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B.C. Lions release star LB Adam Bighill so he can pursue NFL opportunities

Dec 9, 2016 | 2:00 PM

SURREY, B.C. — The B.C. Lions announced Friday they have released star linebacker Adam Bighill so that he can pursue NFL opportunities.

The CFL team says the move is part of a contractual agreement with Bighill, and that if he is not signed to a deal south of the border by Jan. 27 he will be back with to B.C. next season.

“I am grateful for the club’s understanding that as a professional football player, father and husband, I want to maximize my career potential,” Bighill said in a statement released by the Lions. “I want to make it very clear to our incredible fans that I love being a B.C. Lion and if nothing comes to fruition in the NFL, I will be ecstatic to return to the club.”

Bighill finished third in the CFL in 2016 with 108 defensive tackles to go along with five sacks and one interception.