January 28, 2011

Veteran lineman Haji-Rasouli among Lion cuts

THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions released veteran offensive lineman Sherko Haji-Rasouli on Friday.

Haji-Rasouli, 30, a native of Iran who grew up in Toronto, is an eight-year CFL veteran and spent six seasons with the Lions after signing as a free agent with the club in 2005. The six-foot-six, 326-pound former University of Miami star appeared in 92 regular-season games with B.C. and earned a Grey Cup ring with the squad in 2007.

The Montreal Alouettes drafted Haji-Rasouli in the second round, 12th overall, in the 2002 CFL Canadian college draft.

The Lions also released defensive lineman Steve Williams, who appeared in 14 games over two seasons with the club.

“Sherko was a leader for our club on the field and in the dressing room and we wish him as well as Steve the best in any future endeavours,” Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono said in a statement.