The CFL will have its plate full when it comes to supplemental discipline this week, after Ottawa Redblacks’ star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was injured by a late hit from Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive tackle Garrett Marino.
With just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Marino disengaged from right tackle Dino Boyd and lunged late below Masoli’s knees. The quarterback remained down on the turf for a considerable period of time, as both teams flooded the field and coaches frantically prevented a brawl. Masoli was eventually carried off the field by teammates, unable to walk under his own power.
Marino was penalized for rough play and ejected from the game. The TSN broadcast captured him egging on the Mosaic Stadium crowd jovially as he was escorted to the locker room.
The hit may have been retaliation for an earlier late hit which injured Roughriders’ defensive end Pete Robertson, however, Marino already has a well-earned reputation for rough play.
Masoli, who was Ottawa’s prized free-agent acquisition, left the game having completed 19-of-27 passes for 210 yards, a touchdown and a pick. The Riders won 28-13, dropping the Redblacks to 0-4 on the season.
