Photo: Courtesy Toronto Argonauts
In a surprise move on Monday, the Argonauts released starting right tackle, Jamal Campbell.
Campbell was Toronto’s third round pick in 2016, so it’s certainly sad to see him go after he developed into a strong starter, especially as he is Toronto-born and was introduced to football through an Argos community initiative. Campbell grew up in Toronto, playing high school ball at CW Jeffries and then university ball at York.
As well as his solid play on the field, Campbell was always very involved with charity work and giving back to the community.
“This is a difficult decision. Saying goodbye to a young man who grew up in the city, was introduced to the game through our community programming and who he himself grew to be a leader and spokesperson in our community is without words.” said Argos General Manager Michael “Pinball” Clemons. “It has been said and I have often repeated, football is a great game but a terrible business. Given the direction, I am content that it was myself who communicated to Jamal and I hope I did so with the compassion, dignity and humanity he deserves.”
This is clearly a business decision. With Campbell due close to $200k this season, and young tackles Shane Richards, Theren Churchill and Dylan Giffen waiting in the wings, and potentially 2021 second round selection Sage Doxtater, keeping him didn’t make financial sense.
The two former first round picks, Richards and Churchill will likely battle it out for the vacant starting spot. Both are most comfortable at right tackle despite spending most of their playing time last season at guard.