B.C. Lions release 3 players, Armour retires

The B.C. Lions have released defensive back LaVar Glover, running back Ian Smart and defensive lineman Nautyn McKay-Loescher, the team announced Thursday.

"LaVar, Ian and Nautyn have been very good players for our club and we thank them for their services," said Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono.

Glover was signed as a free agent in 2006 and had 116 tackles, seven interceptions and two touchdowns with B.C.

Smart also joined the Lions in 2006, after his early-season release by the Montreal Alouettes. In 2009, the Kingston, Jamaica, native returned 20 kickoffs for 399 yards, to go along with 16 punt returns for 119 yards.

McKay-Loescher was originally selected by the Lions in the 2004 CFL draft and re-signed in March 2009 after a stint with the Hamilton Ticats. In five CFL seasons, the Toronto native has 46 tackles and 26 sacks.

The club has also been told by linebacker JoJuan Armour that he's retiring after six seasons in the CFL, three with British Columbia.

"JoJuan was a leader on the field and in our dressing room, and we wish him the very best," said Buono. 

In six seasons with B.C., Hamilton and Calgary, Armour amassed 295 tackles and 16 sacks.