Bombers’ Lawler arrested for DUI, suspended by team

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This article was published 04/10/2021 (1433 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Kenny Lawler was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of driving impaired and will miss Friday’s game against the visiting Edmonton Elks.

Lawler, who was in the midst of a breakout season, leading the CFL with 703 receiving yards to go with four touchdowns, has been suspended one game by the CFL club.

“Kenny informed the team today of his arrest for operating a motor vehicle while impaired early this morning,” the Bombers said, in a prepared statement released late Monday. “Upon further investigation, the club has suspended Kenny for Friday’s game and has reported the incident to the league office. We take this incident very seriously and have spoken at length with Kenny throughout the day.

“Kenny recognizes the seriousness of the situation and that this type of behaviour is unacceptable and inexcusable. He has agreed to seek assistance as it relates to alcohol abuse and has cooperated fully with police on the matter.”

The 27-year-old was just days removed from the best performance of his CFL career, registering 12 catches for 205 yards and a touchdown in a 30-9 win over the Lions at BC Place. He was building off a promising rookie season in 2019, where he led the Bombers with 637 receiving yards in 16 games.

According to team sources, Lawler was involved in a single-vehicle accident that caused no injury. He has been released from custody and is expected to address his teammates sometime on Tuesday, when the Bombers return to practice ahead of their Week 10 tilt with the Elks at IG Field.

Winnipeg is atop the West Division, at 7-1, and has won its last five games.

The Bombers still haven’t decided whether Lawler will be permitted to practise with the team this week, but he’s expected to only miss the one game, forfeiting his pay cheque. The CFL head office has been informed but it’s believed they’ll stay clear of supplemental discipline.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders suspended defensive end Charleston Hughes one game back in Oct. 2018, following a charge of impaired driving and refusal to provide a breath sample for analysis. The league did not add any further punishment.

Lawler was said to be emotional throughout meetings with the team Monday and was remorseful for his actions. The plan is for him to speak on the matter sometime this week.

It’s unclear just how damaging Lawler’s absence will be this week, as the health status of Drew Wolitarsky remains up in the air after a leg injury knocked him out of Friday’s game in the third quarter. The Bombers could look to veteran receiver Naaman Roosevelt, who signed with Winnipeg in late August and has been assigned to the practice roster.

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton