Blitz happy as a lark after getting reprieve

MONTREAL -- Blitz, the Montreal Alouettes' mascot, received a reprieve -- and a stern reprimand -- after being given a penalty for pecking an official during a Canadian Football League game.

Alouettes head coach Don Matthews wanted the bird mascot cut after drawing a 15-yard penalty for knocking an official on the head during a touchdown celebration in Montreal's 30-10 victory over the Ottawa Renegades on Sunday.

Team spokesman Louis-Philippe Dorais said Monday the mascot will keep his job, but will be confined to the sidelines. He didn't reveal the identity of the person in the costume.

Blitz, a giant lark, had taken to joining the Alouettes' celebrations in the end zone after they scored a touchdown.

-- AP