Manley ‘Flabbergasted and Floored’ by Smeltzer’s Decision to Bench Him

OTTAWA, Canada — Former Servite High Coach Ron Smeltzer has won many friends during his five months with the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Rough Riders. But he has incurred the wrath of the team’s most famous player--Dexter Manley.

Manley, a four-time Pro Bowl selection with the Washington Redskins before being banned for life by the NFL because he violated that league’s drug policy four times, was benched for tonight’s game against the Edmonton Eskimos.

“I’m flabbergasted. That’s my favorite word right now. I’m flabbergasted and floored,” said Manley, a defensive lineman. “I’m damn near speechless. I totally disagree with it.”

Manley, 33, has not made a tackle in his three games with Ottawa. Manley signed with the Rough Riders before the start of this year’s training camp.

Smeltzer said any decision on Manley’s return would be dictated by the performance of his backup, Lybrant Robinson.

“If Lybrant Robinson plays well, I’ve got a major decision to make,” Smeltzer said. “Even if he doesn’t, I still have a decision to make. But if Lybrant lights up the field, Lybrant Robinson will play.”