The Canadian Football League has levied supplemental discipline against six players for their actions in Week 1, including Montreal Alouettes’ strong-side linebacker Reggie Stubblefield.
Stubblefield was fined for committing a non-football act, making unnecessary contact with Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Chris Streveler after a tackle late in the third quarter. The 25-year-old appeared to jerk the ball carrier’s knee in an awkward direction following a 13-yard run, causing the mobile QB to be visibly animated with the referee following the play.
“There’s no place in football for that stuff. We’re all out here trying to win and play hard within the whistle. Stuff like that, there’s no place in the game for it, so I needed to say something,” Streveler told reporters post-game. “We’re all playing hard, but I thought it was after the whistle and I thought it was completely unnecessary and that’s why I said something.”
Stubblefield suffered a torn ACL on the very next play and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season. In a statement on his injury, the Alouettes top rookie from 2023 denied attempting to injure Streveler.
“To truly know me is to know I never have any ill intentions in this game of football and never want or plan to hurt anyone. I play every snap and minute of this game with 100% effort and physicality and for that I leave with no regrets.”
Two other players were fined for non-football acts in their opening games, including Saskatchewan offensive lineman Logan Ferland who was ejected for striking Edmonton defensive back Leon O’Neal Jr. Elks’ defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche received the same punishment for headbutting Roughriders’ centre Peter Godber.
Saskatchewan offensive lineman Trevor Reid was punished for delivering a tourist hit on Edmonton defensive lineman Noah Curtis, while Riders’ defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. drew the league’s ire for a high hit on Edmonton receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr.
Saskatchewan defensive back C.J. Reavis was also fined for an undisclosed violation of the CFL Code of Conduct.
As per league policy, the amount of the fines 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.