Recipient of nine scholarships from the Aleo Foundation during his school, college, and university career, which took place from 2011 to 2019, defender Mathieu Betts supports student-athletes by joining the Give to program, which saw the light of day last year.
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The defensive star of the British Columbia Lions did not hesitate when Aleo Foundation’s executive director and instigator of the new program, Patricia Demers, contacted him.
“It was natural to give my support,” said the CFL’s Canadian sack record holder (18). “It is important for students to prosper outside of school, whether through sports or the arts.”
“Between my 4th high school and the end of my career at Rouge et Or, the Foundation contributed a lot in one way or another to my success as a student-athlete,” he emphasized. “The impact is hard to measure, but it has two parts.”
“Yes, there is the financial aspect, which allows working less at CEGEP and university and having more time to dedicate to sports and studies,” said the CFL’s ultimate defender. “I remember my first scholarship. It’s a pat on the back that is rewarding. Someone believes in you and your talent. The Aleo Foundation helped me in my journey both financially and mentally.”
Discount during an Alouettes game
When he was younger, when he wore the colors of Cactus du Collège Notre-Dame and Spartans du Vieux Montréal, Betts remembers the scholarship awards. “The scholarships were sponsored by the Alouettes and after the award ceremony we stayed at Percival-Molson Stadium to watch the game. With Rouge et Or, we left by bus with scholarship holders from all sports for a great night in Montreal.”
He sponsors a Rouge et Or player
Fortunately, Betts was associated with a Rouge et Or player who plays the same position as him. Defensive end Jacob Jinchereau received a $10,000 scholarship distributed over a period of five years associated with the name of Mathieu Betts, who contributes half.
“I did not have any involvement in the choice and I gave my stamp of approval to the Foundation, in which I had full confidence for the selection,” he explained. “Like me, Jacob comes from the Montreal area and is a defensive end. During the scholarship award ceremony last Thursday, I was able to talk to him for about twenty minutes and everything became even more interesting. I knew him a little, but I will keep a closer eye on him.”
His Lions teammate David Ménard is also a donor to the Aleo Foundation’s program, which includes a dozen former university athletes.
Free agent on February 13
If he does not sign a new contract with the Lions by then, Betts will enjoy free agency on February 13, when the free agent market opens. “They know I want to return to Vancouver and the Lions are interested in my return. There is mutual interest. It will be a great year in Vancouver with the presentation of the Grey Cup. The organization has just confirmed the return of the coaches and that shows a desire for continuity.”
“I don’t have a specific plan to test the free agent market or sign first, but I will be very, very happy if there is an agreement with the Lions to pursue Betts. Several people talk to me about Montreal, but there is no reason for me to want to change teams.
And the NFL? “There is nothing concrete at the moment,” he said.
At this time last year, Betts tested with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers without receiving a contract offer.