June 15, 2012

Out with the old: Boulay and Ferri released by Als

CFL.ca Staff

MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes continued their defensive transformation on Friday, saying goodbye to a pair of veterans from the roster.

Both safety Etienne Boulay and linebacker Diamond Ferri were released shortly after sixk o’clock on Friday evening. The announcement comes just one day after Montreal’s pre-season opening loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.


» READ: Bombers open up pre-season with win over Alouettes
Bloi-Dei Dorzon scored on a 37-yard run as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened their CFL pre-season schedule with a 22-10 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday night.


Boulay played seven seasons for the Als, winning two Grey Cups in the process.

“Étienne has been a solid contributor on and off the field for six years. He loves his teammates, the Alouettes, and the city of Montreal,” said Als General Manager Jim Popp in a release.

“From the day we drafted him, he has played where we have needed him. I have always called him the 6th man on the basketball team, which means you do not have to start to be a major contributor. We thank Étienne for his contributions,” he added.

The 29-year old was selected in the second round of the 2006 CFL draft, and went to become a Most Outstanding Rookie nominee that same season.

His career with the Alouettes ends with 127 defensive tackles, 43 special teams tackles and 11 interceptions.

Ferri, meanwhile, leaves Montreal after five seasons.

“Diamond has been one of our most versatile players and most physical players over the last five years. His style of play has allowed us to make many moves in a course of multiple seasons that gave us a chance to win championships,” said Popp.

“Diamond has played running back, linebacker, safety, kick returner, punt returner and special teams during his career. We thank Diamond for his contributions.”

In his five years with the Alouettes, the 30-year-old recorded 240 defensive tackles and five interceptions which he returned for 55 yards.