B.C. Lions release embattled Japanese kicker Takeru Yamasaki

Photo courtesy: B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions have released global kicker Takeru Yamasaki.

The Japanese-born CFL rookie connected on just four-of-eight field goal attempts through the first two weeks of the season with a number of his misses coming from relatively short distances.

Yamasaki was B.C.’s third-round pick in the 2021 Global Draft out of the X-League’s Obic Seagulls. He came with an impressive resume, including a stint in the U.S. with The Spring League where he went seven-of-eight with a long of 57 yards.

He won the placekicking job decisively in training camp and the team opted to dress more than their required number of Global players to give him an opportunity, but he struggled with the adjustment to the professional level.

The Lions also announced that global punter Jake Ford has returned home to the United States to take care of some immigration issues. B.C. expects him to return in the coming days.