Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ linebacker Simoni Lawrence is taking time out of his pre-game preparations to fire back at Jeff Reinebold after his former coach levelled criticism at his performance early in the 2022 season.
Quote-tweeting an article written by 3DownNation, Lawrence took to the social media platform to blast Reinebold about what he saw as disingenuous previous interactions.
“Hey Jeff Reinebold, you’re FAKE AS PH***.. you go on the same guy show that you came up to me in season 2019 and had a real sit down with me about lol… get in your PLAYBOOK… tap tap”
It is not entirely clear what occurred in the interaction he is describing, but it is clear that Lawrence harbours some existing resentment towards Reinebold and was spurred to anger by his comments in the media. The linebacker continued his social media barrage by quote-tweeting three complimentary posts Reinebold had made regarding his accomplishments dating as far back as September of 2019, telling him to, “Shut up it’s already written.”
The outburst was triggered by comments made by Reinebold during an appearance on The Rod Pedersen Show on Friday, in which he criticized the lack of big plays made by Hamilton defenders made in the team’s first two losses and called out Lawrence by name.
Right now, you look at Simoni Lawrence, for example. He has no sacks, no fumble recoveries, no interceptions, and no big plays in two football games,” Reinebold said. “He needs to get into that category. He needs to get his name [on the stat sheet]. Sack by Simoni Lawrence, interception by Simoni Lawrence. He needs to make big plays.”
Reinebold served as the Ticats’ special teams coordinator from 2013 to 2016, before spending the 2017 season as defensive coordinator. After a one-year foray with the B.C. Lions, he returned to the Hammer as special teams coordinator in 2019 and 2021, before stepping away from the team this offseason. He briefly joined the Montreal Alouettes, before stepping away from the CFL. Reinebold currently coaches for the Alabama Airborne of Major League Football.
Lawrence joined the team the same year as his former coach and has played 127 games over eight seasons with the Ticats. The 33-year-old was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the third time in his career in 2021 (2015, 2019, 2021) while also earning his third CFL all-star selection (2015, 2019, 2021) and his fifth CFL East Division All-Star (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021) honours. He currently sits first all-time in franchise total tackles (619) and defensive tackles (612).
Lawrence has recorded just 10 defensive tackles in two close losses to begin the 2022 season but will have a chance to prove Reinebold wrong when the Ticats take on the two-time defending champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a much anticipated Grey Cup rematch at 8:30 p.m. EST.