THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — Lions head coach Wally Buono’s post-game press conference following BC’s 41-18 win over Montreal was dominated by questions surrounding the status of quarterback Travis Lulay.
The veteran pivot was injured on the first possession of the game, his knee placed in an air cast, and eventually carted off the field to a salute from his BC teammates and fans.
Buono, his long-time coach, was emotional answering questions about his quarterback’s reportedly serious injury.
“Obviously it’s devastating for us, for him, (and) for our fans too,” said Buono, whose team rallied behind replacement Jonathon Jennings to earn a much-needed win and snap a three-game skid. “It is a very serious injury, (and) I guess once the doctors do the MRI and have an exact diagnosis…”
Lulay (left) is consoled by teammate and friend Jonathon Jennings (right) during Friday’s game against Montreal. (CFL.ca Photo/Jimmy Jeong)
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When asked about the mental impact of losing Lulay, a noted leader and the epitome of team-first player, Buono laid his thoughts bare.
“Here’s a guy that’s gone through so much, all of a sudden is back on top, and it’s taken away from him — again,” said the Leos head coach starkly. “Professional sports is cruel.”
Buono also commended the play of Jennings, who completed his first 11 passes off the bench en route to a 295-yard, two-touchdown day.
“He was prepared, he was ready,” explained the 67 year-old. “That’s all you can ask of a young man — I can’t imagine the last month or so has been pleasant for him, (but) he didn’t let that phase him.”
With Jennings the man of the hour entering BC’s visit to Calgary’s McMahon Stadium — a veritable fortress where few have beaten the full-strength Stamps in recent years — Buono is hopeful Lulay can contribute in a mentorship role.
“I just said ‘I hope you can come on the road next week,'” Buono reflected. “I want him to understand that we want him to be a part of our team — he is a coach, (and) if he can be (a) life coach for Jonathon, that’s going to help us win.”
