FORMER ALL-AMERICAN TONY WASHINGTON SIGNS WITH B.C. LIONS

5/25/2010

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Former Sacramento State All-America wide receiver Tony Washington has signed a contract with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. He was one of three free agents signed by the club and will report to training camp in Kamloops, British Columbia, on June 2.

Washington first attended a tryout with the team in November and then was invited to a combine in Los Angeles on May 8.

"It's just a relief," Washington said. "Having been out of football for a year, I knew it was important to get back into the game this season. I'm in great shape and really miss playing the game."

The Simi Valley, Calif., native earned All-America honors by The Sports Network and first team all-Big Sky Conference accolades in 2008. That season, Washington caught 83 passes for 1,279 yards to set the Sacramento State single-season record in both categories. He also had 12 receiving touchdowns to rank second in school history.

Washington also became the first Hornet offensive player to be named All-America by The Sports Network since Charles Roberts capped his run of three straight seasons in 2000.

Following his senior season, Washington was signed by the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League but was injured during training camp.

In B.C., he will be one of five former Big Sky products on the roster. That total includes former Montana State quarterback Travis Lulay who was the team's starter last year.