Anthony Reddick plays mind games with Buono

No teammate would dare admit as much, but Anthony Reddick recently was the envy of everyone in uniform on the B.C. Lions, or any other working stiff for that matter. He got to hit his boss. In fact, Wally Buono told Reddick to hit him hard, too.

A hairline arm fracture has been bothering the sophomore defender. But in an attempt to convince him he could play with the injury supported by a cast, Buono told Reddick to give him a shot so the player could determine whether it hurt enough to play.

Reddick returned to the defensive unit briefly in Winnipeg last week, and judging by the amount of package work he is receiving this week, he'll play a greater role Friday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

"[Buono] was just trying to get into my mind and it's true, your mind controls your entire body," said Reddick.

If Reddick didn't make an appearance soon Buono would eventually have to find someone who could take the field. He was needed Tuesday. When Davis Sanchez was absent a second straight day because of his elbow and J.R. LaRose was dealing with a family tragedy, Reddick had a few reps at safety, which he played effectively in college at Miami.

Buono also has had to be parental in order to get another sophomore, linebacker Joe Henderson, on the field. He tore his hamstring injury the first day of training camp, and has only played two games since September.

"If I come back too early, I'm done for the season. Wally knew that," Henderson said. "He helped me to get my mental trust back in my leg."
It took awhile, but Henderson will replace Adam Bighill Friday and make his season debut. The only difference is he didn't get to hit his coach.


(theprovince.com)