The Canadian Football League has issued the following apology regarding the expletive that echoed through Mosaic Stadium during Saturday’s game between the Edmonton Elks and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Earlier this evening, one of our officials used an expletive during the Riders-Elks game and it was picked up by an open microphone. We wish to apologize to any and all who were offended. The referee responsible has asked us to personally express his deep regrets, as well.
Tom Vallesi, the game’s head official, was evidently unaware that his microphone was still on after announcing that Saskatchewan had called a timeout before the start of the second half. He was heard throughout the stadium declaring that a timeout had been called, followed by an F-bomb.
Please note: for obvious reasons, the video clip below contains language some may find inappropriate.
The #riders ha e called a timeout.. F*ck them" ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/3WOH8ylBZg
— Rouge Radio Podcast (@RougeRadio) November 13, 2021
It was a bizarre time for the Riders to call a timeout, but head coach Craig Dickenson elected to use it when he realized the kickoff team was short one player. He called the mistake “embarrassing” when he spoke to the media after the game.
Vallesi is in his 17th season as a CFL official and has officiated three Grey Cup games, most recently in 2018. There were probably hundreds (thousands?) of F-bombs shouted during Saturday’s game, but his was the only one amplified to the 26,056 fans in attendance.
It was a good night for the Riders as they defeated the Edmonton Elks by a score of 29-24 to clinch second place in the West Division. They will now host the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final on Sunday, Nov. 28 for the right to visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Final on Sunday, Dec. 5.
