Riders hand Cates pink slip

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Michael Bell / postmedia news archives Running back Wes Cates can now try to carry on with another club. (POSTMEDIA REGINA LEADER-POST)

REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders won't be offering contracts to veteran running back Wes Cates and centre Marc Parenteau.

Riders general manager Brendan Taman told reporters on Friday that it was time for a change at both positions.

Cates and Parenteau were both eligible to file for free agency on Wednesday. Their release clears them to sign with another team before the deadline.

Cates, 32, has been with the Riders since 2007.

He shared in the 2007 Grey Cup win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and played in the 2009 and 2010 Grey Cup games. He was limited to 13 games in 2011 by a foot injury.

Parenteau, 31, was with the Riders for five seasons and dressed for 18 games in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Parenteau, who had played right guard in 2009 and 2010, switched to centre in 2011 and started all 18 games. He is the second starting offensive lineman from 2011 to be released this off-season. Right tackle Alex Gauthier was released on Jan. 31.

The Riders also released receiver James Robinson, who had spent one season with the squad. Robinson had nine receptions for 134 yards and one touchdown.

Commish gets extension

THE CFL has signed commissioner Mark Cohon to a three-year contract extension.

The league made the announcement Friday.

"Our board of governors is unanimously pleased to have Mark at the helm at a time of positive growth and enormous potential for our league," said John Butler, chair of the CFL's board of governors.

"We have come a long way together and all want our forward momentum to continue and accelerate."

Cohon took over the post in 2007 from Tom Wright. He became the 12th commissioner in league history.

Rams cut Olafioye

VANCOUVER -- Offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye will be returning to the B.C. Lions.

Olafioye was cut by the NFL's St. Louis Rams on Thursday, allowing him to rejoin the Lions, who hold his rights in the CFL.

"The St. Louis Rams have notified Jovan Olafioye that they have released him from his contract due to their concerns about a medical issue," said Olafioye's representative Dan Vertlieb in a statement.

Olafioye was the West Division's Most Outstanding Lineman in 2011. B.C.'s offensive line gave up the fewest sacks in the CFL for the first time since 1995.

He signed a two-year deal with the Rams on Feb. 3.

"While this news was unexpected, I am very happy to be returning to my family at the B.C. Lions," said Olafioye.

Esks re-sign Nowacki

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos re-signed veteran receiver Andrew Nowacki on Friday.

Nowacki was slated to become a free agent next week.

"Andrew's value to our club goes far beyond statistics," Eskimos GM Eric Tillman said in a statement. "He's a true pro in terms of his practice habits, film study, and his eagerness to help our young receivers develop.

"Championship teams are built with unselfish leaders like Andrew Nowacki."

Nowacki, entering his ninth CFL season, had 24 catches for 233 yards and a touchdown in 14 games last year.

-- from the news services

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 11, 2012 C7