Alouettes sign running back Lawrence Phillips after weeks of speculation
June 01, 2002
MONTREAL (CP) - The Montreal Alouettes have signed running back Lawrence Phillips, a former first-round draft pick in the NFL, to a one-year contract plus an option. Phillips hasn't played a game since 1999 due to off-field problems and signing with the Als was contingent on the 27-year-old obtaining a special permit to cross the border because he has a criminal record in the U.S. Phillips was selected sixth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 1996 NFL draft.
Montreal general manager Jim Popp said earlier in the week that an agreement in principle had been reached with the former Nebraska Cornhuskers star, but that the team had to wait until Phillips received clearance from Canadian immigration.
The Alouettes opened training camp on Saturday.
Phillips' legal problems began at Nebraska when he pleaded no contest to domestic violence in a case involving a confrontation with a girlfriend.
He played 25 games for St. Louis before being released for insubordination in 1997. His 19 months with the team were marked by three arrests and 23 days in jail for violating his probation after a drunk-driving arrest in California.
He signed with the Miami Dolphins later in the '97 season, but was released after pleading no contest to hitting a woman in a nightclub.
Phillips appeared to kick-start his career in 1999 with NFL Europe's Barcelona Dragons. He ran for 1,021 yards and scored 14 touchdowns - both league records - and was named the circuit's top offensive player.
Phillips then signed with the San Francisco 49ers, but was released during the '99 season for missing practice.
June 01, 2002
MONTREAL (CP) - The Montreal Alouettes have signed running back Lawrence Phillips, a former first-round draft pick in the NFL, to a one-year contract plus an option. Phillips hasn't played a game since 1999 due to off-field problems and signing with the Als was contingent on the 27-year-old obtaining a special permit to cross the border because he has a criminal record in the U.S. Phillips was selected sixth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 1996 NFL draft.
Montreal general manager Jim Popp said earlier in the week that an agreement in principle had been reached with the former Nebraska Cornhuskers star, but that the team had to wait until Phillips received clearance from Canadian immigration.
The Alouettes opened training camp on Saturday.
Phillips' legal problems began at Nebraska when he pleaded no contest to domestic violence in a case involving a confrontation with a girlfriend.
He played 25 games for St. Louis before being released for insubordination in 1997. His 19 months with the team were marked by three arrests and 23 days in jail for violating his probation after a drunk-driving arrest in California.
He signed with the Miami Dolphins later in the '97 season, but was released after pleading no contest to hitting a woman in a nightclub.
Phillips appeared to kick-start his career in 1999 with NFL Europe's Barcelona Dragons. He ran for 1,021 yards and scored 14 touchdowns - both league records - and was named the circuit's top offensive player.
Phillips then signed with the San Francisco 49ers, but was released during the '99 season for missing practice.
I know the Al's well so you'll get a following for sure!
