LIONS SEND SMITH TO 'BOMBERS FOR ROBERTS

(Vancouver) The BC Lions Football Club officially announced today that they have acquired import running back Charles Roberts from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in exchange for Lions 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. 

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. 

Joe Smith departs the Lions having appeared in four games in 2008, recording 236 yards on 55 rushing attempts. In 2007, Smith broke the club’s single season rushing mark with 1,510 yards on 281 carries.