BY NICHOLAS BASRAN THERE are usually three things that you can look forward to once June hits: school ending, summer weather and the BC Lions. Right now we can only count on two of those with the CFL’s 2014 season in jeopardy as the last CBA expired at the end of May, leaving fans with a very familiar feeling. Yes NHL I’m looking at you. Training camps did open at the beginning of this month with players currently participating but that may all change as players are now due to cast their ballots in a second strike vote, with the first leaning towards staying off the field. At the moment it appears talks are at a minimum between the two sides with the league maintaining a “take it or leave stance” and being firm with their last offer. They have stated that they won’t lockout its players meaning that currently it will be up to the men on the field whether or not they hit the picket lines. If the players do vote in favour of a strike, the Lions first preseason game on June 13 will be nonexistent; possibly foreshadowing a lost season and a lost opportunity with the 102nd Grey Cup slated to be held at BC Place. The last time it was held here in 2011 we saw the Lions hoist the cup and Geroy Simon receive his 2nd championship ring. Geroy now has three rings thanks to a win with the Roughriders last year as he leaves on a high note after announcing his retirement this week from the CFL where he played for 15 years, 12 of those spent with BC. He will leave the game a seven-time all-star, 2006 Most Outstanding Player and holding the all-time records for receiving yards and receptions. Undoubtedly the greatest receiver on this side of the border and truly a Superman.
