Atlantic University Sport has cancelled its football conference championship game amidst eligibility controversy, possibly surrounding Saint Mary’s University receiver Archelaus Jack.
From the AUS press release:
Certainty on eligibility issues is central to fair play in the conference. Without that certainty, there cannot be the equal playing field essential to the value system of the AUS as set out in its Mission Statement and Constitutional Objectives.
AUS is confident this matter will ultimately reach a conclusion that is fair to all parties. Unfortunately, with the championship game scheduled for this Saturday, time does not permit for a fair resolution to be reached prior to the playing of this game.
AUS has therefore determined that a conference championship final will not be played this season.
In accordance with s.1-6(e)(ix) of the Atlantic University Sport Operations Manual, the undisputed first-place finisher from the 2017 AUS regular season—the Acadia Axemen—will advance to represent the conference in the national semi-final game.
Acadia University will host the Ontario University Athletics conference champion Saturday, Nov. 18 in the 2017 USports Uteck Bowl.
“We are disappointed a final resolution to this situation could not be reached in time,” said AUS executive director Phil Currie. “Cancelling the AUS Loney Bowl is unfortunately the only avenue we feel we can take, as a conference, at this time. However, we believe this decision protects the integrity and fairness of the 2017 AUS football season.”
Jack was signed to the Saskatchewan Roughriders practice roster on July 12, 2016, where he stayed until October 11, 2016, which might have called his eligibility into question.
