The Canadian Football League has suspended Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ strong-side linebacker Chris Edwards for three games after striking opponents and inciting a non-football altercation during the East Semi-Final.
The 30-year-old threw Montreal Alouettes’ Jake Harty to the ground and punched him in the head in the final minute of Saturday’s playoff game at Percival Molson Stadium. The incident caused both benches to clear, followed by a long stoppage of play while the officials sorted things out. Edwards was ejected for his role in the altercation, as was Montreal Alouettes’ running back Jesrun Antwi. A total of five penalties were assessed with Montreal gaining a net 15 yards.
Edwards is no stranger to supplemental discipline as he was assessed a maximum fine earlier this season for punching Montreal receiver Austin Mack. At the end of the 2021 season, Edwards was suspended for six games after engaging in a physical altercation with fans after the East Final. The suspension was later reduced to three games, which he served at the start of the 2022 season.
The native of Detriot, Mi. made 46 tackles, four sacks, and one interception over 18 regular season games with Hamilton this season. He is a pending free agent.
The league also fined Hamilton quarterback Kai Locksley, receiver Omar Bayless, defensive linemen Mason Bennett and Mohamed Diallo, and defensive back Carthell Flowers-Lloyd for leaving the bench area to engage opposing players during the altercation. Montreal running back Jeshrun Antwi and fullback Régis Cibasu were fined for the same reason.
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.
