BC Lions owner says team will ‘do what they can’ for SFU football players
Posted April 5, 2023 10:53 pm.
Last Updated April 6, 2023 12:01 am.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) announced it would be ending its varsity football program Tuesday, and just one day later, BC Lions owner Amar Doman is voicing his support for the students affected by the decision.
“We find it very disappointing, and everybody has got hurt in this. Everybody throughout the football world,” he said.
“So just know that the BC Lions are going to do what we can in the background.”
“We’re not going to go away. We’re going to see whatever we can do to try to get the season salvaged. We want to continue the tradition.”
A message from #BCLions owner Amar Doman on @SFUFootball @sfu_athletics@sfufbalumni pic.twitter.com/EvUBI9wC40
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) April 6, 2023
Doman adds he and the Lions will do what they can to “get the season salvaged,” emphasizing the importance of SFU’s program in the Lower Mainland.
“We certainly again are not going to go away,” he said. “So please, make some noise, be visible, be noticeable about what you’re doing, and we’ll keep the message going guys.”
SFU’s announcement this week left players, coaches, and staff blindsided, according to a player on the team.
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The university says its affiliate agreement with the NCAA’s Lone Star Conference in the U.S. was not renewed, which left the program with nowhere to play.
Meanwhile, SFU’s Football Alumni Society has started a petition to restore the football program.
“SFU Football Alumni Society is taking steps to prevent SFU from canceling the SFU Football Program. Please show your support by signing the petition,” reads a section of the society’s website.
The petition says it must be signed by the end of this month, with a May 1 deadline in place.
With files from Robyn Crawford and Hana Mae Nassar
