Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback Jake Dolegala has been found not guilty of impaired driving, according to Brandon Harder of the Regina Leader-Post.
The 26-year-old stood trial at Regina Provincial Court last week to face charges of impaired operation of a conveyance and operation of a conveyance over .08 stemming from an arrest on Sept. 17, 2022. The document evidence outlining the results of Dolegala’s breath samples was deemed inadmissible during the trial.
Following his arrest, Dolegala was suspended one game by the Riders as a result of violating the team’s code of conduct.
“Drinking and driving is a significant problem in our province, one that can have dangerous consequences, and we are disappointed in Jake for his actions,” the Riders wrote in a statement announcing the suspension, noting that they had contacted the league office and were taking the matter “seriously.”
Dolegala saw action in two games over the course of the 2022 season, his first in the CFL. He completed 16-of-35 pass attempts for 154 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, starting a Week 7 loss to the Toronto Argonauts after a number of players had tested positive for COVID-19.
The native of Hamburg, N.Y. has reportedly impressed in his second CFL training camp as he competes with two-year veteran Mason Fine and newcomer Shea Patterson for the backup job behind new franchise quarterback Trevor Harris.
Dolegala was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals after going unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft and spent the entire season on their active roster. He played two preseason games that year and completed 37-of-54 pass attempts for 347 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed three times for 12 yards.
The six-foot-seven, 242-pound passer went on to spend time with the New England Patriots (2020-2021), Green Bay Packers (2021), and Miami Dolphins (2021) before signing in the CFL.
Dolegala attended Central Connecticut State University where he played in 44 games over four seasons (2015-2018). He completed 654 passes for 8,129 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions with the Blue Devils and added an additional 452 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
