Ryan Leaf told the Globe and Mail that in the months preceding his June arrest, he was establishing a quiet new life in British Columbia, a place he now considers home but could be forced to leave based on outstanding drug and burglary charges in Texas. In the interim, Leaf has found anonymity in Canada, refuge from his infamy in the United States, from his addiction to prescription painkillers, and from the ?pain? of football. ?It?s just been a tremendous reception from everyone involved,? Leaf says. ?Not being associated with football, there isn?t the facility for people to criticize, or to come at me from a different angle. I?m the one who controls my celebrity up here, not the sports media down in the States. ?That?s ultimately what I wanted, and that may be my vacating the football occupation. I miss it in ways, but I haven?t been happier.? Randall County District Attorney James Farren said he was aware of Leaf?s progress, and that the sides will begin discussing a plea agreement in January. Canadian officials will decide on Leaf?s status based on the U.S. verdict. The native of Great Falls, Mont., has retained immigration lawyers.