CFLPA APPEALS LAWRENCE SUSPENSION
The CFL Players’ Association informed the CFL on Wednesday night it’s grieving the two-game suspension handed down by the league to Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence.
That means Lawrence will be eligible to continue playing until an arbitration hearing is held. The Ticats visit the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday afternoon.
The league suspended Lawrence on Monday for hitting Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Zach Collaros in the head during the league’s regular-season opener last week.
A scrambling Collaros left the game at Tim Hortons Field after the hit in the first quarter. Collaros missed four regular-season games and the West Division semifinal last season with a concussion.
Lawrence received a 25-yard roughing-the-passer penalty – one of three flags Hamilton took on Saskatchewan’s opening drive – as the Ticats went on to win 23-17.
“The CFL is deeply disappointed that the CFLPA has decided to contest the league’s attempt to punish and deter a dangerous play,” commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. “We should embrace a shared responsibility to do all we can to punish and deter any play that crosses the line.
“It is disappointing that the union has decided to use a legal process, at considerable time and expense, to defend an offending player instead of standing up for the player hurt on the play. Let’s use that time and money to instead work together on new ways to promote and protect all players’ safety.”
The Riders placed Collaros on the six-game injured list Sunday. Veteran Cody Fajardo will start Thursday night when Saskatchewan visits the Ottawa Redblacks.
After the game, a repentant Lawrence said he didn’t mean to hurt his former teammate. Collaros spent four seasons in Hamilton (2014-17) before being traded to Saskatchewan in January 2018.
“He was running full speed, I was running full speed and then he slid last second and I just couldn’t pull up,” said Lawrence, a three-time CFL East all-star. “It wasn’t intentional at all . . . I feel bad about it because I actually care about Zach.
“As a defensive player you play at a high level . . . it’s hard to say, ‘Go make a play and pull up if the guy slides at the last second.’ In slow motion it might look like it’s easy but when the bullets are flying it’s tough. I’m apologetic and I’m going to try to do a better job to not do that.”
It marked the first time Lawrence has received supplementary discipline from the CFL since coming into the league in 2012.
Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said the suspension seemed fair.
“Whatever they decide, I support,” he said. “It seems like a fair result of what happened.”
Dickenson said it is very difficult to judge a player’s intent.
“I felt like the hit was violent and against the rules,” he said. “The league decided to suspend him two games, and I support what the league decides on it.”
(Canadian Press)
Brilliant!! Just like our legal system, the perpetrator is now the victim!! Poor Simoni has been unjustly charged and found guilty. Meanwhile, Collaros is probably done for good. It was a headshot!! And Lawrence went way DOWN to hit him!! And whatever respect I may have had for the CFLPA is gone. It was one of their own whose career is likely over. And what were you thinking O’Day?? You KNEW one good shot and he was done. Bad news all around
To be fair the Riders tried hard to sign Mitchell after Reilly & Harris were quickly off the board. And it was reported they had an offer on the table for Reilly. There was little chance of Mitchell leaving the Stamps but the Argo & Rider offers forced Hufnagel to up his offer substantially. I thought the Riders would end up with Jennings. He had a better QB rating than Zach, is younger & doesn’t have the health questions. He also can scramble & has a better arm. There are performance questions but no less than Collaros. Both had 1… Read more »
The appeals board should closely view the part where Zach is being led off the field. Lawrence was unrepentant, angry, and screaming at Zach. Didn’t seem too concerned that he may have just ended someone’s career. I hope instead of a reduction he gets another game tacked on. He is a sick individual.
I too have totally lost all respect for the CFLPA. You are representing Zach as well don’t forget. Totally unbelievable.
What should now happen with the appeal, is that the suspension be doubled to 4 games, that would make the players more accountable, and less likely to appeal in the future.
Not surprised by this one at all. Wait until it is too late for the hearing to take place this week then appeal. Love the two faced CFLPA stance – we need better player safety rules, just don’t punish one of our members if we break them. NHL and NFL unions are no better. This should have been a 4 game at a minimum so that after the appeal it was at least two or three games. The CFL should have taken the same approach as the NCAA when it comes to this rule at a minimum, head contact =… Read more »
CFLPA you should be ashamed of yourselves. Watch the tape Simoni Lawrence left his feet to put the Hit on Collaros. He new what he was doing. As far as I am concerned No matter if it was intent to injure or not, if you injure another player and are pennilized you should be ejected and if the player is out for 4 games you sit for 4 games and if you end a career so ends your career. That will end the stupid hit like Simoni’s on Collaros. Again CFLPA you should be ashamed of yourselves
I agree with all the comments. Hit him with another 2 games, that will smarten up the players association.