Lions retain all-star

THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER -- The Grey Cup-champion B.C. Lions re-signed all-star defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell on Monday but released veteran defensive back Tad Kornegay.

"It's great news for our club, our fans and our league that Khalif has agreed to remain with the Lions," Wally Buono, the Lions' GM and vice-president of football operations, said in a statement. "Khalif is a great player on the field and a dynamic personality that many of our fans have grown to love."

Mitchell had 33 tackles and six sacks this season to be named a West Division all-star. He helped B.C. finish second in the CFL in sacks with 54.

"It's a great feeling to know that I am returning to the organization that gave me an opportunity to develop into the player I am today," said Mitchell. "There were choices out there, but in the end I want to be a Lion, I want to be part of this league and I want to spend more time in B.C.

"We have amazing players on both sides of the ball and a very good chance to repeat as champions."

The five-foot-10, 185-pound Kornegay began last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders but joined the Lions on July 30 after being released.