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SURREY, B.C. - The B.C. Lions announced Wednesday that the club and offensive co-ordinator Jacques Chapdelaine have mutually agreed to part ways. Chapdelaines offence struggled for long stretches during the second half of the 2013 season after starting quarterback Travis Lulay went down with a shoulder injury. The Lions, who lost in the CFL West Division final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, were criticized for a lack of imagination under Chapdelaines leadership, with the running game practically non-existent for long stretches. "Jacques has been a big part of our past success," B.C. head coach Mike Benevides said in a statement. "He presided over two championship offences and two most outstanding players during his time with the club and I am grateful for his hard work and dedication during our time together. "At this time however, we agree that it is in the best interest of both parties to proceed in a new direction." The 52-year-old started his career with the Lions in 2003 as the teams receivers coach and was promoted to offensive co-ordinator in 2005 under former head coach Wally Buono. After B.C. won the Grey Cup in 2006, Chapdelaine became the offensive co-ordinator of the Edmonton Eskimos. He returned to the Lions the following year as receivers coach and got his old job back as offensive co-ordinator in 2010, helping the team win another Grey Cup in 2011. "After taking some time to reflect on this past season, Ive concluded that both I and the B.C. Lions need a change moving forward," said Chapdelaine, who has been linked to the head coaching job with the expansion Ottawa Redblacks. "It has been a great privilege to work with Lions players, coaches and many other members of this outstanding organization." . Joel Embiid was nearly unstoppable in the paint in the second half, and Naadir Tharpe seemingly couldnt miss. . Its other five picks were all six foot or better, with three at 6-1 or above. Third-round pick Brett Lernout stands six foot four and weighs 206 pounds. . Arsene Wenger reportedly wants to convert the player into an attacking force, much like he did with Robin Van Persie. . -- Olympic medallist Jennifer Abel of Laval, Que. . -- Phil Mickelson will be watching the final two rounds of the Masters from home for the first time in 17 years.ST. LOUIS -- Now it starts to get intense for Michael Sam and the rest of the St. Louis Rams rookies. The first openly gay player drafted in the NFL is enthusiastic about the challenge. Twice on Tuesday, he mentioned how enjoyable it was being back on the field and trading wisecracks with teammates. "Im so excited to be back with the guys," Sam said. "Footballs fun." Sam hopes there will be less attention about his sexual orientation, but added his focus has to be on making the team. He said hes in the best shape of his life, dropping 13 pounds in the month since the last OTA workout, weighing in at 257 pounds. "Feeling great," he said. "Its just where I want to be speed-wise, so I can run fast and make plays. I want to be as fast as I can." Sam declined to offer specifics about his 40-yard dash time, adding "Im not worried about the combine." He didnt have much to say about his experience at the ESPYS, where he received the Arthur Ashe Courage award. Sam got a hug from the Hall of Famer Jim Brown on his way to the stage, and teared up throughout his speech faltered at times. "You know, it was a great award and I had a great time in LA," Sam said. "But thats over and Im focusing on football now." Just as they did after the draft and during OTAs, teammates didnt seem to care that Sam was gay. Offensive lineman Demetrius Rhaney, taken the pick after the Rams created a stir by selecting Sam, had only compliments. "Hes a football player, hes not a bother," Rhaney said. "Hes laid-back, funny, jokes a lot. Pretty good." Quarterback Garrett Gilbert, drafted in the sixth round out of Southern Methodist, said there was plenty on his plate without worrying about Sam. Gilbert said this will be the seventh offence hes had to learn in eight seasons counting high school and college.dddddddddddd "When Mike got drafted he became part of our team, and thats what he is," Gilbert said. "Were both here competing, our jobs arent guaranteed. "He as well as the other guys in our rookie class are members of this family." Coach Jeff Fisher will address the media for the first time on Friday after the first full-squad workout. Sam knows he must improve across the board to make the team. The Rams already had one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, with stars Robert Quinn and Chris Long at the ends, before taking Sam in the seventh round. Long was among those observing on Tuesday. "Its not college anymore," Sam said. "Thats childs play compared to this." A little more than two dozen newcomers participated indoors. Sam thought it felt much like another OTA, but noted no one had pads on yet. On Day 1 his biggest concern was mastering nuances of playing right end. He was the SEC co-defensive player of the year at Missouri rushing from the left side. "I thought I did pretty good," he said. "Not totally satisfied because I havent been on the right side in a few years." At times, Sam had to try and get past Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick of the draft who played a little tackle on Tuesday. Robinson, wholl begin his NFL career at guard, left the first workout feeling pretty good. "It was definitely a positive feeling to have a jump start on camp," Robinson said. "I was kind of familiar with a lot of the plays that we went over today and it helped with the speed of the game. "It helped me play a little faster." ' ' '
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