CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO - Charles Roberts, one of the greatest players in Blue Bombers history, has been traded to the B.C. Lions in exchange for running back Joe Smith.

“Charles is a very talented player with a excellent football resume and I believe he will be an exciting addition to our team,” said Lions’ GM and head coach Wally Buono.

Roberts, who joins the Lions after seven and-a-half seasons with Winnipeg, currently sits as the fifth-highest ranked running back in CFL history with 9,987 rushing yards and is set to become just the fifth player to reach the 10,000-yard mark on the ground.  

“When you think about what Charles Roberts has meant to this franchise – becoming the leading rusher in team history and a pivotal part of our two Grey Cup appearances this decade – to a man, it was a very difficult decision,” said Brendan Taman, general manager of the Blue Bombers.

“But this is also a business where we have to make this right decision for our football club. And while Charles has meant so much to this organization, it was time to turn the page. Joe Smith is a tremendous addition to our football team and going into the second half of the season, he will be looked upon to be an important contributor.”

As a Bomber, Roberts was a six-time Divisional and CFL All-Star and departs Winnipeg as their all-time leader in rushing yards (9,987), attempts (1,853), 1,000-yard seasons (6) and 100-yard games (37).

Through nine games in 2008, Roberts has rushed for 517 yards on 111 carries (4.7 yard average) and four touchdowns, good enough for fourth overall among running backs. The former Sacramento State star also has 251 yards through the air on 38 receptions and 70 yards on seven punt returns.

On the flipside, the Blue Bombers land the CFL’s leading rusher a year ago. Smith, 29, ran for 1,510 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground in 2007. He also had a receiving touchdown.

“We are in a results-oriented business, where personal feelings must sometimes be replaced with what is best for the team. And in our minds landing Joe Smith will help this football club moving forward,” said Lyle Bauer, president of the Winnipeg Football Club.

In Smith, the Blue Bombers land a three-year league veteran, who was a Grey Cup champion in 2006 and a league all-star the following season.

Smith, a product of Louisiana Tech University, is expected to arrive in Winnipeg this week and practice with the Blue Bombers prior to Sunday’s Canwest Banjo Bowl against the Saskatchewan Roughriders – a game already sold out.