Bombers suspend receiver Kenny Lawler pending resolution of ‘matters related’ to 2021 impaired driving charge in Winnipeg

Photo courtesy: CFL.ca

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have placed star receiver Kenny Lawler on their suspended list as he resolves issues related to his 2021 arrest for impaired driving.

The team released the following statement regarding the decision on Thursday afternoon.

“The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce that receiver Kenny Lawler has been transferred to the suspended list pending resolution of matters related to his 2021 off-field incident.

We will provide a further update once the situation resolves, which we expect to occur in 3-4 weeks from now.”

Lawler was arrested in October of 2021 for driving while impaired after he was involved in a single-vehicle accident in Winnipeg. He was suspended one game by the team and agreed to seek assistance for alcohol abuse. The receiver later apologized for his actions, calling it a “mistake” and a “selfish decision.”

Despite his one-game absence, Lawler still collected 64 receptions for a CFL-leading 1,014 yards and six touchdowns with the Bombers in 2021, helping them win the 108th Grey Cup.

The 28-year-old leveraged his success into a one-year contract with the Edmonton Elks valued at $305,000 in 2022. He caught 58 passes for 894 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games before his season was disrupted by a broken collarbone, which required surgery.

Lawler returned to the Bombers in free agency this offseason, taking a hometown discount to rejoin his first CFL team. In 41 career games, the California product has caught 165 passes for 2,545 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Bombers are scheduled to open their regular season at home on Friday, June 9 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.