Lions release Paul McCallum; kicker denies claim he asked for release
BC Lions' storied kicker Paul McCallum was released by the club Saturday.
Vice president of football operations and general manager Wally Buono issued a statement claiming that McCallum had asked for the release.
"Paul and I have had ongoing discussions over the past number of seasons regarding his future with the club," he said. "In keeping with what Paul and I discussed, the club will grant his request for a release at this time. We appreciate his many contributions to our organization and we wish him the best moving forward."
McCallum, though, denied that he asked for the release.
I don't usually do this but I want it to be very clear! I did not ask to be released! I was told to retire or I would be cut.
— Paul McCallum (@PaulMcCallum4) June 6, 2015
The 45-year-old McCallum has spent 22 seasons in the CFL and earned numerous accolades during his tenure.
Among them are winning the Grey Cup twice with the Lions in 2006 and 2011. In the 94th Grey Cup, he set a record when he connected on all six of his field-goal attempts.
Additionally, McCallum holds the record for the longest field goal made in league history at 62 yards and set the most accurate field-goal percentage when he made 50-of-53 for 94.3 percent in 2011.
During his illustrious career, McCallum also spent time with the Ottawa Rough Riders and Saskatchewan Roughriders, and is the only player ever to play against each Ottawa franchise in the CFL (Rough Riders, Renegades, RedBlacks).