15°c Clear
25°c Variable cloudiness
Blue Bomber Report Record: 0–0–0
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Matechuk getting first game action
Jordan Matechuk
Related Items
WINNIPEG fullback Jordan Matechuk will finally complete his extraordinary journey back to pro football tonight -- a journey that detoured through an American jail cell last year.
"I was as low as you could (get)," Matechuk reflected Thursday following a light Bombers practice at Canad Inns Stadium in preparation for tonight's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
"I was in prison, I was in jail. There's no lower than that."
Bombers head coach Tim Burke confirmed at his pre-game news conference Thursday afternoon that Matechuk, who's been practising with the team all season, will finally see his first game action tonight since his May 2011 arrest for steroids possession.
And Burke couldn't be happier for Matechuk, whose football career came to a grinding halt last year when he got arrested at the Canada-U.S. border crossing at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., in possession of steroids and marijuana.
Matechuk, a 26-year-old native of Yorkton, Sask., was en route to training camp with Hamilton at the time he was arrested and the Ticats released him shortly afterward.
Matechuk pleaded guilty to the charges and received a 90-day sentence.
"Obviously, he made a mistake," said Burke. "We all deserve a second chance and I think he's done everything he could possibly do to be a positive influence in the community. And also to be a positive with the team. He's extremely excited about playing tomorrow and we look for some good things from him on special teams."
Is he ever excited. "It's been two years since I've actually played a football game. It really means a lot to me that the opportunity arose and I'm going to take strides ahead," said Matechuk.
"It's been a wild road, but it's a great opportunity."
-- Wiecek
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 21, 2012 C3
More Bomber Report
- Back to Top
- Return to Bomber Report
More Bomber Report
(1 of 38 articles for this week)
Bombers leaving veterans at home for game against Ticats
06/17/2013 2:02 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular Bomber Report
- Bombers leaving veterans at home for game against Ticats
- For Hef, the play's the thing
- Blue Bombers Notebook
- Hefney decision is mine: Burke
- QB Hall discovers three less than four
- Etienne grabs a clue
- 5 storylines
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers release Jonathan Hefney
- CFL game an eye-opener
- Buck will be Buck
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- CFL tells Bombers to fix press box
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers release Jonathan Hefney
- Hefney decision is mine: Burke
- Bombers lose 24-6 to Argos in Investors Group Field debut
- Brett Cameron among Bomber cuts
- New era begins with errors
- Bombers taking Hefney at his word over pot charges
- Etienne grabs a clue
- QB Hall discovers three less than four
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- CFL tells Bombers to fix press box
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers release Jonathan Hefney
- Burke cracks down after tempers flare at Bomber practice
- Hefney decision is mine: Burke
- Bombers' Hefney charged with marijuana possession in S.C.
- Bombers lose 24-6 to Argos in Investors Group Field debut
- Don't count out former NFLer as QBs battle for backup position
- Brett Cameron among Bomber cuts
- No Kumbaya at this camp
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- New era begins with errors
- Burke picks up pieces of pre-season pummeling
- 5 storylines
- Is Hefney worth the gamble?
- Critical numbers
- CFL tells Bombers to fix press box
- Big Blue 10-1 dogs to win Grey Cup
- Bombers' Hefney charged with marijuana possession in S.C.
- A kicker play football? Don't make me laugh
- Buck 'goes long' for Winnipeg
- The Burke identity
- Freight train at fullback
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- Bomber greats to adorn gates
- Don't count out former NFLer as QBs battle for backup position
- Not enough gates to honour Blue greats
- Bombers' Hefney charged with marijuana possession in S.C.
- New era begins with errors
- Burke picks up pieces of pre-season pummeling
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.