John Murphy is “no longer an employee” of the Toronto Argonauts, according to an internal email sent to staff members.
Murphy was suspended indefinitely by the CFL on Wednesday following an investigation into his physical and verbal altercation with fans following the 2021 East Final at BMO Field. He had a virtual meeting with the league office for hours earlier this week.
Multiple post-game videos surfaced on social media allegedly capturing an altercation between Murphy and a fan of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The pair appear to be physically jostling at a stadium barricade while security tries to prevent the men from exchanging blows.
Cats fan only gets involved after he pushes that lady and calls her names. Argos coach hits first. pic.twitter.com/IbUCnzQJmR
— emily (@emilyvi0let) December 6, 2021
The altercation appears to have started after the Ticats fan witnessed the front office executive yelling at another black and gold supporter who had crossed the barricade. The video involving Murphy is one of many that have been posted online after tensions boiled over following Hamilton’s victory, eliminating Toronto from the post-season.
Murphy was hired by Toronto in 2019 and was elevated to vice president of player personnel after former general manager Jim Popp was fired. Murphy worked for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in football personnel roles in the past.
The Argos will have a statement Monday following the 108th Grey Cup.
