TORONTO – The Canadian Football League announced today that Winnipeg Blue Bomber defensive back Johnny Sears has been suspended for one game.
The discipline is in response to an illegal hit on Toronto Argonaut quarterback Steven Jyles in the fourth quarter of their game last Friday evening. Sears’ helmet made primary contact with Jyles’ helmet after the quarterback had initiated his slide. The hit was flagged for rough play and Sears was disqualified from further participation in the game.
CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon held a hearing late today with Sears and a representative of the Canadian Football League Players’ Association via telephone.
“While I appreciate the sincerity of the player in his conversation with me today, this was a reckless and dangerous hit that must be met with appropriate discipline,” Cohon said.
“In our league, with just an 18-game schedule, this is a significant and effective penalty.”
In the CFL, a one-game suspension carries with it the loss of a player’s compensation for that game.
The CFL also announced:
Toronto Argonauts Taylor Robertson and Rob Murphy have been fined undisclosed amounts for comments made on Twitter that were deemed to be threatening to another member of the Canadian Football League. (Under the league’s social media policy, comments made on Twitter and other social media are treated as any other public comment.)
British Columbia Lions Khalif Mitchell and Keron Williams have been fined undisclosed amounts for comments criticizing game officials. (The league has a zero tolerance policy towards criticism of officials by players, coaches and team executives.)
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