The B.C. Lions and Calgary Stampeders needed more than four quarters and overtime to settle their differences on Saturday night, as members of the two teams were involved in a heated altercation following the game.
According to eyewitness accounts, multiple Lions’ players were seen making their way to the Stampeders’ locker room exit post-game, leading to an incident in the parking lot outside McMahon Stadium. Players from both teams were seen shouting at each other and had to be separated by police as Stampeders’ players attempted to enter their vehicles.
B.C. linebacker Bo Lokombo alleged in a tweet that Calgary’s Cam Judge had sucker-punched a member of his team on the field, sparking the incident. TSN’s Farhan Lalji has since reported that the player punched was star receiver Lucky Whitehead.
3DownNation reporter Ryan Ballantine was on the scene during the parking lot altercation and confirmed Whitehead was present. The receiver later responded to Lalji’s tweet, claiming Judge hit him before retreating to his locker room.
“And I Pray he travels next week! Cause he could’ve said something at halftime when we have to cross paths to go into the locker room! You Hit me then run into you locker room! Don’t talk [expletive] on the field if you can’t handle it,” Whitehead tweeted.
Postmedia’s Danny Austin also confirmed that a punch was thrown but reported that it was preceded by comments made by Whitehead towards Judge’s family.
The Lions defeated the Stampeders 31-29 in overtime, maintaining their grip on second place in the West Division and claiming the season series. Whitehead had four catches for 24 yards in the contest, while Judge posted nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble which he recovered himself.
3DownNation has reached out to both teams for comment. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
The Lions are scheduled to host the Stampeders for a rematch next Saturday in Vancouver.
