The Casey Printers reign of error is over.
Less than 48 hours after their epic collapse in Winnipeg, the B.C. Lions released the quarterback who threw the game-ending interception in a 47-35 overtime loss to the Blue Bombers ? then publicly berated the intended receiver on national TV.
The stunning news was delivered on the Canadian Football League club's website.
?At this time, we believe it is in the best interest of the club to part ways and move forward,? head coach Wally Buono said, in a statement. ?We wish Casey the very best.?
Printers, 29, the CFL's outstanding player in 2004, rejoined the Lions midway through the 2009 season after stints with Kansas City in the NFL and the Hamilton Tiger Cats, but was never able to recapture the form of his early career.
Dogged by fumbles and interceptions after assuming the starting job earlier this season, Printers had recently been replaced by Travis Lulay, and only entered Monday's game in Winnipeg ? which B.C. led 32-11 at one point ? because Lulay bruised the index finger on his throwing hand, and Buono thought the game was well under control.
The Lions blew that 21-point lead in the fourth quarter, and Deon Beasley's 70-yard interception return of a Printers pass intended for O'Neill Wilson sealed the improbable comeback for Winnipeg, in a game marred by selfish play on the part of several Lions players.
Printers's post-game rant at Wilson, captured by TSN cameras, may have been the last straw for Buono, who had hoped the quarterback had matured since returning to the team after leaving on bad terms following the 2005 season.
Less than 48 hours after their epic collapse in Winnipeg, the B.C. Lions released the quarterback who threw the game-ending interception in a 47-35 overtime loss to the Blue Bombers ? then publicly berated the intended receiver on national TV.
The stunning news was delivered on the Canadian Football League club's website.
?At this time, we believe it is in the best interest of the club to part ways and move forward,? head coach Wally Buono said, in a statement. ?We wish Casey the very best.?
Printers, 29, the CFL's outstanding player in 2004, rejoined the Lions midway through the 2009 season after stints with Kansas City in the NFL and the Hamilton Tiger Cats, but was never able to recapture the form of his early career.
Dogged by fumbles and interceptions after assuming the starting job earlier this season, Printers had recently been replaced by Travis Lulay, and only entered Monday's game in Winnipeg ? which B.C. led 32-11 at one point ? because Lulay bruised the index finger on his throwing hand, and Buono thought the game was well under control.
The Lions blew that 21-point lead in the fourth quarter, and Deon Beasley's 70-yard interception return of a Printers pass intended for O'Neill Wilson sealed the improbable comeback for Winnipeg, in a game marred by selfish play on the part of several Lions players.
Printers's post-game rant at Wilson, captured by TSN cameras, may have been the last straw for Buono, who had hoped the quarterback had matured since returning to the team after leaving on bad terms following the 2005 season.
