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Toronto Argonauts re-sign starting quarterback Bethel-Thompson

Jan 31, 2022 | 3:27 PM

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts re-signed American starting quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson on Monday.

Bethel-Thompson, 33, was slated to become a free agent next week.

“There are hundreds of reasons to sign back…unfinished business, a commitment to excellence from the organization, an opportunity to deepen the bonds of brotherhood,” the quarterback said in a statement. “At the end of the day it comes down to one: (Argos GM) Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons.

“He epitomizes championship DNA. Last year we established a standard of winning and this year is about raising it to the ‘Pinball’ level.”

Bethel-Thompson appeared in 14 games last season, posting a 7-2 record as Toronto’s starter. He helped the Argos finish atop the East Division with a 9-5 record.

However, Toronto’s season ended with a 27-19 home loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Division final.

Bethel-Thompson completed 203-for-306 passes (66.3 per cent) for 2,303 yards with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Bethel-Thompson joined the Argos in 2017, backing up veteran Ricky Ray when Toronto won the Grey Cup that season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 31, 2022.

The Canadian Press