Argos’ Adarius Pickett fined for high hit on Alouettes’ QB Cody Fajardo

Photo: Matt Johnson/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Canadian Football League has fined Toronto Argonauts’ strongside linebacker Adarius Pickett for a high hit on Montreal Alouettes’ quarterback Cody Fajardo.

Pickett had a monster day in the Argos’ 23-20 victory over Montreal, collecting 11 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, and a tackle for loss. With the game tied at 20 with a minute remaining, he delivered the deciding hit on Fajardo that generated a Jamal Peters interception and set up the game-winning field goal.

The CFL did not specify for which hit the 27-year-old was being punished and he was never penalized during the game.

A prized free agent acquisition this offseason, Pickett is second in the league with 102 total defensive plays. He is credited with 75 defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, and five tackles for loss, as well as four sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and three pass breakups.

The native of Berkeley, Calif. signed his first CFL contract with Montreal in June 2021. He dressed for 14 games as a rookie and made 23 defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, one sack, one interception, and one fumble recovery, starting four games at field-side cornerback. He broke out in 2022 after moving to strongside linebacker, collecting 73 defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and one touchdown over 16 starts.

As per league policy, the amount of the fine was not disclosed. The maximum possible fine under the league’s collective bargaining agreement is equal to one-half of a player’s game cheque.

The Argos (11-1) host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-7) on Saturday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.