Copeland can't turn down Calgary

The former Harriman High School and University of Tennessee receiver agreed to a three-year deal with an option worth about $200,000 a year with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

When Copeland became a free agent Tuesday night, Jim Barker, the new Stampeders general manager of player personnel, was the first to call.

"Once I found out Jim Barker was the general manager, a light went on in my head," Copeland told The Calgary Sun. "I was pretty sure they would come after me. This time, I was really going to take it into consideration."

Barker and Copeland have a strong relationship, first in the XFL with the Los Angeles Xtreme, then again with the Montreal Alouettes in winning the 2002 Grey Cup.

The long-term offer Barker pitched seemed perfect for Copeland.

It was two years ago Barker, then head coach of the Stamps, vigorously pursued the fleet-footed Copeland, only to have him run back to the Alouettes.

That wasn't the case this time

"It wasn't that I wanted to leave Montreal," Copeland said. "I loved playing in Montreal. It was a matter of taking care of my family.

"I wanted a good deal. I wanted it longer than a year or two. I don't think Montreal wanted to step up and get around the figures that were best for me. That's why I had to move on."

In the past two seasons with Montreal, Copeland had 182 receptions for 2,911 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Barker described Copeland as the best the CFL has to offer.

"He's flamboyant. He's got a great personality. He's a guy you hate to play against because you want to have him on your team," Barker said. "The fans of Calgary are going to truly enjoy watching him play. He's one of those rare players people will pay to see."

Meanwhile, the NFL window on former UT quarterback Tee Martin closed, which means he will be at Winnipeg's training camp.

Kelly Honored: New Orleans VooDoo quarterback Andy Kelly was named Arena Football League Offensive Player of the Week. The former UT standout completed 33 of 47 passes for 340 yards and eight touchdowns in a win over San Jose.