As the clock ticks towards the start of CFL free agency on Feb 15, it appears
more and more likely that Korey Banks time with the B.
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has come to an end. Banks told TSN on Jan 2 that he had no interest in playing
out the option year of his contract with the Lions in 2014, and he again made
that clear in a conversation with Lions GM Wally Buono last week. Buono
indicated to TSN on Tuesday that he has no intention of renegotiating Banks
contract. Assuming hes convinced that Banks will not report to training camp
under his current deal, that would leave him with two options: trading or
releasing the seven-time all-star, something Banks hopes happens soon. "Im not
sure why this is taking so long," Banks told TSN. "Im a veteran and Ive given my
heart and soul to this team for eight years. If they dont want me to be a part
of it, just release me and let me move on." From Buonos perspective, it is not
unreasonable to expect a player to play out his option year, regardless of their
age. "We had five players play out their option this past year and more than 100
players in the league did also," said Buono. "Korey is under contract and we
would like him to come in and compete for a job just like everyone else. Whats
wrong with that?" Banks, meanwhile, bristles at the notion. "Compete? All Ive
ever done is compete. Ill tell you right now, there is no way they are going to
bring anyone in to take my spot. Im in great shape and Im going to play at least
one or