Ottawa Redblacks’ quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has spoken out again regarding the illegal hit that forced him to undergo surgery this past week.
“No leadership or integrity from the [CFL Players’ Association] or league,” he tweeted on Sunday. “CFLPA helping write a hollow statement lying about trying to get in contact with me is ridiculous. Don’t use QBs as leverage anymore if you won’t protect us.”
The Riders issued an apology on Marino’s behalf four days after the illegal hit took place. The statement indicated that Marino had tried to connect with Masoli directly and would continue to do so. He has not publicly addressed the behaviour that led to his suspension and does not intend to do so in the future according to the statement.
Marino hit Jeremiah Masoli illegally in Saskatchewan’s Week 5 win over the Ottawa Redblacks and celebrated following his ejection from the game, flexing his arms and blowing kisses to the crowd.
The second-year defensive tackle was suspended two games for the hit on Masoli, one for uttering racial language at Masoli, and one for an illegal hit on offensive tackle Dino Boyd. Riders’ head coach Craig Dickenson expressed disappointment in Marino — particularly for his celebration following the hit on Masoli — but also suggested the suspension was too harsh.
Masoli’s tweet came after Saskatchewan was criticized for another violent incident that saw star receiver Duke Williams throw a helmet at Toronto Argonauts’ defensive back Shaq Richardson before Saturday’s game in Wolfville, N.S. TSN’s Matthew Scianitti reported that the “league felt [the altercation] broke up quick and didn’t warrant ejection.”
The ten-year veteran released a statement via his Twitter account prior to Marino’s apology in which he called the CFL’s one-game suspension for Marino’s racial comments a “slap on the wrist.”
The Ottawa Redblacks fell to 0-5 on Saturday following a 25-23 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Second-year passer Caleb Evans started in place of Masoli and completed 18-of-30 pass attempts for 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also rushed eight times for 62 yards and two touchdowns.
