On Wednesday, July 21st, Edmonton Elks head coach Jaime Elizondo told media members that 31-year-old wide receiver Kenny Stafford was not released due to underperforming in camp; it was due to not being a good cultural fit for the team. Elizondo stated,

“Kenny’s a good player. We just decided to go in a different direction and we wish Kenny all the best of luck. Kenny did some good things in practice. There was some other things that just didn’t fit — wasn’t a cultural fit — and so we made a decision and we’re heading in that direction and wish him all the best of luck.”

Stafford was not amused with Elizondo’s comments and responded with a tweet stating,

“Nothing like having your character attacked….”

On Sunday morning, Stafford took to Twitter to more thoroughly respond to Elizondo’s comments following his release from the Elks, stating,

“BUSINESS IS NEVER PERSONAL AND I UNDERSTAND THAT. But when you attack my character that’s when it becomes personal. Cultural fit?? I’m FOREVER apart of the Edmonton cultural. Made Edmonton my home for three years. Countless hours given back to the community. Won a championship here. I AM EDMONTON AND PROUD TO SAY THAT. Ask anyone who has sat down with me and had a conversation what kind of person I am. I’m still thankful for the opportunity the ELKS gave me to live out my dream. Thankful to the city that gave me a second home. Thankful to my teammates that help shape me into the person/player I am. I left it all out on the field I’m far from done but if this was the last time I laced them up I have ZERO REGRETS. ball out”

Stafford signed with the Elks back in June when starting quarterback Trevor Harris advocated for his signing after playing together during the 2019 season and having worked out together during the CFL’s extended offseason. This was Stafford’s 3rd stint with Edmonton, having played with the team in 2015 when he helped secure a Grey Cup victory over the Ottawa Redblacks, and from 2017 to 2019.

Stafford has been a productive target throughout his career, totaling 194 receptions for 2,626 yards and 18 touchdowns in 70 career games. Outside of Edmonton, he’s had stints with the Montreal Alouettes, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Calgary Stampeders.

It would not be surprising to see Kenny Stafford sign somewhere in need of a veteran wide receiver like Saskatchewan or Ottawa before the season begins. However, If Kenny Stafford has suited up in the CFL for the last time, he has definitely left his mark on the league.