Argos release QB Lemon

BY FRANK ZICARELLI ,TORONTO SUN

The Cleo Lemon experiment is officially over, the Argos’ season all but officially done and the perpetual search for a proven CFL quarterback just beginning to unfold.

Fitting of Toronto’s lost season was yet another loss, only this one had nothing to do with any game-day consequence.

Before they even took to the field for Tuesday’s workout, word leaked that the Argos were poised to make some news, with all indications leading to Lemon.

It became official just before noon when the team announced Lemon had been released.

Given it is the CFL and only two of the eight teams fail to qualify for the post-season, the Argos aren’t technically out of the playoffs, but their hopes are growing dimmer by the week.

If they can’t win on the road in consecutive weeks against B.C., which pasted the Argos last Friday, and in Regina against the rejuvenated Roughriders, Toronto will be toast.

To put the blame on Lemon would be foolish, but just like the events that surrounded Chip Garber’s ouster, the Argos are trying to sell a thin fan base that all moves will be explored.

Lemon was challenged by head coach Jim Barker a few weeks ago and he responded, helping the Argos’ anemic offence to a 500-yard game in Hamilton, only to lose to the Ticats.

Just when it appeared Lemon had turned a corner, he reverted to his inconsistent, moody ways against B.C., looking completely disinterested and unengaged when Barker turned to Dalton Bell in a desperate bid to jump-start the offence.

It was a risk to anoint Lemon the starter last season, a move many believed was pre-ordained as a means to lure the journeyman NFL quarterback to three-down football.

His tenure in Toronto includes 25 regular-season starts and two playoff games, expectations that were never realized, in part because the Argos never surrounded Lemon with quality receivers.

When they went 9-9 last season and upset Hamilton in the East semifinal, the Argos refused to buy into the theory that they won in spite of their quarterback.

In retrospect, the Argos insulated Lemon too much and were afraid to let him make plays.

Lemon is not without blame because too often he held onto the football long, make indecisive throws and never did grasp the management of the run offence.

Had he had time, many thought Lemon would succeed in the CFL, but the Argos were looking for a quick fix and turned to Lemon.

Who starts this Saturday in Vancouver is anyone’s guess, a decision that will likely be made later Tuesday.

Steven Jyles, who is eligible to come off the nine-game injured list, is a likely candidate, but Jyles is no saviour and time is clearly running out for the Argos, even in the CFL.

Also on Tuesday, the Argos announced the signing of import quarterback Zack Eskridge.

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