The CFL has fined six members of the B.C. Lions for violating the league’s security protocol during a memorable touchdown celebration in Week 8.
Following a touchdown catch in their road victory over the Edmonton Elks, Canadian receiver Justin McInnis crossed the barricade into the field-level seating in the Commonwealth Stadium endzone. He was joined on the couches by quarterback Dane Evans and fellow receivers Jevon Cottoy, Keon Hatcher, Alexander Hollins, and Lucky Whitehead, the latter of whom split open a bag of Lay’s potato chips.
The celebration violated the league’s policy on entering a designated fan-only area in a visiting stadium, which has been enforced more stringently since members of the Toronto Argonauts, led by strong-side linebacker Chris Edwards, entered the stands following the 2021 East Division Final and engaged in an altercation with Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans. That incident occurred at the team’s home stadium.
Players have now been fined on at least three occasions for celebrating in the endzone seating at Commonwealth Stadium. In August of 2022, then-Saskatchewan Roughriders’ receiver was fined after he went viral for enjoying a plate of nachos in those same seats. A fan-driven GoFundMe later raised over $1,000 to pay that fine, while one Rider diehard sent the CFL league office nachos in protest.
The following month, seven members of the Calgary Stampeders received supplemental discipline for a similar group celebration.
In addition to punishing the celebration, the league issued fines to three other players for actions performed in Week 8.
Lions’ defensive lineman Amir Siddiq received supplemental discipline for an unnecessary hit on Elks’ linebacker Eli Mencer; Montreal Alouettes’ offensive lineman Pier-Olivier Lestage has been reprimanded for striking Calgary Stampeders’ linebacker Micah Awe; and Alouettes’ defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson was fined for a low hit on Stampeders’ quarterback Jake Maier.
As per league policy, the amounts of the fines were not disclosed. The maximum possible fine under the league’s collective bargaining agreement is equal to one-half of a player’s game cheque.
