BC's Simon chosen as CFL's top player; Lions dominate awards

Nov 17, 2006, 18:05 GMT

Winnipeg, MB - British Columbia slotback Geroy Simon was selected as the Outstanding Player in the Canadian Football League for the 2006 season.

Simon, who will play this Sunday in the Grey Cup, received 44 first-place votes from a panel of Canadian football reporters. He was just three shy of a unanimous choice.

The eight-year CFL veteran set career highs with 105 receptions, 1,856 yards and 15 touchdowns. He notched 11 100-yard receiving games, tying the CFL's single-season record held by four other players.

Simon was also the recipient of the Fans' Choice top player award, receiving the most votes from fans in on-line or text-messaging balloting.

The CFL's top defensive player was also the league's outstanding Canadian player, as British Columbia defensive lineman Brent Johnson became the first player ever selected for both awards.

Johnson, who was also the league's top Canadian last year, led the Lions with 16 sacks and added three fumble recoveries and a pair of interceptions for the West Division champs.

Two more Lions were honored, as offensive tackle Rob Murphy was selected as the league's top lineman and defensive tackle Aaron Hunt was chosen as the top rookie.

The top special teams player was Calgary kicker Sandro DeAngelis, who connected on a Stampeders record 56 field goals and led the CFL with 214 total points.

© 2006 The Sports Network