Riders release two, including American running back Shaq Cooper

Photo courtesy: Jeff Vinnick/B.C. Lions

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released American running back Shaq Cooper and Canadian defensive back Malcom Lee.

Cooper spent the 2021 season with the B.C. Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, recording 33 carries for 142 yards and one touchdown and 11 receptions for 69 yards. He also returned eight punts for 19 yards and five kickoff returns for 108 yards.

Prior to signing with the Lions, the five-foot-ten, 190-pound ball carrier spent two seasons with the Edmonton Elks, suiting up for seven games. He rushed for 496 yards and two touchdowns, including a career-high 128 yards against the Toronto Argonauts in late July.

The native of Coral Gables, Fla. was a star over three seasons at Fort Hays State (2012, 2015-16). He rushed 456 times for 2,768 yards and 19 touchdowns while making 73 receptions for 736 yards and ten scores. As a sophomore in 2015, he was named a Don Hansen All-American Honourable Mention and all-MMIA first-team running back.

Lee dressed for five games after signing with the team in June, recording two special teams tackles. He was a fifth-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft but was suspended for one year after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. He played seven games with the Calgary Stampeders in 2021 and made three special teams tackles.