. “When you go out there and your actions match your words, that’s when guys truly follow you.”
The Alouettes relied heavily on their defense to secure a championship last year, winning their final eight regular-season and playoff games. They’ve made some adjustments to the unit, adding defensive tackles Dylan Wynn, Derek Wiggan, and rush-end Isaac Adeyemi Berglund through free agency. Can they replicate their success?
“I’m super excited,” Lemon said. “Coach Thorpe does an amazing job. I feel he’s one of the coordinators in this league that doesn’t get the credit he deserves. We’re always prepared for games. I’m thankful to have an opportunity to play for an amazing guy like that.”
Lemon believes he’s not circumventing any rules by continuing to practice and play, as he has appealed and this is part of the due process. The incident occurred in 2021, and he continued playing for two seasons until it came to light. Lemon said he’ll provide more details as he learns more.
Meanwhile, the Alouettes made their final cuts on Saturday and announced their 12-man practice roster. Among the released players, the most notable was receiver Tevin Jones, a free-agent addition from Saskatchewan this season, who was beaten out by rookie Charleston Rambo.
