Coach Matthews tackling cancer diagnosis

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This article was published 06/11/2012 (4774 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Don Matthews, one of the CFL’s most successful head coaches, says he has cancer in his lymph nodes.

Matthews released a statement Monday saying he will not be participating in any of the festivities surrounding the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup as he prepares for his fight with the disease.

“I’ve got this and I’m dealing with this. But I want everyone to know I plan to fight like hell and I intend to be playing golf at this time next year,” Matthews said in the statement released by the Toronto Argonauts.

“I wish everyone well as the 100th Grey Cup is celebrated and am sorry I will not be there with all of you as I focus, with my wife Stephanie, on my immediate battle off the field.”

Matthews was a head coach for 22 seasons in the CFL between 1983 and 2008, compiling a 231-133-1 record with B.C., Toronto, Saskatchewan, Baltimore, Edmonton and Montreal.

He has won five Grey Cup rings as a coach (two with Toronto, one with B.C., Baltimore and Montreal). Matthews was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

— The Canadian Press