TORONTO 鈥� Defensive lineman Garrett Marino of the Saskatchewan Roughriders has been hit hard with three separate suspensions from the Canadian Football League, along with a stern message from commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
The incidents took place last Friday during the Roughriders' 28-13 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks. The suspensions are the most severe discipline ever imposed by the CFL for in-game behaviour.
鈥淭his behaviour has no place in our league,鈥� Ambrosie said in a written statement on Monday. 鈥淭his discipline is intended to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated.鈥�
Marino received a two-game suspension for a dangerous and reckless low hit on Ottawa quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, which resulted in serious injury and Marino鈥檚 ejection from the game, and for Marino鈥檚 subsequent celebration of the hit.
He received a one-game suspension for verbal comments made about Masoli鈥檚 heritage during the game, which violates the CFL's Code of Conduct. And he received another one-game suspension for his illegal and reckless tackle of an Ottawa offensive lineman on a previous play.
The league also cited Marino鈥檚 discipline record after 12 CFL games, which includes a previous ejection and two fines for his manner of play.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 11, 2022
The Canadian Press
