The Saskatchewan Roughriders are holding training camp at the University of Regina. Check back for updated photos throughout camp.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened their 2012 rookie camp Thursday at the University of Regina but the biggest news was the arrival of a troubled veteran CFL player new to the Riders.

Defensive Lineman Odell Willis arrived on the field with little fanfare, but the 100 or so fans watching the workout sure took notice.

"I just want to apologize for bringing the extra distraction to the team, and to the organization, and apologize to the fans," said Willis.

"But everything is taken care of, I'm a Rider and I'm ready to rock and roll."

As the Saskatchewan Roughriders opened rookie camp, the team announced they have signed all of their 2012 draft picks.

They are offensive linemen Ben Heenan, linebackers Sam Hurl, and Kevin Regimbald-Gagne along with wide receiver Ismael Bamba.

Bamaba comes as a bit of a surprise as there was a lot of speculation that he could be returning to the University of Sherbrooke. However, in the end he wanted to play professional football.

If you're not a Riders season ticket holder, your chance to pick up single game seats is June 1.

The tickets are going on sale Friday morning at 9:00 a.m..

Fans are encouraged to buy the tickets through the team's website at www.riderville.com

Thursday marks the kickoff to rookie camp as the Saskatchewan Roughriders start to get ready for the 2012 regular season.

Corey Chamblin is starting his first season as head coach, but he’s not the only new one to the team.

There are all new quarterbacks except for Darian Durant. The others are J.T. O'Sullivan, Levi Brown, Colt Brennan and Drew Willy.

"J.T. (O'Sullivan) is more of a drop back," said offensive coordinator Bob Dyce. "Levi (Brown) is probably more of a drop back passer, where Drew Willy and Colt (Brennan) might be a little more mobile."

It is a tough break for Weyburn's Graham DeLaet.

He's withdrawn from this week's stop on the PGA Tour, the Jack Nicklaus' Memorial Tournament.

DeLaet tweeted today that his back is bothering him.

"Had to WD from Memorial. Tweaked my back on the weekend and won't be ready to go for Thurs. Really bummed because I was feeling good physically and feeling good about my game. Good news is it's not a re-injury. MRI showed no disc issues. Just need a few more days rest."

The sea of green at Mosaic stadium in Regina may look more like a sea of pink come October. 

Cameco Touchdown for Dreams will be selling pink roughrider merchandise at the October 20 home game as part of a fundraiser to help women across Saskatchewan fight cancer.

A gala Thursday evening at the Delta Bessborough will go to purchase a mobile unit that will be deployed to Northern Saskatchewan to test women for cancer and educate youth on prevention.

The program is a collaboration between the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Cameco and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The countdown continues until another season of Saskatchewan Roughriders football kicks off.

Rookie camp starts May 30 with main camp beginning June 3.

And it'll be a rookie camp of sorts for Corey Chamblin, as it's been just over five months since he took over as head coach.

"I'm extremely excited," said Chamblin.

"I'm even more excited thinking about the fresh blood coming in and watching this team take shape."

Last season was an off year for the green and white posting an embarrassing 5-13 record in 2011.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed two new imports to their roster.

Defensive end Curtis Gatewood joins the Roughriders after spending time in the National Football League with the Washington Redskins, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Steelers and most recently with the Arizona Cardinals in 2011.

Home turf for many of the city’s football players, including members of the Saskatoon Hilltops, will be looking a little greener by 2014.

Executive committee on Tuesday voted to create a foundation to raise money for a scaled-down renovation of the Gordie Howe Bowl.

“The administration has established a Gordie Howe Bowl complex foundation with the purpose of capital fundraising for the improvements to the (stadium),” said Cary Humphrey, manager of leisure services.