Defensive end Mathieu Betts received nine Aléo Foundation scholarships during his school, college and university career from 2011 to 2019 and supports student-athletes through participation in the Give to program, which saw the light of day last year.
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The star defender of the British Columbia Lions did not hesitate when the executive director of the Aléo Foundation and initiator of the new program, Patricia Demers, contacted him.
“It was natural to give my support,” said the record holder for the number of sacks (18) by a Canadian player in the CFL. It’s important for students to develop outside of school, whether through sport or the arts.”
“Between my fourth year of secondary school and the end of my career at Rouge et Or, the Foundation, in one way or another, contributed a lot to my success as a student-athlete,” he emphasized. The impact is difficult to measure, but it has two parts.”
“Yes, there is the financial aspect that allows you to work less at CEGEP and at the university and have more time to devote to your sport and your studies, to pursue the defensive player par excellence in the CFL.” Me I remember my first scholarship. It's a pat on the back that's worth it. Someone believes in you and your talent. The Aléo Foundation has helped me along my journey both financially and mentally.”
Discount during an Alouettes game
When he was younger, when he wore the colors of the Cactus du Collège Notre-Dame and the Spartans du Vieux Montréal, Betts remembers the scholarship awards. “The scholarships were sponsored by the Alouettes and after the awards ceremony we stayed at Percival Molson Stadium to watch the game. With the Rouge et Or we took scholarship holders from all sports by bus to Montreal for a great evening.”
He sponsors a Rouge et Or player
Luckily, Betts has been linked with a Rouge et Or player who plays in the same position as him. Defensive player Jacob Jinchereau received a $10,000 scholarship over five years, which is linked to the name Mathieu Betts, who contributes half.
“I was not involved in the selection in any way and gave my stamp to the foundation, which I completely trusted in the selection,” he explained. Like me, Jacob is from the Montreal area and is a defensive player. During the scholarship awards evening last Thursday, I was able to talk to him for about twenty minutes and it got even more interesting. I knew him a little, but I will follow him with a more careful eye.
His Lions teammate David Ménard is also a donor to the Aléo Foundation program, which includes a dozen former college athletes.
Free agent on February 13th
If he doesn't sign a new contract with the Lions by then, Betts will be eligible for free agency on February 13, when the free agent market begins. “They know I want to return to Vancouver and the Lions are interested in my return. There is mutual interest. It's going to be a big year in Vancouver with the awarding of the Gray Cup. The organization has just confirmed the return of the coaches, showing a desire for continuity.
“I don't have a concrete plan whether to test the free agent market or sign first, but I would be very, very happy if there is an agreement with the Lions to pursue Betts. Several people talk to me about Montreal, but there is no reason for me to want to change teams.
What about the NFL? “There is nothing concrete at the moment,” he said.
This time last year, Betts had tryouts with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers without ultimately receiving a contract offer.