The Toronto Argonauts have released the following statement regarding John Murphy, who served as the club’s vice president of player personnel.
Following the organization’s internal review of the post-game incident of Sunday, December 5, the Toronto Argonauts announced today that John Murphy, Vice President of Player Personnel has been terminated effective immediately.
Murphy was suspended indefinitely by the CFL after he allegedly took part in a postgame altercation following the East Final. An internal email was sent days later to members of Toronto’s staff indicating was “no longer an employee” of the club, though the team had yet to address the issue publicly.
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 postseason.
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 had previously worked for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in football personnel roles.
3DownNation has requested comment from Murphy but did not immediately receive a response.
