Throwback

Pierce returns to the Lions’ den

By Courtnie Martin, Sports Reporter

Buck Pierce commenced his CFL career in 2005 with the BC Lions. After five seasons with the Lions, and alternating between starting and backup quarterback due to injuries, he was released by the Lions in 2010, joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent. In his four-season span with the Blue Bombers, Pierce made 31 starts. Despite his dedication to the Blue Bombers, he was dethroned from his starting gig by Justin Goltz, finding himself in third-string. And now, the Blue Bombers have officially cut ties with the fan favourite, announcing that Buck Pierce has been traded for 26-year-old Akeem Foster.

The 31-year-old Pierce has posted a quarterback rating of 69.3 and thrown for 946 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions this season with the Blue Bombers—a bit of a rough go. His 2013 campaign has been a far cry from his 2011 season when he led “Swaggerville” to the Grey Cup final.

Akeem Foster never quite found his feet with the Lions. While he teased BC fans with flashes of brilliance over his three seasons and change, Foster’s career highlight would be a 593 yard season in 2011. Blue Bombers’ General Manager Kyle Walters says, “In Akeem, we are getting a veteran Canadian receiver who, at age 26, is still entering the prime of his career. His presence immediately helps upgrade our non-import talent on our roster.”

Make no mistake, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were very pleased with Pierce’s contribution to the team, but given Pierce’s age and injury history, it was time to change things up. Foster brings Winnipeg 61 receptions, 949 yards, and 9 touchdowns in 43 starts.

Unsurprisingly, the Winnipeg faithfuls have expressed their disapproval of the trade of their popular pivot. Adding to the heat being put on the struggling Blue Bombers, Goltz has been a source of controversy for mockingly celebrating in a game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on September 1—a game which the Blue Bombers lost.

As for Pierce, he’ll assume the backup spot behind Travis Lulay. Pierce and Lulay will be reunited after playing together during the former’s first stint in BC With both being very familiar with taking a brutal beating on the field, it should make for a humorous re-acquaintance as the rest of the season plays out.