REGINA, Sask. — The CFL has suspended Simoni Lawrence for two games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker’s hit on Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Zach Collaros.
The CFL announced Lawrence’s suspension on Monday morning. Under the CFL’s collective bargaining agreement, Lawrence can appeal the CFL’s ruling.
Collaros was knocked out of Thursday’s 23-17 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Collaros absorbed an illegal hit to the head by Lawrence after just three offensive plays.
A statement by CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie made mention of recent discussions around player safety during CBA talks and on social media.
“We all need to walk all of this talk in a meaningful way now, at the outset of our season, by sending and supporting a clear and unequivocal message on player safety,” said Ambrosie in the release.
However, the CFL stressed the disciplinary action was the result of Lawrence’s actions and that specific play alone. Lawrence has never been fined prior to this, or suspended for dangerous play since he joined the league in 2012. The CFL also said Lawrence has expressed “contrition” for his actions and concern for Collaros’ health and well-being.
The league said the discipline is meant to deter dangerous play in the future, and is not being done for the sake of punishment.
“All of us, league and players, need to take and support strong action to promote and protect player health and safety, and we need to work together,” said Abrosie.
Collaros left the field under his own power and was taken immediately to Saskatchewan’s locker room. He returned to the sideline, but wasn’t allowed back in the game after failing to pass the CFL’s concussion protocol.
The Riders placed Collaros, who has a history of concussion issues, on the six-game injured list Sunday.
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