Zurkowsky: Shawn Lemon thankful to be back after year-long suspension for gambling

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We’ll never know whether Shawn Lemon would have been reinstated had Randy Ambrosie remained CFL commissioner. And it’s not an area in which he cares to delve into.

But the Alouettes’ rush-end has returned — undoubtedly thanks to new commissioner Stewart Johnston — following a year-long suspension for gambling on league games in 2021 when he played for Calgary. And the 36-year-old veteran feels blessed for this second opportunity at a game he has played in Canada since 2011.

“I’m here, and I’m thankful,” Lemon said Sunday following his first practice at Stade Hébert, and days after being re-signed by Montreal for the remainder of this season. “The past year has been very tough. You’re always going to deal with adversity in life. All you can control is the outcome and your outlook on things. Use that time to better yourself as a man … and wait for the opportunity. I’m ready to move forward.

“I’m a very optimistic guy,” he added. “As a man in life one thing you’re always going to deal with is adversity. How you deal with adversity. How you respond to adversity. It all depends on the person. I’m just thankful to have an opportunity back with this amazing team … with teammates, coaches and a front office that I love.”

While Lemon has served his penance for the gambling issue, he’s in the midst of serving a two-game suspension after testing positive for the banned stimulant phentermine — prescribed as an appetite suppressant. Seeking to bury the past, Lemon wouldn’t discuss what prompted him to take the medication.

Lemon signed in time to miss last Thursday’s victory against Toronto, but remains ineligible for this Thursday night, when the Alouettes travel to Calgary. He could be activated Aug. 2, when Montreal hosts Saskatchewan.

While Lemon was on the field, starting quarterback Davis Alexander was not. Alexander reinjured his left hamstring late in the fourth quarter against the Argonauts — it was his first game back in a month — and won’t play against the Stampeders — and likely well beyond. McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who was the losing quarterback against both Hamilton and B.C. during Alexander’s absence, will start against Calgary.

Receiver Tyson Philpot (knee) and return-specialist James Letcher Jr. also were missing on Sunday. Letcher was seen with a cast on an arm during Thursday’s game.

While Lemon said he heard from other teams last week after being reinstated, the Alouettes were the only organization that piqued his interest. Lemon signed with Montreal as a free agent in July 2023 and played a significant role in its run to the Grey Cup that season. He made 26 tackles, had nine sacks, intercepted two passes, forced a fumble and scored a touchdown. He was less conspicuous last season, with one sack in four games, which increased his career total to 102 sacks.

Lemon continued to train for the past year, believing — and hoping — this day would come while being in and out of Montreal. But there’s shape and then there’s football shape. However, if he shows anything over the next two weeks, the Als likely would have a limited package for him, perhaps 10 plays, against the Roughriders.

If Lemon has anything left in the tank and can come close to reproducing the numbers from 2023, Montreal will become a better defence with him available. Off the field, his veteran presence and leadership qualities will become significant as well.

“I had a goal. My goal was to come back and return to playing football,” he said. ‘’I’m living in this moment. Anything else from the past, I’m willing to leave those things in the past.

“I’ve put a lot of work and time into what I do. I understand this game very well. I feel like all my skills are still there.”

If nothing else, Lemon will have fresh legs and a body that hasn’t taken any punishment for a year.

“He’s locked in for sure,” defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe said. “He hasn’t been on the field for a while and I know he has been champing at the bit to get out there. I think he feels really good about being out there. You could see that. He was full of energy. It’s getting back to doing what he does very well.

“I think this is very realistic. When we got Shawn two years ago, he hadn’t played in a while. I know how he takes care of himself and works behind the scenes. He’s going to be watching film and will be right on top of it. He’s going to know exactly what offences are doing, how they’re trying to attack us.

“He’s going to know his playbook. He has been in it before. It’s like riding a bike. He’s getting back on it. He knows what to expect. He knows how to do it. He has been there before. His body’s fresh. You get in game shape by playing games. It’s our job as coaches to manage that load. He’s going to want to get out there and make up for lost time. It’s great to have him out there, no question.”