Riders/Ti-Cats pull off big Canadian Football League trade

Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager/VP of Football Operations Eric Tillman announced today the Riders have acquired non-import offensive lineman Wayne Smith, import receiver D.J. Flick, the Tiger-Cats 2nd round pick in the 2007 CFL College Draft, and the negotiation rights to quarterback West Texas' Dalton Bell. In return, the Tiger-Cats will receive import quarterback Rocky Butler, the Riders' 2nd and 5th round picks in the 2007 CFL College Draft, and the negotiation rights to quarterback Iowa State's Bret Meyer.
Wayne Smith will be entering his fourth CFL season. The former 1st overall pick in the 2004 CFL College Draft has spent the past three seasons in Hamilton. The Appalachian State grad started in 13 regular season games for Hamilton last year and has dressed in 49 CFL games in his career.
D.J. Flick is entering his sixth CFL season. Last year, Flick had 52 receptions for 693 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular season games with Hamilton. Smith's best totals occurred in 2005 when he had 80 receptions for 1,245 yards and six touchdowns with Hamilton. Prior to joining the Tiger-Cats in 2004, Flick spent two seasons in Ottawa after being signed as a free agent by Eric Tillman. In 74 career regular season games, Flick had 264 receptions for 4,122 yards, and eight touchdowns.
"Obviously, we are delighted to add two outstanding players such as DJ and Wayne," stated Tillman. "Both are established starters and very, very good character guys. This deal allows us to get a young quality Canadian lineman, a big-play receiver and to secure the ninth overall pick in this spring's Canadian draft."
"As pleased as we are, though, it was tough to move Rocky. He's a really fine young man and we believe he has a very bright future in Hamilton."

Former Canadian Football League receiver signs with Grand Rapids

Scotty Anderson never adjusted to playing in the Canadian Football League last season with the Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Now the former Detroit Lions receiver is hoping for a different outcome in the Arena Football League.
Anderson, who was the leading receiver for the Lions in 2003 before a season-ending ankle injury in Week 9, signed a two-year contract with the Grand Rapids Rampage last week. No other details of his contract were disclosed.

Steeldog signs Canadian Football League contract

The Alabama Steeldogs' Michael Gholar has signed a one-year contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.Gholar, who will play defensive back for the Roughriders, played in 14 games for the Steeldogs in 2006. He finished the season with 63.5 total tackles, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble."It's always great to see one of our players make it to the next level," Alabama Steeldogs Head Coach Ron Selesky. "This is a testament to quality of players we work to bring in to the Steeldogs program."Gholar is the fifth Steeldog to sign a contract with an NFL, AFL or CFL team since the end of the 2006 season, and the 16th in team history.